I may need to file a restraining or protective order against my spouse. Have separated and she has taken up residence elsewhere, however, sh...

Question

I may need to file a restraining or protective order against my spouse. Have separated and she has taken up residence elsewhere, however, she has some anger management issue and I just want to be able prevent her from the freedom to come and go from what was our home without prior permission from me. She has threatened to do so as she pleases. The bigger question is that she works for Texas Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer. Will such order cause her to lose her job or be suspended? Have been told by a D.A. that this will happen because such an order would include a restriction from being around firearms.

Answer

If she has taken up residence elsewhere, CHANGE THE LOCKS ON YOUR DOORS. Here's the easiest way:

1. Find a trusted friend or relative to come over and stay at your house for a few hours.

2. Unscrew the doorknobs off the doors and take them to Home Depot (or Lowe's). Tell the helpful employee that you want to re-key the locks. He'll sell you the new lock guts and will install them for you. It will cost less than $75.

3. Get extra copies of the new door keys before you leave.

4. Go home and put the doorknobs back in.

5. Throw away the old door keys so as to prevent confusion.

6. Write your wife a letter (paper letter - on emails or text messages) and tell her what you've done. Tell her not to try to break in. Date the letter. Keep a copy or two.