Legal Question in Family Law in Rhode Island

You have two questions here. Answering the question "What rights do I have?" would require a lot more information and more than several hours of typing because your rights in this type of situation are like a long trail of dominos with many branches and sub-branches.

Therefore, I will answer your second question, namely, "I am entitled to some privacy, aren't I?"

If his name is on the deed to the house and you do not have any court order requiring him to stay out of the marital residence, then technically you are not "entitled" to privacy at the house since he is an owner of the house. That is to say, you do not technically have a right to privacy in the house. Even if you were to lock him out, a person cannot be charged with anything if they break into their own house.

Without an existing divorce or separation proceeding in motion with orders that may prohibit him from entering the home if he has a place of his own to live, he can come and go as he pleases and go through drawers of what might be considered marital dressers with marital possessions in them.

I'm sure this is not the answer you are looking for, but it is possible to move forward with an action in court to give you the right to privacy in the house where you live. Just keep in mind what repercussions might flow from getting an order keeping him out of the house. For example, if your husband pays for the house and he is angry at the actions you take then (1) he might stop paying or, if your husband provides you with money for food or with health insurance or auto insurance then he might stop contributing money for you to survive on or he might remove you from the health or auto insurance. These are only a few of the things that could happen. You need to always consider what could go wrong or what consequences might follow from any action you take.

Please know that this answer is not a substitute for legal advice provided by an attorney who has met with you at length and has had the opportunity to advise you of all the likely things that might occur after he or she has been fully informed of your circumstances, your background, your options, and how you wish to proceed.

I know personally that these matters can be very difficult. I wish you all the best in this matter.