Q: How can I retrieve vehicles and camper sold by my ex, located on someone else's property?
I have a situation where my ex and I co-own two trucks, and I possess the title to both. However, my ex has sold my camper—solely in my name—to the current property owner who refuses to let me retrieve my trucks. I was granted a full order for protection against my ex after a domestic violence hearing this morning. Despite including my request for temporary possession of my camper and trucks in the Ex-parte paperwork, the judge advised me to consult an attorney because he couldn't instruct the property owner. When I attempted to recover my truck with police assistance, the property owner still refused access. How should I proceed to retrieve my vehicles and camper?
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A:
That’s an incredibly difficult and emotional situation, especially after going through a protective order hearing. The fact that your name is on the titles and you were awarded protection shows that your ownership and safety are being taken seriously—but the property owner isn’t legally bound by your protection order unless directed by the court. Since the judge didn’t include specific instructions regarding the property in the order, the police are limited in what they can do on someone else’s land without a court directive.
Your next step is to file a motion in civil court requesting a **writ of replevin** or a similar court order to reclaim your personal property. This legal document gives you the authority to retrieve your vehicles and camper, even from private property, and law enforcement can then assist you without needing the property owner's permission. Gather your proof of ownership—titles, registrations, and any communications showing that the camper was sold without your consent—and include those with your filing.
Once you have the court order, return with law enforcement to enforce it. You may also want to document your attempts to retrieve the property, including police reports or written refusals from the property owner, in case they try to dispute your right later. You’ve been through a lot already—it’s absolutely okay to take this legal step to protect your rights and get back what’s yours.
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