Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New Jersey

Can a parent of a college-age dependent legally change the locks because a child has missed curfew? Furthermore, can a curfew be legally imposed? Does it matter if the child is being "locked out" by a stepparent, or if the primary caregiver receives child support?


Asked on 9/18/10, 12:23 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Robert Davies The Davies Law Firm, P.A.

This is a complicated question, believe it or not. Legally change the locks? It is not illegal to change the locks on your own house or apartment, and not give a copy of the key to your child. Is it wise? Is it safe for the child? And if the parent kicks the child (who is not a child, is over 18 years, I understand from your question) out of the house, then that parent may lose the right to receive child support from the other parent. It all depends on the facts of the situation, how long this goes on, what else the child and parent have done.

Give me a call, make an appointment to come see me, and let's get moving on this for you.

Robert Davies, Esq. 201-820-3460

My contact information can be obtained from the links below, just click on the Attorney Profile link. Let my secretary know you found me through LawGuru.

For more information on family law and divorce, see my website: http://www.attorneyrobertdavies.com

Please keep in mind that my response is just a general comment on your question, and not legal advice. Your question and any response does NOT create an attorney-client relationship between you and this law firm. The exact details of your situation and things that you have not mentioned in your question can completely change the answer to your question. You can not rely upon what I have written, because I do not have all of the information that I need to advise you, I only have the very small amount of information that you put into your question. For me to give you any legal advice, I would need for you to hire me to be your lawyer, and then we would need to discuss this in detail and go over the documents.

To get legal advice that you can rely on and use, please contact me directly. I would be happy to assist you.

Read more
Answered on 9/23/10, 6:17 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Landlord & Tenants questions and answers in New Jersey