<prompt> Human: Posting this for a friend since they dont use Reddit but advice here is always top notchI need some advice regarding my super awesome ex boyfriend, and the cable bill he REFUSES to pay or take out of my name...after TWO YEARS. We apparently have to go in person together to switch it to his name, which he constantly bails on me to do. So I tried canceling it but they said I would have to pay his extremely past due amount 700 AND pay for the equipment he still has at the house and refuses to return. Any suggestions?! Oh, and he threatened to show me an ass beating so going alone to get my stuff isnt an option. Hes a real winner.  <response>: he threatened to show me an ass beating so going alone to get my stuff isnt an option.local police or sheriffs dept will generally escort people to gather personal belongings if theres a risk of violenceconfrontation. in my area they call it a keep the peace assist, or something like that. as for the cable, sounds like it might be worth paying 700 to get rid of this asshat. work an extra job for a few weeks and friend can save up for the payment. call it a stupid tax, when people make a bad choice with money. I heard the term from Dave Ramsey the finance radio hostauthor. your friend can use it as a warning for other people in a few years: dont sign up for things with your boyfriend, I paid a big ol stupid tax ... let me tell you the story! 