Patchogue family faces homelessness as squatters skip court date for 2nd time
As News 12 has previously reported Kimberly Copenhaver moved away for a few months. A friend who was supposed to be watching their house, rented it out without her permission.
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A Patchogue family looking to regain possession of their home were left disappointed again on Wednesday.
Kimberly Copenhaver moved away for a few months. A friend who was supposed to be watching their house rented it out, without her permission.
Now, the occupants won't leave. Under New York law, squatters become legal tenants after 30 days.
An eviction process is Copenhaver's only option to regain possession of their home. On Wednesday, the occupants did not appear in court for the second time. The case was adjourned for a second time.
Copenhaver and her family have been living in and out of hotel rooms for months, but they don't have much time before they run out of funds.
"Luckily the hotel we're in extended us through the holiday, but Jan. 1, that's it - we're homeless," Copenhaver says. "We have two cars to live out of. No more money to use, no more credit cards, everything's maxed out. We've gone through all of our savings."
A final hearing has been rescheduled for Dec. 20.
