Delton, MI asked in Collections, Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Michigan

Q: My exhusband contacted our town government office and had my water/sewage bill switched to his name without me knowing.

The bill is a three month cycle so I hadn’t noticed that I didn’t receive two bills, the bill is now 800$ past due. Is it legal for them to let him do this without authorizing with me or without him ever being on the lease?

1 Lawyer Answer

A: What your ex-husband did doesn't sound right. A person who isn't on a lease for property, or an owner, generally shouldn't be able to change the name on the account. Have you talked to the town about getting it fixed?

Despite the bill being in his name, you may still owe the money if you don't want your water turned off. I would speak to the town office to get the bill fixed, and you may very well have to pay the past-due balance because it was for services you used. If you had to pay late fees or penalties, you could file a small claims case against your ex-husband for what he did, since you (presumably) had to pay more.

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