I read an interesting article last week which really does explain why you need to have sound legal advice if you are going through a divorce or separation.
The parties separated in 2013 but the wife remained in the home. They both agreed that the electricity account would remain in the husband’s name but would be paid from the joint account which the parties jointly paid into to cover household expenses. They understandably thought this was the best course of action until matters were finalised between them.
By 2016 the parties were divorced and the husband phoned the electricity provider and told them that as he had not lived in the house for the last 3 years he wanted a refund of all those payments. This amounted to nearly £5,000.
The energy company paid him in full then went after the wife for the outstanding three year period. They would not accept that she had paid half and it took her considerable time and caused a lot of stress before she was able to sort this out.
The advice I give to my clients is what to do with joint bills and accounts so hopefully this problem can be avoided.
If you do find yourself wondering what to do in this kind of situation then contact me rather than find you have a large bill that takes time and stress to sort out in the future.
