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    molly5732's Avatar
    molly5732 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jun 7, 2010, 08:38 AM
    In PA, if one spuse leaves can the other change the locks ?
    A relative here in pa, his wife has left him took ALL her stuff, but when he is at work she returns and has been taking things that belong to him and or both of them. Can he legally change the locks if her name is on the mortgage ? Can he file a restrining order against her ? It's a NASTY situation, they are not divorced yet, she has been out about 8-10 weeks now... Poor Guy, I feel sorry for him.

    Thanks
    GV70's Avatar
    GV70 Posts: 2,918, Reputation: 283
    Family Law Expert
    		  
    #2

    Jun 7, 2010, 10:50 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by molly5732 View Post
    Can he legally change the locks if her name is on the mortgage ?
    No.
    Quote Originally Posted by molly5732 View Post
    can he file a restrining order against her ?
    No.The only other way to get her out of the house sooner would be if there were issues of domestic violence -he could get an injunction against her to keep her out of the house (but that doesn't seem to be the case here).
    molly5732's Avatar
    molly5732 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Jun 7, 2010, 12:37 PM
    OK, but she has already left him and took her stuff. She has been out of the house for 8-10 weeks already, except for returning when he is not there. What does he need to do to keep her out ! Thanks

    No.

    No.The only other way to get her out of the house sooner would be if there were issues of domestic violence -he could get an injunction against her to keep her out of the house (but that doesn't seem to be the case here).[/QUOTE]
    cdad's Avatar
    cdad Posts: 12,700, Reputation: 1438
    Internet Research Expert
    		  
    #4

    Jun 7, 2010, 02:57 PM

    The house is owned by both parties. And for one party to change the locks would be illegal. If you don't like what's going on then you have already had 8 to 10 weeks to move the stuff out and into storage.
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
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    #5

    Jun 7, 2010, 03:35 PM

    If she left, then why hasn't he filed for divorce? He might have gotten a court to allow him to change the locks. But he can't do ANYTHING without court approval.
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