Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Texas

Mail coming to my address

My former stepson continues to use my address as his mailing address. I have no idea where he is currently living. He has a criminal record, and I have cut off all contact with him. Can I legally open the mail that is coming to my house addressed to him? He has a lot of creditors and attorneys trying to locate him. I'm thinking I could give them an approximate idea of his location if I opened some of the corresspondence addressed to him. Thanks.


Asked on 4/27/07, 11:59 am

3 Answers from Attorneys
Johm Smith tom's

Re: Mail coming to my address

No attorney is going to advise you to open that mail. You'll have to decide for yourself if you want to violate his privacy in that way. Anyone can be sued in this world. It doesn't seem likely that anyone would try to prosecute you for a crime but you know your circumstances best.

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Answered on 4/27/07, 12:10 pm
Peter Bradie Bradie, Bradie & Bradie

Re: Mail coming to my address

Do not open the mail. Strike through the address and write "Not at this address" on the front of the envelope. Then place it back in the mail. It will be returned to the sender with the information that the address they have for him is no good.

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Answered on 4/27/07, 12:25 pm
Charles Williamson Charles J. Williamson, Attorney At Law

Re: Mail coming to my address

No, you cannot open another person's mail. Period. Your recourse is to return the mail to the postal service with an explanation that your stepson no longer resides at your address.

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Answered on 4/27/07, 1:17 pm


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