Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Virginia

personal property being held ''hostage''

Due to losing my home, I moved in with my longtime friends. There was a house fire and my belongings (clearly marked and kept separate from their home furnishings/clothing) were taken, along with all the homeowners' items to be treated for smoke/water damage. When I spoke to the clothing / furniture processors to arrange to get my items back the wife of the home owner instructed him to NOT give me my clothes but to have them all sent to her rental home (I have been able to move into my own home once again). These people have been trusted friends for over 30 years yet, due to my apparently overstaying my welcome (which was NEVER intimated to or expressed to me until a confrontation 3 weeks after the fire) my possessions are now being held hostage for no good reason, other than the wife said she was angry that I was still living with them. All of my clothing and furniture are in their possession. I do not have the means to buy new clothes and many of my cherished furniture and heirlooms are in their possession. My question is, what legal recourse do I have in regaining my belongings? P.S. The husband is an attorney. PLEASE respond soonest! I Just want my precious things back...period. THANKS!


Asked on 4/27/09, 7:14 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: personal property being held ''hostage''

You could file what's called a Warrant in Detinue in your local general district court for the return of your personal property against those who are currently wrongfully withholding it from you.

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Answered on 4/27/09, 8:43 pm


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