Need advice about personal belongings.

[kimber0623]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? Virginia

My step-father owns a house that was left to him by his deceased mother. He and my mother have allowed me to live in the house for over three years. I paid rent when I had roommates (2 at different times), but when the second one moved out my parents told me that I did not have to pay rent as long as I paid the utilities, which I have always done. Recently I changed jobs and started giving them some money for rent because my salary went up. About 6 weeks ago, my mother forced me to move in with her and my step-father so that my mother’s parents could live in the house “temporarily”. About 2 weeks ago my mother and I had a terrible argument, and I left. I am still paying the utilities, even though I left my mother’s house. The water and electric bills are still in my step-father’s deceased mother’s name, and the cable and phone are in my name. I have decided to look for my own place, and my mother was extremely irate about this. My belongings are still in the house. My questions are, what rights do I have to stop paying the utilities, and what rights do I have to collect my belongings if my mother tries to keep me from doing so?

 

[thelizzy]

Not being a lawyer, I'm not going to go into too much depth and am open to other people correcting me if they think I'm off at all.

To pick up your belongings, I'd ask for a police officer to escort you, that way, your mother can't really do anything about trying to keep you from getting your stuff. If you go alone, she might cry trespassing, so that's an option, I think.

As for utilities, why should you have to pay for something for someone else? You're not living there. Call the companies and have the name changed to the people who actually live there. Don't stop paying until you have done so, though, because it may have an adverse effect.

Good luck!

 

[dequeendistress]

Depending on the locality you reside, an officer may or may not "escort" you anywhere due to your personal request. What you may find is that you can call the police if a criminal act occurs when you go to pick up your things. You may also wish to have proof that these items are yours.
If you and your mother cannot distribute what you claim as your belonging(s), you may have to file a civil suit to obtain your items.

The utility issue: you will not be able to have utilities turned on in anyone else's name. You may, though, in fact have the utilities in use, which are in YOUR name transferred or shut off. The one's in the deceased name, are not of your concern.