Mumsnet advice please on the next step - garage involved

[elephantoverthehill]

30 months ago I split with my long term partner. We have 2 children which he sees regularly. We live in a small community and he currently lives one street away with another woman. The issue is about a garage that I own which is not part of the house. He has used it to store his work tools. A year ago I asked him for the key. His reaction to this request was verbally very frightening, this along with some other issues made me realise I was not coping and I took some time off work. I am much more on track now and think I ought to get the issue resolved. I don't really want to involve solicitors but I think I should put my request in writing to him. Any help with the wording would be gratefully received, in my head I keep hearing the phrase 'without prejudice' but what does that actually mean? I am asking for help as I keep getting a mental block as the original confrontation looms back and rational thought becomes clouded.

Yes good idea, thank you. I just don't want to walk up to that door. My DS1 best friend lives next door and I would hate anyone to witness the scene from last year. I think I will send it to his work e-mail address as well.

I sent him a text to confirm that he has received the e-mail. He has. I have now asked him for a time frame, to which he has not replied. Here we go.

Ok, so you asked him for a timeframe....
Take control of the situation and TELL him he has two weeks, after which time you will remove the items and leave them outside the garage. Definitely change the lock / padlock.

I wouldn't have said the year has passed thing. I'd have said that you've given him more than enough opportunity to remove his belongings from your property and that if they are not all removed by you will have them collected and delivered to him so he must make arrangements to receive them.
Actually I might say if they're not collected by that date they will be disposed of, but I'm not sure on the legal restraints of that.

Point is that he's massively taking the piss and you need to assert yourself and take back what's yours.

I'd probably send it as a Royal Mail delivery with signature required. Sent it in a type written envelope so he won't know who it's from, possibly post from a different town to avoid a local postmark.

A year ago I asked you for the key to my garage. I think that is more than sufficient time to return it. Please could you remove your items and return me the key within fourteen days from this e-mail. I hope you will comply and not have to cause me to take further action.

This is the e-mail I sent. I wanted a 'time frame' to make him sit up and take action. Unsurprisingly he has not replied. In two weeks time I will be 'Bolt Croppers RUS'.

:) you have inspired me...4 years it has taken. I am going to go and empty our mutual friend's garage. My ex is taking the p..s!

Hope yours does the right thing.

FYI legally you have given notice. He has no leg to stand on.

I am so pleased I have inspired someone to empty their garage. Metaphorically speaking I wish he had no leg to stand on.

Any update OP? hope all is well!