After the Divorce: Who pays the Bills?
For some, getting a divorce is like starting all over again. However, instead of just finding out how to pay for the bills, the question of who and what bills to pay and to not pay now crop up. Legally, there are ways in which both parties can or should be compensated after the divorce based on grounds such as which party is employed, who will have custody of the kids, and if the other party has any means to recover financially. Utilities and other bills that need to be paid should be put under scrutiny in order to know which partner will be responsible in paying for it.
Listing down the bills
It helps to make a list of all the bills for utilities that need to be paid. Water, electricity, cable, telephone, and even the car insurance are just a few of the utilities that need to be taken care of. During the negotiations for your alimony, you can ask your lawyer to present the list of utilities in order to argue for the amount that you should receive. For those who were unemployed or relied on their partners financially during the marriage, a divorce means having to start over but not necessarily from scratch. However, you should be quick to segregate the bills, especially the joint ones, so as to quickly determine whom the other half should be charged to.
Finding ways to support yourself
Though the alimony and child support can help you rebuild your life and provide for your children, you also have to be stringent with your expenses and find other ways of supporting yourself. Be sure to change the owner’s name in the utilities so you have your affairs in order, but make sure that previous or outstanding debts are paid or cleared before you put it in your name. Establish a credit of your own so you won’t have any trouble getting credit from suppliers such as the electric company or even the bank. Finally, make sure to separate any joint accounts that you once had with your ex. This ensures that you get entitled to what you deserve.
Photo Credit : Cosmic Kitty
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