You left the matrimonial home last week because the atmosphere in the house is unbearable. You took some belongings but have left some paperwork and important documents. Your husband is refusing to give you the keys and is threatening to change the locks. He will not give you your documents and is not communicating with you reasonably. The house is in joint names.

Inform your husband that you have not given up your interest in the matrimonial home or your right to occupy it. He may not illegally evict you or terminate your housing rights. You may return to the house unless there are bail conditions or unless there is a court order preventing return. Make sure that it is safe to re enter the house and if need be seek police assistance if you fear attack, harassment or a breach of the peace.

If there is a dispute about any item, the police cannot assist because they do not know who the true owner of the item is and do not have time to get involved. This should not apply to official documents that are clearly yours such as passports and driving licence. If the locks are changed, you are within your rights to change them back providing that in doing so you do not cause a breach of the peace or create damage that is not repaired / repairable. If you do change the locks and enter the property to collect your things, be sure to let him know that you have been and let him have a copy of the new keys. The property should be left secure.

This is a last resort but a way into your house when all other options have failed. It may be the quickest way to get your things if the police are not available to assist and if he does not give items to you on request.

Ideally in these situations one would encourage husband to be amicable and give you your documents. In the long term he will need to communicate with you to discuss the future of the house and other assets. You could draft a list of items that you want returned and he could be there when you collect them. It is a shame that there is no dialogue between you and I hope that improves with time. There are lots of practical things that you need to consider when separating that are beyond the scope of this blog but you would do well to seek legal advice. Best regards