Dealing with a family member who refuses to leave your home can be frustrating and even emotionally painful. This is a common problem that many families face. It usually begins as a temporary arrangement and ends up with your relative refusing to leave your home. It is important to keep in mind that you have rights over your home and are protected by the law when dealing with situations like this.

If your family member does not seem to get the point that it is time to leave through indirect comments that you are making, it is time to sit down and have a serious conversation. Schedule a time where you can meet with your family member and have his undivided attention. Talk about the reasons why you can no longer offer him lodging and how it has caused a great deal of stress for your family, if that is the case. Be prepared for his excuses, sob stories or even anger. Keep calm throughout the conversation and patiently tell him that although you understand what he is going through, you are no longer able to help him. If you fear that your family member might become aggressive, ask your spouse or another family member to sit with you during the conversation.

If your family member does not have plans to move out or seems to keep on postponing it, the next step is to give him an ultimatum. Give him a specific deadline and state that he has to be completely moved out by then. Offer to assist him in finding a new place or identifying resources in the community, such as a shelter or the city's housing authority. Be firm and clear in communicating to him that if he does not move out by that date, he will be evicted.

Seek other relatives and family members to support you in getting your unwanted guest to move out. A family member that he is close to can help try and convince him that he needs to leave your home. Hold a family meeting where everyone offers to support him in finding a new home. If finances are the problem, everyone in the family can pledge to contribute some rent money for the first few months so that he can get on his own two feet.

If you have tried everything and your family member refuses to leave, your only resort might be legal eviction. Although it may seem harsh, you may need to have him move out for the safety and harmony of your family. Research what is required in your particular county for a legal eviction or seek counsel from a lawyer. Most counties will require that you provide your tenant with a legal eviction notice anywhere between 30 to 90 days from the date that you require him to move out. Contact the police department if you fear that he might become aggressive or try to harm your family and turn to the legal system if he simply ignores your requests to leave the home.