Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia
Residential Rights
My friend's wife moved out and established residents elsewhere but still comes and goes as she pleases and takes stuff. Can he change the locks and stop her from doing this?
Asked on 4/19/07, 8:44 pm
1 Answer from Attorneys
Fred Kaufman
Fredrick S. Kaufman, Esquire
Re: Residential Rights
If her name is on the deed she can come and go as she pleases. You can change the locks but she can break the doors and windows to get in. You can't Break and Enter a residence you own and you can't steal property which you own.
If her name is not on the deed, the she would be committing those crimes if she does so without your permission.
Nevertheless, someone needs to resolve marital issues.
Good luck.
Answered on 4/21/07, 9:10 pm