Cheques for children in wrong name

wavey612

Hi

My step-son recently turned 13 and received a number of cheques made out in his first name and my surname. Some of the cheques just had the initial and surname so I put them in the bank under my name (as we share the same initial) and I then gave my son the same amount in cash. Unfortunately, legally, his surname is still the same as his abusive father and the Halifax will not let me bank the cheques that have his full first name on and have told me I need to get the cheques remade out in either my name or for my son to open an account, which he does not want to do. Does anyone have any suggestions on what we can do? Thanks very much.

Person_one

Is there any reason why you can't call the people who sent the cheques and explain the situation? They might well be wondering why the money hasn't left their account anyway.

CH27

Ask the people who gave the cheques to reissue in the correct name.

74jax

If he is 13 I would encourage a bank account first.

If he refuses (can't see why he wouldn't want his own) then ask whoever gave you the check to write it out again.

This_Year

Why doesn't he want an account of his own?

wavey612

Thanks for the replies. Guess its a case of ringing people to reissue. He doesn't want an account yet as there are no cashpoints near us or school, so getting any money out would mean having to go into town, and he can't be bothered to do that! Such is the joy of teenage life.

This_Year

wavey612 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. Guess its a case of ringing people to reissue. He doesn't want an account yet as there are no cashpoints near us or school, so getting any money out would mean having to go into town, and he can't be bothered to do that! Such is the joy of teenage life.

LOL - until he discovers that town is full of teenage girls

Person_one

At 13, managing a bank account is a really important skill, I think its probably time to start, he could be working in a few years!

lil.smartie

Should get a basic debit card at 13 so can use that to pay. Get one with online banking so you can both keep an eye on it
Change name by deed poll if you can/feel the need to.

Kate

shirlgirl2004

We've had that too. I bin the cheques. If the giver notices then maybe next time they'll check who it should be made out to. To be fair it's normally only for 5 or 10 pounds so I just give the money to the children. Although the grandparents did it so I had to give the children £50 each. I wish people wouldn't give presents it only costs me money. Feel free to call me ungrateful.

Person_one

shirlgirl2004 wrote: »

We've had that too. I bin the cheques. If the giver notices then maybe next time they'll check who it should be made out to. To be fair it's normally only for 5 or 10 pounds so I just give the money to the children. Although the grandparents did it so I had to give the children £50 each. I wish people wouldn't give presents it only costs me money. Feel free to call me ungrateful.

Not so much ungrateful as...well...lacking a bit of sense.

Why didn't you just get in touch with them?