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    shauna30's Avatar
    shauna30 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Apr 23, 2012, 01:14 PM
    I live in WA state,can I change the locks on my house so my wife can
    I live in WA state,can I change the locks on my house so my wife can not come in as we are separated, I filed for legal separation today and she has moved out and sent an email stating she wants no more contact with me and our two daughters.
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
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    #2

    Apr 23, 2012, 01:19 PM
    1. So you are still legally married and the formal separation is not final just filed and now she will be served and it will go to a hearing? Or has she signed the separation also and you both filed it to take effect.

    2. She has moved out and changed residence and she has taken out all of her belongings as agreed to by the separation agreement?
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #3

    Apr 23, 2012, 01:19 PM
    Who owns the property according to the deed?
    AK lawyer's Avatar
    AK lawyer Posts: 12,592, Reputation: 977
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    #4

    Apr 23, 2012, 01:46 PM
    The answer would be "yes". The LL/tenant prohibition on ouster by changing locks won't apply because she is either a co-owner or an estranged spouse. She is not a tenant.

    Even if she is a co-owner, it is not illegal for one of two owners to change the locks.
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
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    #5

    Apr 23, 2012, 01:57 PM
    But, if she is a co owner would she not be within her right to merely break in and change the locks on him if she so desired the next day.

    Of course he can physcially lock her out, but what and when does her rights to ignore the lock and enter anyway end.

    I know in TN, ( do not know their state) that as long as they were married, and the separation was not final, she can enter into the residence if she is on the lease or deed.
    AK lawyer's Avatar
    AK lawyer Posts: 12,592, Reputation: 977
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    #6

    Apr 23, 2012, 02:28 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck View Post
    But, if she is a co owner would she not be within her right to merely break in and change the locks on him if she so desired the next day [?] ...
    Sure, she could.
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