Utility debts - separation

[Brainmelt]

What is the case if you are married and separate.

The utilities are in one spouses name only. Is the remaining spouse (left in the property - rented) responsible for paying and clearing the utility debt even though their name is not on the utility contract?

[james_law]

You need to transfer the bill to the name of the spouse who is still living there as soon as.

Your options would be to request half the money from the other spouse and pay it off, if non compliance I would pay it off and if its a substantial amount take to small claims court to recover the amount owed.

[slainte caragh]

All you need to do is inform the utility company who is responsible for the bill.
Ask them to move the leaving partner out of the property and give the remaining partner's name as the Occupant, or let them send out an Occupier letter.

Please note, this will not be the same for a phone bill for some reason, they need to speak to the people moving in!