How to get my name off a joint bank account me & my ex husband had?

Dexter274

Me and my ex had a joint current account and hes been promising to clear the overdraft so I can be removed from the account.
Ive been emailing him to ask where he is up to in clearing the OD as I need to be taken off the account asap but hes no longer replying.
Ive never had a debit card for this account and never used it.
If he doesnt get in touch with me how can I get my name off?
I do have the bank details but that's it.

EarthBoy

Dexter274 wrote: »

If he doesnt get in touch with me how can I get my name off?.

You can't. That's the whole point of a joint account, it belongs to both of you, and that includes the overdraft. It's immaterial who ran up the overdraft, because it's a joint account you are both jointly liable to repay it. If you could afford to clear the overdraft yourself you could then close the account, which would stop your ex husband running up any further debt, but other than that you're stuck with it.

You could advise the bank that you're in dispute with your husband and they might agree to freeze the account, which would stop it being used again, but this would still leave you responsible for the overdraft.

henm2

You are both jointly and severally liable for the overdraft. That means that the bank can come to either of you or both of you for repayment of any overdraft balance interest and charges.
Until the overdraft is cleared the bank will not usually accept a request to close the account. The bank will also not just take one of you off the account.

SevenOfNine

So he could technically still be ADDING to the overdraft for all you know!

Personally, I'd nip straight to the bank branch with suitable ID (driving licence/passport and a/c details with copies of your emails to him) and see if you can cancel the joint mandate blocking either of you from using the a/c.

Won't mean you're not still liable for the current overdraft but at least he won't be shoving you further in the !!!!!!£ by perhaps continuing to run up even bigger debt.

At least you'll be taking some sort of action rather than being passive.

Everynamestaken

Stories like this is exactly why boyfriend and girlfriend should always think twice about setting up joint accounts, as it could have a huge impact for years to come.

I'd do exactly what the above poster said, go into the bank with ID and explain the situation. I would then ask them to try to contact him too, with the hope he will co-operate.

jaybeetoo

I know First Direct will immediately freeze the account if you tell them you've split with your wife/husband. I assume other banks will do the same. Worth asking your bank.