joint account with ex-partner

cutie_pie11

Hi i have joint accounts with ex-partner, its been way over a year and ive now written a letter to him to sign to say he wants them frozen (the bank needs both of our signatures) he has refused to sign it even though neither of us have used these accounts... why would he want to keep them? Can he use these accounts to get credit in my name?

Thanks

denton6

Not sure if he could use them to get credit in your name, but unwise to keep it open if you have funds in it. if it goes overdrawn you will both be responsible for it. The account i had with my ex it only needed one signiture to close it, otherwise can you not just take your name off that account so it's then only in his name.

thatsean

No, but he could get a line of credit on the account in yours AND his name. If it's a current account that can have an overdraft you need to seek advice, as you'll be severally liable for debts. You need to find out what your options are as a matter of urgency. I'm sure the bank should be able to freeze an account if you notify them of a dispute to prevent debt being incurred - but I'm not that knowledgeable on this. Someone like opinions4u who knows a lot more will be along shortly I'm sure.

ditzyknit

Hi,

I work in a building society and if you say there is a disupte then the account will be suspended until you both come in and say you want to close it or remove someone, as one of you could withdraw all the funds - if they freeze the account then nothing on it will go out or in. If you do just want to close it, just go to another branch and don't mention the dispute, and they shouldn't need both of you to sign for it - You would have both been given separate cards etc and only one would have to put in their PIN to authorise payment! Another option is to get yourself removed from the account, but it's likely he will have to sign for this too.

smartiedriver_2

If you go into the bank and advise them there is a dispute between parties they will freeze the a/c and should also send a copy of all correspondence going forward to each party separately.

RE dizyknit's comment, where I work we do require both parties to sign to close the a/c, even if the signing rule for making payments is one to sign. Equally, we cannot remove a party from an a/c unless one party is deceased.

madgagoo

If it's a Natwest account then it can be closed on one signature, assuming it hasn't been opened as a 'both to sign' account (which would be unusual).

Twister84

madgagoo wrote: »

If it's a Natwest account then it can be closed on one signature, assuming it hasn't been opened as a 'both to sign' account (which would be unusual).

I wouldn't say that's the case.

In the given circumstances, a "No-operations" marker would be put on immediately until both parties could come in to the bank together, to close off the account, or remove the other party.

Despite being one to sign, I personally do, and would say, that both parties need to sign for any closures.

madgagoo

Twister84 wrote: »

I wouldn't say that's the case.

In the given circumstances, a "No-operations" marker would be put on immediately until both parties could come in to the bank together, to close off the account, or remove the other party.

Despite being one to sign, I personally do, and would say, that both parties need to sign for any closures.

True, about the no-operations marker, if we were informed of a marital dispute. I would (and have) apply(ied) one with no hesitation.

However if a joint account holder came in and asked to close the account (without mentioning the dispute) then the mandate on the account does allow closure on one signature. This is agreed in the t&cs when the account is opened.

laurel7172

I took myself off the Natwest joint account without my ex-husband's consent. I simply wrote to the bank, telling them to remove me from the account and that I would accept no liability for any overdraft etc that might be run up at any future date. I didn't close it, though...I converted it back to the single account it had been before we married and afaik, it's still his own personal account.

Twister84

madgagoo wrote: »

True, about the no-operations marker, if we were informed of a marital dispute. I would (and have) apply(ied) one with no hesitation.

However if a joint account holder came in and asked to close the account (without mentioning the dispute) then the mandate on the account does allow closure on one signature. This is agreed in the t&cs when the account is opened.

That is correct.

cutie_pie11

Thank You for all your replys...
Its with HSBC... They have now wrote a letter to him invitin him to sign & my solicitor has done this aswell. Ive asked to remove my name 3 times, this time ive asked, the guy seemed to have thought i could and had to double check with his colleuage who said i couldnt. They can go sole to joint but not joint to sole and they will also need a signature from him even though ive told them he may build up an overdraft on the accounts etc which i would have thought if its him doing that then i shouldnt be effected by it as i seen somone said above we both have seperate cards for that account.

Also last night i double checked the account & the money he transfered in & out...came in from one of his accounts and went out to another which i need to find out who he transfered that to, because it looks as if he is doing money laundering *sorry about spelling*