My husband left and says he’s not paying bills, including mortgage. Can I change the locks? Can he shut the utilities?

Q- Husband filed for divorce 6 months ago. No settlement talks yet. 6 days ago I receive notice from his attorney that he’s moving out, wants to sell the house, which is in both our names and proposed a parenting schedule for our special needs child. My attorney is on vacation.
Six days later, he walked out with boxes and announced he would no longer pay the mortgage, HOA, taxes and he is shutting all utilities. The mortgage and HOA was due on the day he left and he didn’t pay it. He also took our child with him and said he’s return her tomorrow. What are my options?

A- First, you should have an agreed-upon access schedule for your child. You’re entitled to know exact day/time of his return of her. If there’s no express agreement (which should be reduced to a stipulation), then you’re entitled not to allow him to take the child until there’s an agreement in place. Second, your attorney should immediately demand that he pay his share of the mortgage, or else you’ll need to get the case in front of a Judge asap. Schedule a consult with a Westchester Divorce Attorney for a full assessment.