Problem with old joint account

eckiethump

Hi

When I was with my ex we had a joint account - for bills, council tax etc. When we split up (3 - 4) years ago, my understanding was that the account had been closed.

A letter from a debt recovery company arrived yesterday totally out of the blue, stating that I owed them a sum of money from a debt on this account, on penalty of further action being taken etc etc. The debt was incured by my ex after we split.

I spoke to my ex - that was an awkward conversation - and she assured me that she was in a debt repayment plan - with Payplan I believe - and paying off the debt referenced in the letter.

When I called the debt recovery company they were very polite and helpful, but addamant that I was equaliy liable for the debt, even though it's not mine, and even though my ex is already paying it off. In effect they want us both to pay the debt in full - getting back twice the money!

Now, from a moral point of view, I don't see why I should pay a penny - the debt isn't mine and it's being paid off already.

However, I'm guessing that debt recovery companies rarely make decisions based on what's morally right, so would like to know where I stand.

If I write them a polite but firm letter outlining my position what are the chances of them getting off my back?

I would be grateful for any advice.

Many thanks

poorandindenial

Morally not right, but unfortunately if this debt was on that account then you will both be liable for it (but only have to pay it once). Before you act though i think you should have a look on your credid reference file to see if this is on your file (if so you will most likely have a default registered) as it will be affectign your ability to get credit.

Do you have any paperwork that says that the account was closed?

Perhaps your ex (sorry, there might be more awkward conversations to come) could speak to Payplan to get their advice about what they suggest you can do.

ETA: link to Information Commissioner's guide to getting your credit file http://www.ico.gov.uk/for_the_public/topic_specific_guides/credit.aspx

eckiethump

poorandindenial wrote: »

Do you have any paperwork that says that the account was closed?

Unfortunately not - though it's obvious the account wasn't closed as soon as I thought it was!

I'll be speaking to the ex after the weekend - though perhaps email might be better, as I'm less likely to loose my rag lol - so will see whatelse she has to say.

I'll also take a look at the link you pointed to.