Expert: Robin Sexton - 7/18/2008

Question
Hi, I'm not quite sure if you can answer this, the former owner of my property has twice wanted to walk through my house, the first time she actually did walk through with real estate agent when my house was on the market briefly in 2006. Just yesterday, I was outside my house and she pulled into my driveway, and asked if she could walk through,  I said "NO" and she then drove off.  I called the police dept. and they can't really do anything, if she comes on my property again, they said I could tell her to get off. Is this grounds for a restraining order? Any advice or information on this type of situation you could give me would be appreciated, thank you!

Answer
Nicole,

Probably not a restraining order yet.  Most jurisdiction require some sort of alleged crime and to date her actions would not constitute stalking or even trespass.  Although curious her actions may not be nefarious.  She may have a real emotional attachment to your home, children, or other memories.  I have myself been curious about some places i use to live and the home i live in now is over 100 years old. The original family has stopped by a few times and we have shown them what we have done.  Interesting to hear their stories and explain some of the weird modification i have found.
You do have the right to tell her no and if she continues this unwanted contact you can start with a stalking type complaint to the local police.

Good luck

Robin