Legal Question in Appeals and Writs in Wisconsin

rights to personel belongings

my daughters boyfriend commited suicide in their home in which her and my granddaughter resided. The home was owned by her boyfriend. His parents changed the locks on the house and have taken property belonging to my daughter my granddaughter and items my family had in the house. Including all my grandaughters clothing, pictures, birth certificate and social security card. what are my daughters rights since the home was her place of residence.


Asked on 4/05/07, 1:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Chip Browder Hubbard, Smith, McIlwain, Brakefield & Browder, PC

Re: rights to personel belongings

You mention WI as location??? in what state did your daughter reside? If Wisc I cannot help you, but if Alabama:

were the couple together long, and how did they represent their relationship to the world, neighbors, etc.??? perhaps there were common law H&W.

If common law marriage, your daughter has many rights as a surviving spouse in Alabama. But if not, then she should still contact a local attorney to secure the return of her personal property items. As long as she can prove her legal right to those items, then the boy's parents could be held liable for conversion/wrongful taking of her property.

A local attorney will most likely need to make a written demand for the immediate return of those items.

We are sorry to hear of this loss and the parents' reaction, who obviously are also suffering greatly themselves over this tragedy. If we can be of further assistance, please let us know and hoping you all a better week. Kindest regards, Chip

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Answered on 4/16/07, 1:58 pm


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