Should I just pay?

2spuds

I was checking the Noddle credit report and found I had an outstanding debt on an old joint account with my ex-missus. I left it empty when we split up. Then she withdrew £820 and didn't tell me and the bank have a note against my name - but didn't even contact me. What should I do? Pay the debt and try and get it back off her? (no chance) Claim that she was responsible for withdrawing that amount as it must show it was with her debit card? Any advice is most appreciated...

Tixy

Even if they did agree it was spent on her card you would still be jointly liable for the debt.

You say the bank didn't contact you about the debt - did they have your correct address? had you informed them that you wanted seperate copy correspondance sent out to both you and your partner?
It sounds like you didn't actually close the joint account when you split is that right?

When you say they have a note against your name - what is showing? is it showing as a defaulted account and with £820 still outstanding?

If it is showing as defaulted then paying up will mean it will show as a settled default rather than outstanding and will also stop any possibility of them taking any further action against you (such as trying to obtain a CCJ).
How old is the debt/ the default?

Thrugelmir

2spuds wrote: »

What should I do?

As Tixy states, the debt is joint. Irrespective of how it come about, you are personally liable. So much depends upon the value you put on your own credit rating, and the potential cost to you when you seek finance in your own right.

davethorp

How old are we talking? If its coming up close to 6 years you'd be as well ignoring it because it will drop off the file then and you wont be able to be chased for the debt anymore as it would be statute barred

Thrugelmir

davethorp wrote: »

How old are we talking? If its coming up close to 6 years you'd be as well ignoring it because it will drop off the file then and you wont be able to be chased for the debt anymore as it would be statute barred

The bank in question can black mark for life though.

matttye

Thrugelmir wrote: »

The bank in question can black mark for life though.

Seems unlikely that they would for such a low amount. If 2spuds came back in ten years time wanting a mortgage and there was nothing wrong with his reports, decent deposit etc., they'd be daft to refuse.

Thrugelmir

matttye wrote: »

Seems unlikely that they would for such a low amount. If 2spuds came back in ten years time wanting a mortgage and there was nothing wrong with his reports, decent deposit etc., they'd be daft to refuse.

Easy action to take, simple and cost effective. Banks are contracting lending so need to chase business.

neil_999

For now I'm going to assume its a default because it sounds like its been a fairly long time since it happened.
To put a default on your credit file the bank should have sent you a notice in writing. Ask them to provide with this. If it went to the wrong address, that's your fault I'm afraid. Not even a bank know you've moved unless you tell them. But if it never existed, you have a case!

Also, the damage has been done to your credit already so don't pay anything yet as you are then acknowledging the debt.

In all honesty you will probably end up paying up, but don't make it easy for them! You could also consider taking your x to a small claims court from her half - not sure that's worth bothering though.

When it's sorted, close the account if they haven't frozen it already.

2spuds

Hi all and Thank you... We split about 2009 - so much was going on making sure the account was closed was the last thing on my mind. Looks like I'll just have to pay up if I don't want complications with getting credit in the future...

neil_999

I think the damage has already been done to your credit I'm afraid...4 yrs is a long time. Get a copy of your credit file and check when the default date was. They only last 6yrs so you might not be too far away from that.