Stephen36nc,
Your wife may file an action for equitable distribution of the property, and ask the court for an interim distribution of the property. At that time, a court may allow her to retrieve certain items from the house that she has proven to the court are her separate property, or marital property that a court feels she is entitled to. However, that will not happen overnight. She would have to file a complaint, you would have time to answer the complaint and file your own counterclaims, and a court date would have to be set. The way you prevent her from getting any of the property is to prove to the court that the heirlooms are your separate property. Talk to your attorney about these issues.
I hope that helps!
Shonnese D. Stanback
Attorney
The Rosen Law Firm
4101 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 200
Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
919.256.1534 direct voice
919.256.1667 direct fax
919.787.6668 main voice
919.787.6361 main fax
NCdivorce.com
email: sstanback@rosen.com
The response posted above is based upon the limited factual information made available and is not intended as a full and complete response to the question. The only reliable manner to obtain complete and adequate legal advice is to consult with an attorney, fully explain your situation, and allow the attorney sufficient opportunity to research the applicable law and facts required to render an accurate opinion. The basic information provided above is intended as a public service but a full discussion with an attorney should be undertaken before taking any action.