and took their two dogs. I was concerned she would return when ever she wanted and clean out the joint belongings. can my son change the locks to keep her from continually returning when he is at work to help herself to what ever she wants to take? also changing the code on garage door opener, and security system security codes?
The answer to your question depends on who you ask; some family lawyers take the position that once the other spouse moves out, you can change the locks on the house and prevent them from coming back; that's an interesting theory and I would love to see their statutory or case law legal theory to support that advice; my advice is different; you cannot change the locks on your house and prevent the other person from coming back, without a court order; routinely, within the first 30 days of the divorce, you can request a temporary court hearing, and the court can enter an order about changing the locks on the house and giving exclusive possession to the non- vacating spouse. Courts do not like when parties engage in self/help remedies. The court can also order that the wife return any items removed from the home.
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