What canI legally do now that my husband has changed the door locks to keep me out?
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What canI legally do now that my husband has changed the door locks to keep me out?
e separated 2 months ago. the property is in both our names. I left because he is verbally abusive. About 3 weeks after Ileft he snuck a woman in; I even caught them in our bed. He changed the locks so I couldn’t get in and put up a security camera. I know it’s against the law but what can I do? When Igo over there to retrieve my mail get legal papers for the divorce or to get some belongings he won’t let me in.
Asked on July 24, 2011 Georgia
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
How horrible. I am sorry. Your husband has the same rights to the house as your marital property as you do. He can not, absent a corut order or agreement, change the locks on the house. You have a legal right to enter. You can call the police and ask them to stand by while you have the locks opened by a locksmith. May I ask: have you started divorce proceedings yet? If you have then you need to see if there is a way for you to ask for exclusive use and occupancy of the home even though you left. You were being abused; you had no choice. But you need legal help here. Good luck.
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