scousemouse Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CottonTop Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timeh Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 Get proper legal advice from a solicitor. Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berberis Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gamston Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 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 . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scousemouse Posted September 10, 2015 Author Share Posted September 10, 2015 thank you all so much for your replie, very grateful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffrey Shaw Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scousemouse Posted September 12, 2015 Author Share Posted September 12, 2015 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!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cgksheff Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 (edited) 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gamston Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 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 . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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