EX Hubby wont take my name off joint account

Gelish

Hi All,

I am new to all of this so please be gentle.

I have been divorced for 5 years but despite continued attempts my ex hubby will not take my name off the joint account. I am currently living overseas and have been for the last 3 years and do not have any cards or statements for the account. I am also unclear on if he is still using the account for day to day purposes or even if he has taken out any debts on the account.

It is my understanding that as he added my name to the account he has to remove it but he is unwilling. :eek:

Does anyone know if there is anything I can do legally to have my name removed or the fact that I am no longer a UK resident etc makes it invalid..

Thanks

henm2

Write to the bank and they will freeze the account. They will not remove a name.
Next stage would be a letter signed by ex and yourself requesting that the account be closed. Assuming the account is in credit balance the bank will also need instruction in that same letter as to where the remaining balance goes and also what to do with any outstanding direct debit/standing order instructions.
If the account is overdrawn you are unfortunately jointly and severally liable for the outstanding balance.
If the account has been used for some time by your ex he should of course be taking responsibility for this and paying off the balance/transferring everything to an account in his own name.
If not paid off it will in time be written off to debt collection and will affect the credit reports (as held at Experian/Equifax) for both yourself and ex.

pmduk

Gelish wrote: »

It is my understanding that as he added my name to the account he has to remove it but he is unwilling.

Does this mean your name was added without your knowledge?

Gelish

The account was his prior to when we married, once we were married we both added my name to it to make it a joint account.

opinions4u

3 options:

1) You both agree to the removal of your name.

2) You tell them to freeze the account.

3) You continue as is.

If you can't do (1) then do (2). If you don't, and he build up an overdraft, you're liable for the full amount.

Gelish

Thanks, I will try once more then contact the bank.

Thanks again

agrinnall

Can I ask why this wasn't resolved as part of the financial settlement during the divorce?

benjus

If the account is empty and not being used you might be able to close it. I was certainly able to close a joint account without my ex's consent, although I had to really persist as most of the staff in branches and call centres tried to tell me that her consent was required.

However, I'm not entirely sure if both people on a joint account are treated as equals or if one has priority (for example, when I split up with my ex the joint account had my address on it, but not hers; her personal account with the same bank did have her address on it).

HomerCastle

I suggest you request a statement before you do anything else. As you're named on the account I hope they will provide it...
You may need to make it clear that you're not simply requesting a duplicate statement or they may try to charge for this.