Can my step dad really get away with screwing my mom like this?

No he should not get away with this. You can take him to small claims court. Let the judge know that the expenses were to be shared, and that he abandoned his obligations. Take all of the unpaid bills, even his share of the rent due and make a stake to get it from him through court. For now in order to prevent any interuptions of these services needed in your household. Apply for low-income discounts. Usually these companies can assist you through programs provided for families that qualify, and you qualify. Hope things work out for the best. Say your prayer, and dont worry about him. He will get whats coming very soon. Try to be supportive to Mom, she needs it now. Also public assistance may be able to help out for now. Go to your local DPSS office and see about receiving help as well. Good luck sweetie and I am so sorry for your misfortune, things will be alright. Also ask about a program that assist with utility bills for low-income families, I am sure there are programs like this in your town. Sometimes they offer to pay a bill or two once a year for families.

No, he can't and shouldn't get away sticking your Mother will all the expenses that he previously agreed to pay for. By chance were you ever present when he said he would pay anything? First of all write to the car place where it was purchased, inform them that your Mom has just been left by her husband. Request that they extend the loan on the car so that the payments may be lowered, as she doesn't want to lose her only means of transportation. Do the same thing to the gas and electric companies. Ask them if payments can be made rather than get shut off. Most big companies don't want to shut you down as long as you communicate with them. Explain you have a problems because your husband left you. Try and make out a satisfactory payment plan. Do this prior to them notifying you that you have late payments or start getting notices. Next and very importantly get your Mom to sue your step-father in small claims court for non payment routine bills he promised to pay, and file a petion against him for child support. Has he divorced your Mother yet?. You should have your Mom file a restraining order against him to keep him away from her, using fear of her and the kids safety as the reason. You said that him leaving was the best thing that ever happened to your family. Why did you say that?Was he physically and verbally abusive to your Mom and you?he was then use that for the reason toinitiate a restraining order.Finally your Mom needs to go to Social Security to see what they can do to help her financially. Because of her low income, she may qualify for assistance from welfare services, and also child care benefits.. This could give you food stamps, and possibly Mother's aid to help with the bills she has been stuck with. All kinds of doors can be opened to help, you just got to open them. Unfortunately your Mom needs to find a better paying job, full time if possible. She should check with state employment office for the opportunity of seeking something to do that she qualifies for.The family will be fine as long as you keep the faith, encourage each other and don't give up. Good Luck, I wish you and your Mom the best, and good fortune.

He is your stepdad so child support would not be in order. Child support should come from your father. Your mom let him have all the benefits of a financial partner in living arrangements (even the car) without any guarantee of committment. If the utilities are in her name, she's on the hook. If the car loan is in her name and she has the car,she's responsible for the payments. It sounds like she's going to have to try to find employment fulltime and if you are old enough you could help out by picking up some type of job as well. Hopefully you all will be okay and even more I hope your mom takes a lesson on trusting living partners/husbands.

Your mother needs to get to a lawyer right away.

Child support might be a problem, unless he adopted you, however, your mother can ask for spousal maintenance and can probably get it, at least temporarily.

If she can't afford a lawyer, she needs to find the Legal Aid office.

Seriously, the sooner she gets some representation, the better. The lawyer can help her negotiate with the people she owes money to, as well.

Take him to court and he'll b forced to pay for most of the damages caused if not all. At least child support will b payed. Tell ur mum to have all the bills and receipts ready to file a case. May he rot in Prison...just kidding. Good Luck

The good news is this jerk is out of your lives. There are agencies to help people like your mom get back on her feet. Get your phone book and call the United Way. The Red Cross. The Salvatiion Army. United Ministeries. They are there to help . Good luck and God Bless.

He doesn't have to pay child support unless he adopted you. The house is in your Mom's name, so he has no responsiblity for that either. She needs to go to court and get an attorney about the bills that he didn't pay while they were together.

You mother needs an attorney. Contact Legal Aid.

No, he does not have the right to do that. Tell your mother to get a divorce lawyer. She may need to borrow money from family, but this is going to be the best way for her to get what she rightfully deserved.

If he adopted you, then he will be forced to pay child support. If not, your mom is still entitled to have half the bills paid by him. She really needs to seek legal counsel for this to happen.