Las Vegas, NV asked in Family Law, Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Nevada

Q: In Nevada, would it be legal to throw away my ex fiance's stuff? He cheated on me and left 3 months ago

His parents are aware of the situation and that we were trying to coordinate last month. However, the stuff is still here taking up a lot of space (6 boxes of clothes/tools). I would rather just throw it all away and start fresh. I gave him the important documents already. Some of the tools/clothes are expensive, but he also never paid rent in my house. And he caused emotional damage as well of course.

2 Lawyer Answers
Jennifer Setters
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Answered

A: It's common to feel the urge to get rid of your exs stuff, after a while. The rules around disposing of their belongings can be tricky and depend on laws. In Nevada those items might be seen as abandoned property. There are usually steps you need to take before you can throw them out especially if they're valuable like tools or clothes.

Just because your ex didn't pay rent. Caused emotional turmoil doesn't mean you can just toss out their things. The law might require you to notify them and give them time to collect their property.

Each situation is unique and taking actions could land you in trouble so it's best to seek advice from a knowledgeable lawyer. They can guide you based on your circumstances. Help you deal with this matter in line, with Nevada regulations.

James L. Arrasmith
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A: In Nevada, throwing away your ex-fiancé's belongings could potentially lead to legal trouble. While it's understandable that you want to move on, you are legally required to give reasonable notice before disposing of his possessions. This typically involves informing him, preferably in writing, and giving him a deadline to collect his items.

You mentioned trying to coordinate last month, but if there's been no response, it might be helpful to send a final notice. This notice should clearly state a reasonable time frame, like 30 days, for him to retrieve his belongings. Keep records of your communication efforts to show that you've made reasonable attempts to return his property.

If he still doesn't collect his things after this period, you might then have more legal standing to dispose of them. However, considering the value of the items, consulting with a legal advisor can provide more specific guidance to avoid any potential liability. This approach ensures you're handling the situation fairly and within the law.

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