My Ex and I split up, everything was cival, she knew I was in a bad spot concerning money and told me not to worry about the utilities in her name if I couldnt pay it, she would. I have since moved out of that residence moved out about 4 months ago, moved 25 miles away to another town and the word is shes hired a lawyer to sue me for the bills I left behind.... I cant possibly be liable for this right? They were in her name and I signed nothing nor said I would pay for them, she had the power anytime to take them out of her name... thanks everyone... I live in Idaho by the way if that helps...
2007-07-18 18:35:05 · 9 answers · asked by gyva02 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Law & Legal
I'm going with shiprepair - i saw this on one of those tv shows and the guy was totally responsible for what he used because you both occupied space and that's totally fair, why would you resist anyway, it's just normal, pay a little at a time, send her something so you don't end up in court
2007-07-19 16:24:11 · answer #1 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two possibilities come to mind: One, that you moved out (maybe sub-leased the apartment?) and allowed someone else to derive the benefit of those on-going utilities.....or Two, that while you were living there you deliberately abused the privilege (ie: Leaving heat or air high for 24/7 or allowing water to run out the tap day and night) to "pay" your ex back....and the excessively high bills caused her to renig on the agreement. (Which sounds very generous on her part, by the way.)
Or maybe she found out something later - (Was there a girlfriend on the side while the two of you were together, or something that would likewise upset her???), and she no longer feels she has to honor that agreement. Or maybe you moved to take a terrific job with good pay, and she would like some compensation for her generosity.
You mention moving, but you don't mention notifying her that you had moved, or telling her to disconnect the utilities. I know that seems obvious, but there are people who simply wouldn't care and would move on....meanwhile leaving the ex holding the bag (or the utility bill) so to speak.
There are some variables here you don't mention, so I'm not sure what the outcome of this will be. But if she has actually retained a lawyer who is willing to take on the case, then chances are her attorney feels like she has a leg to stand on.
If you can pay the bills at all, or contact her and work out a payment plan directly with her, then it could save you alot of frustration, embarrassment, and yes, money, in the long run. Whatever you agree to, try to get the lawyer out of the equation. It's best to work this out with her if you can!
Good luck!
2007-07-21 04:01:14 · answer #2 · answered by CassandraM 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you sign a contract with her agreeing to pay some part of the utilities? No? She was only a girl friend?
She is bluffing with the lawsuit crap. There is ablsolutely no way she would win.
So legally, you have NO obligatation to pay. But, ethically? You lived there for 4 months? And you are not going to pay any of the bills? And you are in a better spot financially than her? Sounds like SOMEONE is being a tightwad,
2007-07-18 19:10:19 · answer #3 · answered by DaveInSeoul 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about the rumor. Do you know how much it costs to hire a lawyer? Thousands; just for the retainer. There is no lawyer in his righteous mind would ever bother to hassle with the unpaid utility bills that you and your girlfriend might have and then also expect to get paid his attorney fees (that also run in thousands) for that.
2007-07-19 00:01:48 · answer #4 · answered by OC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She can sue but probally will not win. As for the attorney utilitity bills are something that would be handled in small claims court with no attorney. If you where living together and never agreed to pay then it would be considered a gift. She was helping you out expecting nothing in return. She can not change her mind later.
2007-07-18 18:40:24 · answer #5 · answered by Lily 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Legally, I don't think so. That's like her buying a car and someone trying to come after you when she didn't pay....you aren't a co-signer and your name isn't on it. As long as you have no written agreement that she uses as backup, then I think all she is trying to do is scare you. It would cost more for a lawyer than the utility bills.
2007-07-18 18:40:01 · answer #6 · answered by Smooch The Pooch 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You lived there and used utilities so you should pay your half no matter who's name was on the bill. She probably just meant she would send the money in but not that she would support you.
2007-07-18 18:40:47 · answer #7 · answered by shipwreck 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't sound like you are liable at all. They are not in your name and you did not stay in the residence while she did. I don't see how she has a case for this at all.
2007-07-18 18:40:31 · answer #8 · answered by Andrea B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably on Judge Judy or somthing ridiculous like that...
2007-07-19 09:58:24 · answer #9 · answered by Lindsay C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋