File for an ejectment

Ask the Lawyer
By Stewart J. Berger

Dear Ask the Lawyer:
I am in a very hostile relationship with a female companion who has been with me for approximately 10 years.
I own the house we live in, and all of the utility bills, tax bills, mortgage, etc., are in my name only.
She collects welfare and food stamps that she has mailed to her mother’s house.
Here is the question: Can she be forced to leave my house, and if so, does she have any legal recourse?
—Distressed

Dear Distressed:
The lady that you live with has no legal title to your property. Also, she is not a tenant.
I would tell her to move out of your house and put it in writing. If she refuses to leave, you can file an action of ejectment against her.
This means that you ask the court for an order to evict her. This type of action is not filed in Landlord/Tenant Court, which is a division of the Municipal Court, but rather in the Court of Common Pleas.
Ejectment actions are expensive, but you will get the results you want.
The procedure is somewhat involved. You definitely need the services of an attorney. ••
Stewart J. Berger is an attorney with offices at 7207 Rising Sun Ave. Questions and comments may be addressed to Ask The Lawyer, c/o The Northeast Times, 2512 Metropolitan Drive, Trevose, PA 19053