Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Michigan

My ex-roommate failed to pay a number of utility bills long after I had moved out but the utilities were under my name. He never changed the accounts under his name even though we had verbally agreed that he would do so. I was out of the country for three months during that period and now I find myself having to pay the outstanding balance. Can I take him to small claims court to get the money back even though there was no written agreement?


Asked on 9/15/10, 9:49 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Shelly Schellenberg MI & FL private practice

Yes, you can take him to small claims court. Take the bills with you, and tell the judge your story. If the judge believes that you had a verbal agreement that your roommate would be responsible, then you will likely collect some or all of the cost of the bills. On the other hand, some judges believe that the courts should not protect persons who could have protected themselves by turning off the utilities.

Read more
Answered on 9/24/10, 10:22 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More General Civil Litigation questions and answers in Michigan