Joint account problem - HELP!

Doormat1

Hi there! I'm looking for some advice please. My ex girlfriend and I set up a joint bank account with HSBC. We have since separated and settled all financial committments (ie. house). Our joint account is still active and has gone into arrears due to bank charges. She initially agreed to pay off her half of the overdraft but has now decided against this and said that it is up to me to sort the problem out! I have been into the bank stating that I will pay half of the joint account off there and then but as it was set up as a "joint" account the two of us have to pay it off at the same time (which she is unwilling to do). What I would ideally like is to pay half of the account off, which I agree is half my debt, and remove my name from this account. Any advice on how to help me out and not get a black mark against my name would be fantastic. Thanks

McKneff

If its not a lot of money, just pay it off and move on.
Explain to the bank, they might reduce the balance under the circs.
Or pay it off and take her to the small claims court.
Not much else you can do as far as i know

Extant

Typically with a joint account, you will be jointly liable. So just saying you'll pay half won't really cut it.

They might also be unwilling to remove you if there is an outstanding liability. As said above, if it's a small debt, I'd pay it myself and then try to recover it from her - you will at least protect your credit file this way.

And let it be a lesson for the future: stick with sole accounts and liabilities where ever possible.