Family Law Office of Cynthia Lauer

No, you don't lose all rights just because you leave the home. This is a common myth. If things are escalating, and the situation in the home is volatile and potentially dangerous, you need to protect yourself. Do, however, seek legal advice as soon as possible, in order to protect your rights, make arrangements for any children and avoid any confusion about your intentions. You also cannot claim certain rights, such as the right to an equalization payment, after a certain

You and your spouse have had a huge fight. One of you has stormed out, and you know the relationship is over. Can you change the locks on the home? Can your spouse change the locks on the home to keep you out? If you are legally married, the short answer is "no, not without a court order or Separation Agreement granting you exclusive possession of the matrimonial home". It doesn't matter if the home is only in the name of one of the spouses. This is one area, however, wher