What do we do???

Asked in Chicago, IL on February 27, 2026 Last answered on May 3, 2026

A third-party collection agency contacted my ex-husband regarding an alleged utility debt that is solely in my name.

3 answers

Shyama S. Parikh
Answered by:

Shyama S. Parikh

Waukegan, IL
Shyama S. Parikh, P.C. 847-557-1517
Virtual Appointments
Free Consultation
Answer

Look at your divorce decree and if you are liable, you can either pay it or your ex may be able to return to court to get enforcement and require you to pay. If the issue was not addressed, either you can both agree on something or one of you will need to return to court for guidance.

April 24, 2026
Russell Knight
Answered by:

Russell Knight

Chicago, IL
Law Office of Russell D. Knight 773-334-6311
Free Consultation
Answer

Contact the utility company and tell them to speak with you exclusively in the future. Inform them that you are divorced and no longer have any relationship with your ex-husband. 

May 3, 2026
Answer

Usually, a third-party debt collector can contact only specific people regarding a consumer debt. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, a collector generally cannot discuss the debt with third parties, except in limited situations, such as contacting someone only to obtain location information, or speaking with certain permitted parties. If the collector gave your ex-husband information about a utility debt that is only in your name, that could be a problem, particularly if your ex-husband is not responsible for the account and was not contacted just to verify location information.

April 28, 2026

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