Re: Unpaid utility bills

Run, don't walk, to a competent family lawyer. You need to file a motion immediately re: who is entitled to live in the house, how the bills get paid, parental rights and responsibilities (including support), as well as whether you or the child need additional protection if this is an abusive relationship. Get a lawyer in the area where you live. Good luck!

Re: Unpaid utility bills

The issues go far beyond just utility bills. You will need to file an action to establish Parental Rights and Responsibilities of your son, establishing his primary residence with you and obtaining a child support order from your ex. Depending on the different between your income and his, you may be able to recoup your attorney's fees from him.

As a joint tenant, you can demand one-half of the equity in the property. If he refuses to pay, you can force the sale of the real estate through an action to partition.

Lastly, we come to the bills. Since the bills were in your name, the utility providers are going to be looking for you to pay, even if you were not living there at the time the charges were incurred or if the deal in place was to share them. It's actually a good thing that the bills have been switched. I would advise demanding that he pay his one-half of these utilities while at the same time demanding one-half of the equity in the property.

I hope this proves helpful. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me.