Can he turn off electricity and water?

Preface by saying: there is no type of divorce in the works. As stated in another post, Married 8 yrs. I am 74 yrs old residing alone in my husband’s house which is titled in his name only. He lives in his mother’s house two doors down. She is 96 and watches over her.
My concern is him turning off electricity and water here in this house I am living in. Can he???
He is now asking me to pay for utilities, knowing full well I cannot afford to pay for utilities. Have no backup money/savings on a fixed income while husband is sitting on a million in stocks, plus plus. A cruel, sneaky man with an agenda. At the point of feeling I need a divorce, but I cannot afford an attorney.

He can turn off the electricity and water, however, assuming you are the dependent spouse and he is the supporting spouse and absent any illicit sexual behavior during the marriage on your part as the dependent spouse, then it would be a very bad decision for him to make.

You would likely be entitled to postseparation support and alimony, assuming you are separated with the intent to remain permanently separate and apart, and a judge would not be pleased to see that a supporting spouse turned off basic utilities for the dependent spouse with no notice and no financial support payments.


Anna Ayscue

Attorney with Rosen Law Firm Cary • Chapel Hill • Durham • Raleigh • Wake Forest

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