Q: What are my rights to retrieve belongings from in-laws' house in Florida?
I have been living in my wife's parents' house with her for nearly 5 years. They have previously kicked me out during disputes, but I typically returned the next day. Now, I want to retrieve my belongings without returning to live there. I have a key to their house, and my wife still resides there. We have a marriage license, and I have text messages from her inviting me to come home and stating that she and our pet miss me. There have been no incidents of violence. What are my rights to access the home and gather my belongings?
A: You can politely ask your wife's parents for permission to access the home and retrieve your belongings. It’s best to communicate respectfully and clearly explain your intent. This can be done through a direct conversation, a phone call, or through a written message (email or letter). If they agree, schedule a specific time to retrieve your items. This can help in avoiding misunderstandings or confrontations. It might be helpful if your wife is there to help you. Prepare a list of items you intend to retrieve and consider documenting the retrieval process with photos or videos to avoid any disputes about what you took. If you anticipate a conflict or if permission is denied, you can request a police escort. Contact the local police department and explain your situation; they might agree to accompany you to ensure there are no disputes or issues.
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