I have a stepson who I raised from the age of 9 and he’s now 20. He was gone for close to 7 months and finally started working with my wife’s cousin. At that time, it was just my wife, our 6-year-old son, 9-year-old daughter, and myself in a 2-bedroom apartment, and things were fine. We’ve had a lot of marital issues, mostly just communication, and she has expressed the desire to seek therapy. Shortly after my stepson returned from his work hiatus, he came to the door and I was told that he would be there for two days. Two days later, he was cussing me out and acting aggressive towards me in the parking lot, so I decided it would be best for me to take a vacation/work trip to South Florida. The intention was never to move out of the apartment and most of my stuff was left there. Wifey is now saying that none of my belongings are there. I left the apartment with the police watching me and they told me to take a handful of things. Fast-forward to two weeks ago, I decided it was time for me to be back in my apartment because my children need me and she’s saying that she wants to work on our marriage. But I am not allowed to even make one step into the apartment. I’ve spoken to my local police department and they’re apprehensive about intervening simply because unbeknownst to me, when we moved into this apartment 2 years ago, I was left off of the lease. I’ve read into Florida law pretty well, and apparently it doesn’t matter who pays the rent or what the lease says. Both equal access rights to the property or anything else acquired during the marriage for that matter. My question is who do I get in touch with to help me move myself and my things back into the apartment?
You might want to consult a family lawyer. They can help you understand your rights and how to proceed legally.
Have you tried mediation? Sometimes having a neutral third party can help resolve these kinds of disputes.
Since you’re listed on the lease, you might have more rights than you think. Check with a local housing authority for more info.
I can’t believe she’s keeping you out. Have you thought about documenting everything? It might help in the long run.
You may want to remind her that both of you share responsibility for the apartment. A lawyer could clarify that for you.