Getting in and out- fear breech of peace?

wiggywoo9

I've got a new flat and I need to get everything from my family home to put in it. The situation is incredibly bad with them and they have my keys. I know they put all my things into the caravan on the drive but without everything kicking off, I need access to it and to load it all into a moving van which I will book.

I'm going to put my son in nursery for the move day (the situation revolves around him) so there's no issues there. How do I get my things? Do I have legal rights to my own things and if there is an issue or breech of peace what can I do?

I don't want to fork out for van only to be barred from property and have to waste time trying to get to everything. I also don't want to get everything or pay for van then discover they've withheld items that I've paid for and need (e.g. stairgates/bookcases). How do I get around this?

*The last contact I had with my mum was her texting me vile things about taking my son away and going to talk to a solicitor. I do not need this again. I've written a complete list of everything I own and I expect to get it all back. She may or may not have locked the van and will have the key.

marisco_2

Contact a solicitor and ask them to write to your mother asking her to confirm, that on an agreed date you will be able to arrive at the property, have access to your things and be able to collect them and leave without fear of emotional or physical reproach.

wiggywoo9

I don't have a solicitor and I can't really afford one- I'm a student?

marisco_2

Is there a family member who could mediate this situation? Anyone who could collect the keys from your mum and go with you when you collect your things? Partly to make sure there is no unpleasantness but also to help you.

I dont know what has gone on for things to be in this state now, but I am sorry for what you are faced with. I hope you get through this bad time quickly. All the best

wiggywoo9

Only my uncle but he works a full week and overtime. I just wondered if I could call police and say I'm afraid that there'll be issues and for help? I don't want to put anyone out but I do need to get these things. Shall I text my mum and just say I would like to get my things, please leave the van open and everything out for me to collect? What if she tries to hold them hostage? What if she tries to keep things- I know she'll try to keep stairgates as it saves her buying more for my sister's baby who lives there?

balletshoes

wiggy I'm going to be brutally honest here.

Staircases and bookcases are not worth you being in fear of your family over.

By all means text or write to your Mum (a recorded delivery letter would be best, as she then can't deny it was delivered). Include your list of belongings, and tell her the date you would like to book the van to collect the things. Ask her to let you know if this date is not suitable, and send a copy of the letter and the list to your uncle.

If there is any nonsense/vileness from your family over your belongings, thats when you call the police and ask their advice.

Whats important is that you have a roof over your head for you and your son. You can check charity shops/freecycle/gumtree for any and all furniture etc that you need for your flat, if your family refuse to let you have whats already at their house. And its not the end of the world, its just stuff, stuff which you will be able to replace, bit by bit.

Mojisola

wiggywoo9 wrote: »

I just wondered if I could call police and say I'm afraid that there'll be issues and for help?

I don't want to put anyone out but I do need to get these things. Shall I text my mum and just say I would like to get my things, please leave the van open and everything out for me to collect?

What if she tries to hold them hostage? What if she tries to keep things- I know she'll try to keep stairgates as it saves her buying more for my sister's baby who lives there?

You might be able to get the police or a CSO to attend but I doubt they'll get involved in whether a stairgate should stay at the house for one child or be given to you for your child.

sophieschoice

The Police are usually sympathetic in attending to prevent a breach of the peace.
Worth a try giving them a call.

mountainofdebt

Wiggywoo9

Would it worth putting a list on here of everything you need to collect to see if we can find you these things on freecyle or gumtree?

Personally I wouldn't want to be within 100 yards of your mother and she's no relation of mine.

Alleycat

It sounds an awful situation to be in and I understand that you just want your things back. If I were you, I would call or pop into your local police station to speak to someone for advice on what to do. If they can attend with you, then I think that would be great. The police will not get involved in a civil matter unless they believe that there may be a breach of the peace. If you think your mum might kick off then that is something you can mention especially if there have been previous occasions where similar behaviour from her has occurred.

If all else fails, then try and see what you can get from Freecycle or Gumtree free ads.

Good luck x