Housing

questions & answers

Question: Hi I am going through a bad break up of 7 years.My ex will not let me have my belongings.I have went to the home with police officers and he still won't let me in.My name is not on the house.How can I retrieve my belongings?

Answer: It is unclear whether you were legally married or cohabitating. It is also unclear whether you have begun legal proceedings in family court related to the break up. Your rights may change depending on your status (married person or cohabitant), as well as whether you are filing a dissolution (divorce) or legal separation. If you have a family court case pending, you can file a motion with the court to request a court order allowing you access to the residence to recover items or order your ex to make provisions to have them returned to you. You can file this motion yourself (pro se- without legal representation) or through your attorney. If you are filing the motion pro se, some counties have self-service forms available. For example, Maricopa County has a self-service website available at http://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/SuperiorCourt/Self-ServiceCenter/Forms/FamilyCourt/fc_drda8.asp If you do not have a pending matter in family court, you may want to consult an attorney for further details and possible representation in this matter. http://www.azlawhelp.org/accesstojustice/