Ex-fiance Was Served A Po Against Him But I Let Him Stay In Our Home. He's Since Changed The Locks And Won't Let Me Collect My Personal Property.

My ex fiance and I bought our home as joint tenants (AZ). 2 months ago I petitioned for a protective order against him; he was shoving me and harassing me more and more each day. Scared, I left our joint owned home with very little belongings and stayed with friend's. I should also add that he has kids who frequent our home more than mine. I didn't want to traumatize his children so I thought it was best they stayed.

Over the course of the next couple of weeks, when I knew no one would be home, I'd enter to grab more things. On one particular long weekend, I knew he'd be out of town and that the house would be empty. Having mostly bigger items left to collect, I asked a few friends to meet me and help gather them. Unfortunately, my ex caught wind of this. I don't know why he was upset, since he knew I was going in and out of the house this whole time, but his tone changed. He swapped out the locks and called our local PD.

The police informed me that, despite having a protective order against my ex, I could be arrested for entering the house even though I hold title with my ex. I have a hard time wrapping my head around this but haven't bothered to test it either.

After some back and forth with an officer, my ex agreed to break down my furniture and leave them in the garage for me to collect in one visit. I've been waiting 2 months now but he hasn't touched the list. He claims its not his responsibility. Instead, he insists that I provide receipts to prove ownership of the items, including furniture I brought with me when I moved across the country to build a life with him.

I feel trapped and powerless. He is claiming ownership of nearly every item in the house, including my daughter's belongings. When I suggested selling the house or having him buy me out, he refused both options.

I am determined to take legal action to regain access to my belongings and to file a partition action. However, finding legal representation has been challenging. Out of the ten attorneys I've contacted, only one has agreed to take my case. I fear that this situation will not only result in financial loss but also affect my mental health.

What am I missing here? What action can I take today to rectify this lose-lose situation?