Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Does anyone know if there is any truth to the rumor that my mother heard that when you take a deceased spouse off of an ongoing utility account that the utility treats it as a new account and therefore charges fees?
Does anyone know if there is any truth to the rumor that my mother heard that when you take a deceased spouse off of an ongoing utility account that the utility treats it as a new account and therefore charges fees?
My mother had similar troubles after her husband died, and she had to convince a supervisor that it was not a new account. In any case, widows ought to change the utility bills as they affect the credit record. My mother knew she was going to buy another house in her own name, so she wanted to have her credit history up-to-date and immaculate.
I don't know the answer, but - why bother changing the name on the bills to begin with? Does it matter whose name is on them?
It affects your ability to get utilities in another area if you plan to move. For example, I had to pay a large deposit for water in Jacksonville because my name was not on our water bill in Maryland.
Does anyone know if there is any truth to the rumor that my mother heard that when you take a deceased spouse off of an ongoing utility account that the utility treats it as a new account and therefore charges fees?
Many widows leave their husband's name on telephone accounts so the name in the book will be a male. Prank callers sometimes like to victimize accounts owned by females.
Many widows leave their husband's name on telephone accounts so the name in the book will be a male. Prank callers sometimes like to victimize accounts owned by females.
I would agree with that. However, I would encourage widows to change the electricity, water and gas into their own names, especially if they plan to move or buy another house.
First sorry for your loss. Yes if the accounts were held jointly then the account will end when you present the death certificate and a new one will be issued for your father.
Same for bank accounts/investments etc held in both names., Just need to get extra death certificates since you need the seal as copies are not allowed. Been there and it's not fun.
Many widows leave their husband's name on telephone accounts so the name in the book will be a male. Prank callers sometimes like to victimize accounts owned by females.
I'm not sure if they had mobile phones, but when I worked for AT&T part-time during grad school, they were pretty accommodating about switching accounts over to the widow/er. I've helped people do it before. No deposits as long as the credit was not derogatory, even if it was limited.
__________________
When in doubt, check it out: FAQ
^^ Just received my new phone books at the door last week and had the same thought!!
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
