Removing Name From Joint Account

Estateprincess

Hi, I'm not sure if this is the right place but I hope someone can help me.

I have a NatWest Current a/c that is in joint names with my ex.
We also have an eSavings a/c with NatWest that I receive a statement for once a year that has a balance of 2p.

The accounts are suspended and have been since approx November 2008.

I have always had the worry of being financially linked to him at the back of my mind however I have found out that he has recently had a CCJ lodged against him and I really want to disassociate myself from this account.

Does anyone know how easy this is going to be? And how badly will this affect me if I can not get my name removed?

I know I should have sorted this already but he is very hard to communicate with.

Thanks x

benjus

My experience of this (although not with NatWest) is that you're best off forgetting about calling them or writing to them, and find a branch with a sympathetic manager (or at least someone with authority to close an account, not just a cashier) who will listen to your story. It seems to be easier to close the account altogether than to remove your name. I had to visit a couple of branches in order to find such a person... Take ID, any debit cards, cheque books etc, and account statements. Is the current account empty?

scorpiolady

My sons just had this problem with his ex and the bank wouldn't do anything unless both parties had signed a form

PollyOnAMission

I had a Natwest joint current account with my ex a few years ago. In order to close the account we both had to sign forms, and maybe even both go into a branch in person (although not necessarily together).

It sounds like you need to ring Natwest customer services, or go into a branch, and ask what would be required for the account to be closed. I'm not sure about the CCJ though, sorry.

benjus

In my case (Nationwide) it was possible to close the account without consent of both parties, but as I stated above I had to try a couple of different branches (not to mention a few wasted calls to Customer Services who insisted that both parties had to sign) before I found someone willing to apply common sense and just close the account.

Estateprincess

Thank you for the replies, they are what I was expecting but hoping not to recieve!

As far as I know the current account is empty - I think this may be why I only receive statements for the eSavings.

Right I think a trip to the branch is in order although they are not the most helpful people in the world from past experience!

meer53

As you were still financially linked to him when he got the CCJ, i would call the CRA's to see whether they will allow you to note this on your credit file. Thats why it's important to lodge a notice of dissasociation as soon as you can after a split if you're financially linked to anyone.

His CCJ will affect your credit file.

TheBanker

If the account is not overdrawn, and doesn't have an overdraft facility, then they should be able to remove your name. As the person above said, your best option is to find a helpful branch manager.

Are you sure the current account is still open? Some banks have a policy of closing dormant, nil balance accounts.

I am not an expert but the Savings Account may not be creating a financial association, as it's not a credit product. If you have access to it, I'd withdraw the 2p in the hope that once it's at nil, it might get closed during a clean up.

lolavix

As long as the account is one to sign, you should be able to close with no problems as there is no overdrawn balance.

Estateprincess

TheBanker wrote: »

Are you sure the current account is still open? Some banks have a policy of closing dormant, nil balance accounts.

The account was suspended back in 2008 when we split. I was hoping they would have closed it because it was dormant (they did this with my current partner when he and his ex stopped using their joint account) but it is still showing on my credit file.

I can't blame being young and naive but you really do have a lot to learn when your 22! The past 4 years have opened my eyes and I won't be making the same mistakes again!

Thanks everyone for your help!:)

Quentin

Write to the bank and tell them you are irrevocably split and want your name off the account.

Ask them to confirm they will freeze the account immediately.

They should do this (it's part of the ts + cs for jount accounts), and contact your ex for his agreement. Until he agrees the account should be frozen - meaning he cannot land you with any debt in the acount by making it overdrawn.