Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

I have just been divorced in mass. I am currently living in Virginia. The divorce is scheduled to be finalized October 28th. The divorce was uncontested and "no fault" but bills have been pouring in for things my ex wife should have paid (phone she was using, electric/gas bills for her house, etc). I was in south korea all of last year sending her money to pay these bills, and now, none of those bills have been paid, but she's driving around in a new car. The bills were in my name, but were both of our responsibility during our marriage. She refuses to pay anything that she has accumulated. Is there any law that could protect someone like me? I'm facing bankruptcy because I cant afford them by myself. I have tried to reason with her, but she is not cooperating. This situation is especially complicated because it was a same-sex marriage/divorce. So I understand that any state that does not recognize our marriage would not recognize our divorce. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Michelle Merritt


Asked on 10/19/09, 2:05 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

You need to retain an attorney and have a separation agreement made or seek to have her required to pay her portion of the bills. As to the recognition of the marriage or divorce, the rulings of any MA court will have to be honored by another state.

However, the Probate Court cannot order a utility to collect from your soon to be ex. Likewise seek permission of the court to close the accounts and require your ex to take over the payments.

Good luck.

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Answered on 10/24/09, 2:22 pm


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