Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

I am not on the lease, but I have a key. My husband and I just separated. Can I go the apartment that he kicked me out of and retrieve my personal belongings?


Asked on 1/06/11, 2:52 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Phillip M. Cook Cook Legal Services, LLC

The first place you need to go is to a family law attorney's office. Do NOT attempt to go and get your personal belongings on your own -- it may lead to a confrontation or you in jail on domestic or trespass charges. If you cannot afford an attorney and you cannot find another one to help you, I would then go to the local police station and explain the situation. Tell them that your husband removed you from your home and you would like to go in an retrieve your personal belongings. Ask the police to accompany you when you do this so there are witnesses to what you took. I would not try and take anything other than your clothes and other very personal items that you can carry out in suitcases. For instance -- don't try and take the flat panel TV off the wall, even if it is something you brought into the marriage. When you file for a divorce, the Court will equitably divide your marital property and allow you to recover everything else you brought into the marriage. If the police will not help you, you will have no choice but to file an action in court requesting a court order that you be allowed into the home. HIRE AN ATTORNEY.

Best of luck.******The above is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client privilege.*******

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Answered on 1/12/11, 8:08 am


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