Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Michigan

Liability after end of co-habitation

I was living with my boyfriend for a little under a year. During that time he quit his job to go back to school. We endured financial hardships. I was working, but not making nearly what he made. While we were together he cashed out his 401K (about 16,000 dollars), got a 10,000 dollar credit, and won around 15,000 dollars in poker. While I worked more than him, he contributed more financially. Now the relationship is over and he says I owe him half. He says I owe half of the living expenses accrued while together. He wants me to pay half of the house bills while together and half of the 10,000 card. My name is not on the mortgage, gas, eletricity, water, or credit card bills. I am also not an authorized user on the card. My name IS on the trash servcie. I accept all liability in paying that, which amounts to about $25. He has stated if I don't pay half what is owed (is he looking for around 6-8,000 dollars) that hw will take me to court to sue me for the money. I don't feel as if I owe because my name is not on anything. Apparently he recorded me saying that I will pay him. Shortly after we broke up I agreed to paying but then rethought that decision. Does he have a case? Is my verbal agreement able to hold up in court?


Asked on 11/30/06, 3:02 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Thomas Loeb Law Offices of Thomas M. Loeb

Re: Liability after end of co-habitation

No. You owe him nothing. He has no legal leg to stand on, unless you made a written promise to pay half. Were I you, I would ignore his threats.

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Answered on 11/30/06, 5:57 pm
William Morrison Action Defense Center

Re: Liability after end of co-habitation

Your ex-boyfriend is an idiot. If he made that recording of your "promise", he may be liable for violation of the eaves-dropping act.

In any event he has no case. Past consideration is no consideration - otherwise your parents could sue you for their expenses for housing you after your 18th birtday.

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Answered on 11/30/06, 11:16 pm


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