Separation and Joint Bank Account

cloud_dog

Hi

I have a query on behalf of a friend.

She is separate from her husband but they have a joint current account which he has continued to use as his main account. She has on occasions obtained statements from the bank just to check on balances etc but recently she went in to the bank to get a statement and was told they were unable to provide the info as there was a 'block' or something like this against her.

Is anyone able to confirm the legal situation regarding joint accounts?

My understanding was that any variation of a joint account could only be undertaken with authorisation from both parties.

The bank in question is the HSBC.

Gaining access online is not something under discussion here. But she is keen to understand what legal obligations the bank have and is wondering what or how they could have implemented the said 'block' probably based on the other account holders instigation.

Any insight would be welcome.

Thanks

Seanymph

I can't help you with the 'block' - although the bank should have explained it to her better.

But I think she's mad to allow the account to still be open - she is liable for any borrowing against that account even though they are seperated.

Rule No.1 in seperation - get your personal finances in order and seperate them out.