Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Michigan

Gas/Electric Bills

I moved into my home in 6/05 at this time my cousin moved in with me. He put the utilities in his name (was his choice). He moved out in 3/06 and left utilites on. When he moved out he left a very high gas and electric bill. At that time I told him I was having it shut off and put into my name. He asked me not to do that because he was buying a house and would effect credit. Eventually the utilites were disconnected because I could not get the bill under control and was having alot of money issues. The bill is over $6,000.00. He wants me to sign a statement saying that the bill is mine and it has nothing to do with him. I am also worried that he may try to sue me. I am not saying that I don't owe some of the bill but he also owes some of the amount. Should I sign the noterized statement so he can get a re-fi on his house? Will this make me responsible for the entire bill? What can he legally do? If I sign statement can the company then come back and sue me?

Thank you !


Asked on 8/08/07, 5:08 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Audra Arndt Audra A. Arndt & Associates, PLLC

Re: Gas/Electric Bills

NO!!!! Do not take responsibility for the entire bill - then you will be stuck and who knows if he will ever pay you. Figure out what you owe him, tell him what you've come up with, and then if it were me, I'd pay my portion directly to the utility company. He needs to pay the portion he is responsible for.

Don't make it worse and don't put this on you.

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Answered on 8/12/07, 2:39 pm
Rochelle Guznack Law Offices of Rochelle E. Guznack, PLLC

Re: Gas/Electric Bills

I would not sign it. Why don't you figure out what his half is from June, 2005 through March, 2006. You can sign a statement that you owe one-half of that and any charges after March, 2006. If you really want to help him, you can ask him if he is willing to give you something in exchange for your statement that would be the equivalent of the amount he owes on the bill? If you sign the statement, you may make yourself liable for 100% of the bill.

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Answered on 8/09/07, 10:08 am


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