Man Seeks Advice As He's Considering Kicking His Estranged Stepson Out Of His Rental
"He has stopped communicating with me and his mother"
In most cases, evicting a tenant—someone who has obtained a legal right to inhabit the property—requires adhering to the correct legal processes. It is your responsibility as a landlord to give notice and, if required, to obtain an eviction court order.
It is illegal to try to evict a renter by force if these procedures are not followed. However, the homeowner usually has the authority to request that someone leave if they are a guest or do not have the legal right to be on the property.
It's crucial to remember that the details of this can change based on a number of factors. This includes whether or not the individual has lived there for a long time and whether or not they have a written or verbal agreement.
But what happens when the person in question is your stepson? Well, the OP of today's story has a stepson who has been estranged from his family for five years with zero contact.
The OP married his mother, only to receive a call from him one night years later saying that he was desperate for a place to live. The OP accommodated him and his girlfriend, and they ended up staying for a year.
During that time, the OP got him a job, paid for a down payment on a new car, and helped him out in many other ways. Now the OP is considering kicking him out, and you can find out why as you read the full story below.
The headline
Reddit/Sizzle24OP's estranged stepson called out of the blue
Reddit/Sizzle24Understanding Estrangement
Dr. Timothy Clarke, a psychologist at the University of Virginia, discusses the dynamics of estrangement and its psychological implications.
His research indicates that estrangement often arises from unresolved conflicts and unmet emotional needs, leading to feelings of abandonment and resentment.
When one party stops communicating, it can exacerbate these feelings, creating a cycle of isolation and emotional pain.
He has stopped communicating with the OP and his mother
Reddit/Sizzle24
And the comments from other Redditors roll in...
Reddit/Sizzle24
OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the AH:
The action of considering kicking out my stepson might make me the AH because he is my stepson, and he will need to find his own housing versus renting mine.This Redditor has so many questions
Reddit/Sizzle24
The OP should give him an eviction warning
Reddit/Sizzle24
Psychological studies reveal that estrangement can have profound effects on mental health, including increased feelings of loneliness and depression.
Research published in the Journal of Family Psychology highlights the importance of addressing underlying issues to prevent estrangement from becoming permanent.
Understanding the motivations behind the estrangement can help facilitate healing and reconciliation.
This Redditor suspects missing reasons
Reddit/Sizzle24
Bailing the boat
Reddit/Sizzle24
The OP reveals why his stepson was estranged in the first place
He cussed out my wife and beat up his sister many years ago and left. He was just gone for years.My dumb a** tried to play peacemaker, and it worked for a bit, but now he's ghosting everyone again, and it's causing a lot of stress for us. I really don't give a sh*t, but my wife is very upset, and that's what isn't cool.Being clear with the wife
Reddit/Sizzle24
He's disrespectful and shortsighted
Reddit/Sizzle24
The Role of Communication in Relationships
According to Dr. William Doherty, PhD, a family therapist, "Open communication is the bedrock of any healthy relationship." He emphasizes that when communication falters, "misunderstandings can escalate, leading to deeper rifts." Acknowledging the significance of dialogue can indeed help mend those gaps and encourage reconnection.
He's going to come back if...
Reddit/Sizzle24
Psychological Analysis
This situation illustrates the complexities of estrangement within family dynamics.
We believe that addressing emotional needs and fostering communication can help alleviate tensions and promote healing.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Estrangement can create significant emotional distress for all parties involved.
Understanding the dynamics at play is essential for facilitating healing and reconnection.
Ultimately, fostering open communication and empathy can help mend fractured relationships.
Some Redditors told the OP to first find out what the eviction laws are in his state, as it seems that he did not make his stepson sign a lease. Before the OP takes any significant action here, he needs to get his affairs in order.
Evicting him might be difficult enough, but the OP certainly doesn't want to add a complicated legal matter to the mix. In the end, the OP was declared not the AH.
To address estrangement, individuals are encouraged to reach out and express their feelings openly.
Engaging in family therapy can provide a structured environment to discuss grievances and work towards resolution.
Research indicates that therapy can significantly improve outcomes for estranged relationships.
Navigating Emotional Responses
Experts suggest that developing empathy and understanding each other's perspectives can help alleviate tensions.
By fostering open dialogue and validating each other’s experiences, families can work towards healing and reconnection.
Research shows that emotional intelligence is key in navigating complex family dynamics.
