Wonder if anyone can help?

[scousemouse 10]

A young friend has recently separated from her husband. They will be divorcing. His name is now off the mortgage, but not off the deeds.. Is she now able to change the locks without any repercussions from her ex or the law? She is worried he might get in the house..It has not been a very amicable split. Any advice most welcome

[CottonTop 11]

I don't know how things work there but over here, unless there is signed legal agreement or court order giving full interest in the house to your friend, her soon to be ex still has a claim to it. Doesn't matter who is on the mortgage. What matters is who is on the deed. She needs legal advice.

[Timeh 10]

Get proper legal advice from a solicitor. Good luck

[Berberis 10]

Its my understanding it doesn't matter who is on or off the mortgage, its the deeds that count, however if she feels unsafe, no court will reprimand her for changing the locks.

[Gamston 10]

I agree with Berberis , there is nothing to worry about changing the locks . Your friend should call the police if her husband causes any trouble .

[scousemouse 10]

thank you all so much for your replie, very grateful.

[Jeffrey Shaw 90]

His name is now off the mortgage, but not off the deeds.

Er, no- that's not possible. The registered proprietor is the only party capable of mortgaging a registered title.

[scousemouse 10]

Thanks for reply jeffrey. All I need to know is if she can change the locks? she has now had 'silent' phone calls from 'private numbers' and is sure the soon to be ex was snopping round last Fiday night. hoping to catch her with someone, he is wide of the mark with that one!!!!

[cgksheff 44]

Until the divorce is complete and assets divided, or other court order is made, the house is still his marital home and he can make entry.

 

Some info here:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/relationships/relationship-problems/relationship-breakdown-and-housing/common-issues-relationship-breakdown-and-housing/relationship-breakdown-and-housing-can-you-change-the-locks/

 

Write asking for respect for privacy and that access is only made with prior notice.

 

Is domestic violence involved?

Edited September 12, 2015 by cgksheff

[Gamston 10]

People also change locks if they have lost a spare key for example . While the locksmith is there it makes sense to ask them to fit a chain to the front door .

 

Excellent advice to go to the citizens advice bureau after the locks have been changed .