Unaware Of Collection Agency - Joint Debt with Ex

tquarter

I split from my ex-husband over two years ago. We agreed between us to divide up the debts equally. Not all our debts were in joint names in fact most were in his name alone, but they were acrrued during our time together so I take half responsibilty.

My half of the debt is being paid via a secured loan on the house I have since taken over. The amount of this equated to just slightly more than the rest of the debt (CCs, Loans and overdrafts) that we agreed my ex would pay off as his equal share.

I know it wasn't the best resolution and we both left ourselves wide open to be screwed over, but my ex and I have always been amicable and just wanted to find a solution that worked for both of us.

It has worked for both of us until I checked my Experian Credit record a few days ago. We had a joint account with £2500 overdraft with First Direct at the time of the split, since then my ex entered into what I can only presume is a DMP and the account was closed (which also resulted in my sole account being declined). The joint account is now showing as a default on my credit record which I am happy to take liabilty for (I should have made sure anything with my name on it was getting paid). However it appears that that debt was passed onto a collection agency and while my ex is paying lower than the minumum amount each month this is also now also showing as a defaulted account on my record. I have never had any correspondence regarding this debt firstly being defaulted by First Direct never mind it being moved to a collection agency. How could this have all happened with my knowledge if it is a joint debt?

Grateful for your advice.

Cheers

tquarter

Nobody has any comments about where I stand on this debt and the fact I am supposed to be joint liable for it? Can a dmp for joint finances be put in place without my knowledge or agreement?

rizla_king

Did you give the bank your new address and instruct them to send any correspondence to that?

tquarter

I havent moved. I am still at the address I have been at for the last 12 years. the account has only ever been at held at his address for me, however I am aware that my ex will have changed his address.

rizla_king

Did you ever have any correspondence once your ex had moved? Not sure if he could have altered the correspondence address without your consent?

RAS

Your ex should have been advised that joint debts cannot go in a DMP and his provider shopuld not have allowed it.

Anyway of contacting the ex and telling him to sort it out?

happy_bunny_2

Maybe try writing to First Direct explaining, and ask them why the applied a default without issuing a default notice, ever writing to you.

Ask for it removing.

Either try a nicely approach first, them complain if they refuse, or just complain.

Can't advise on the inclusion in DMP, maybe call Stepchange to see what they say?