Changing locks

Hi, I am divorcing my wife for adultery. She has moved out of the family home which we jointly own, and in with her lover. We have one small child which we are sharing 50/50. As she owns half of the property can I ask her for the key back as she no longer lives here?

I have no issues with her coming around if I am there, but I don''t like the thought of her being able to come and snoop around, or help herself to things. She may or may not do that but I feel exposed knowing that someone could come around at any time.

We are at the very early stage of the divorce, she is still waiting for the court to send a copy of my Petition.

Thanks

How long is it since she left?

On the one hand you are entitled to privacy.

On the other she is entitled to move back in and live there if she so wishes.

Its only been a few days, she had rented somewhere with her boyfriend.

Its unlikley that she is going to move back in.

Am I entitled to a key to her new house?

You can certainly ask but you can''t legally change the locks and you have no right to a key to her new home. I was left in the FMH and my stbx gave me his key back but as there are so many keys to this house I kept any important documents at work in case he came in when I wasn''t here. I wanted to change the locks but I think that was more a statement of my feelings than because it was necessary, the house will soon be in my name but it no longer seems important so I doubt I will change the locks even when I can legally.
It''s early days for you and maybe you need something to focus on, luckily having discovered Wiki there is lots to read here to help you deal with the situation as ''easily'' as possible.

If it''s only been a few days then don''t consider changing the locks. She would be perfectly entitled to break in if you did.

You could ask her for her key back but is she likely to give it to you?

You wont be entitled to a key to her new home.