Ex-partner didn't pay bills

taconite2

naedanger wrote: »

If you have not seen the document are you certain you didn't sign it at some point? It may have slipped your memory.

I can't say either way and would you guess when there's large sums of money involved? :-) Suppose I'm not doing anything wrong by asking for solid proof...

To be fair the women on the phone at SSE is being very helpful in trying to sort this out.

taconite2

Laurensalive wrote: »

This is a lesson for anyone who ends a relationship. I have been through this and know how difficult it is to put this sort of issue first. But it saves trouble long term. Basically I knew I was leaving him, so this gave myself time to get all the paper work together. Bills with my name on it, any other bills with his name on them, just for future reference. Property info, Id etc. Basically as soon as I had walked out the door, the following day I called the companies with my new address. Asking for the power company to send a meter man around to read the meter. Then I made sure that the final bill in my name was sent to myself. The companies will bill the named person on a bill, as it is this person who is legally required to pay this bill. Plus I also informed all other companies and the local authority for council tax for change of address.

He thought I should have been still paying the bills until the divorce came through. As most of the bills were in my name he knew I would be liable for these. He even called me to ask why all these letters were landing on the door mat for money for TV licence etc. At the time I thought the planning went well. Meaning I made sure that I sorted out all these financial matters before he knew I had gone for good.

I wish I could frame this! :T Very very very wise actions. Certainly learnt from this experience myself - never again!

Hope I never have to go through a divorce! The whole small claims process for the money she owed me was fun enough!

naedanger

taconite2 wrote: »

Suppose I'm not doing anything wrong by asking for solid proof...

No, you're entitled to ask for proof. (However I would not say to the other party that the signature was forged unless I was certain, which might mean waiting to see the document.)

To be fair the women on the phone at SSE is being very helpful in trying to sort this out.

Good.

taconite2

naedanger wrote: »

No, you're entitled to ask for proof. (However I would not say to the other party that the signature was forged unless I was certain, which might mean waiting to see the document.)


Good.

I haven't suggested the forgery as a certainty to SSE, this is me talking to you guys :-)

I'm just very stingy - I want to know what I'm potentially paying for :-)

[Deleted User]

Chalk it up to experience and pay up. you can t deal with her in Australia and the Police wont be at all interested. We have many cases of "fraud " when it comes to gas and electric bills , both bypassing and deliberate theft of energy via fraud amounting to thousands.Its not even a Police matter, much as I d like it to be. Hiring solicitors will defeat the object as the amount in question is nt that high.

taconite2

sacsquacco wrote: »

Chalk it up to experience and pay up. you can t deal with her in Australia and the Police wont be at all interested. We have many cases of "fraud " when it comes to gas and electric bills , both bypassing and deliberate theft of energy via fraud amounting to thousands.Its not even a Police matter, much as I d like it to be. Hiring solicitors will defeat the object as the amount in question is nt that high.

Would you suggest an offer of settlement then? Without admitting ownership or responsibility?

[Deleted User]

taconite2 wrote: »

Would you suggest an offer of settlement then? Without admitting ownership or responsibility?

Worth a shot , and I suppose a bit of pressure on the ex with a fraud charge is also worth it to squeeze something out of her.

taconite2

sacsquacco wrote: »

Worth a shot , and I suppose a bit of pressure on the ex with a fraud charge is also worth it to squeeze something out of her.

I meant on the energy company....

brewerdave

taconite2 wrote: »

Guys, seems my name was on the tenancy agreement. But I didn't sign it.

Has it really taken 2 months for them to tell you the evidence is based on the tenancy agreement ?? ..and you still haven't seen a copy ??:eek:

As to negotiating a settlement figure with SSE - VERY dangerous ,as they will see it as admitting liability for the bill !!

Hold tight awaiting the agreement.:)

undaunted

Cardew wrote: »

Personally I would use the term ' a girlfriend' and not 'Partner'


The term 'partner' implies a more permanent relationship, and you normally live with a partner.

Though the letter had already been sent a few months back I was just thinking the same thing as I read that myself.


I agree with naedanger it's not strictly speaking necessary for you to prove anything. If they want to pursue the debt it would be for them to prove in court that you did live there. If your "odd night" there was in reality rather a lot of nights however & neighbours are likely to tell them so they may possibly decide that it's worth trying to do so.