Included in the balance sheet of J Ltd$.$ on December $31,2017$ were total assets of $$100,000$ and total shareholders' equity of $$65,000.$ During $2018$ assets increased by $$35,000$ and the company reported net earnings of $$15,000.$ Also during $2018$ the company issued $$3,000$ of new shares, anddeclared dividends of $$3,000.$ Which of the following statements is true?

$($a$)$ Liabilities increased by $$20,000$ during $2018.$

$($b$)$ Liabilities increased by $$35,000$ during $2018.$

$($c$)$ Liabilities increased by $$55,000$ during $2018.$

$($d$)$ Liabilities increased by $$29,000$ during $2018.$