How to get my name off active current accounts

Curv

Hello

I am jointly named on two Halifax current accounts with my ex partner. We separated over ten years ago and he still uses the accounts, whereas I stopped using the accounts at the time we split and haven't held cards for them for years. Halifax is aware of the fact that we separated, has my address and sends us both separate statements.

Twice now I have been into the branch and signed forms requesting that my name be removed from the accounts. Both times I was told that the same forms will be posted out to him and, if he signs them, I can be removed from the accounts. He failed to return the signed forms both times. Branch staff can't offer any alternative to repeating this process indefinitely.

I have no way of communicating with him directly. Is there anything I can do to remove my name from these accounts?

TIA

grumbler

Curv wrote: »

....
Twice now I have been into the branch and signed forms requesting that my name be removed from the accounts. Both times I was told that the same forms will be posted out to him and, if he signs them, I can be removed from the accounts. He failed to return the signed forms both times. Branch staff can't offer any alternative to repeating this process indefinitely.

Instead of keeping going into the branch it's worth reading the T&C.
For the 'Reward' account they say:

If you open a joint account with another person, either of you can withdraw all or part of the balance, write cheques, apply for an overdraft or close the account without the other person’s permission
...
Part C – General
10. Joint customers
(g)
If we open an account for you jointly and you later wish to
take someone off, add another person to the account or
authorise someone else to operate the account, you must
all apply to do so.
(h)
If we become aware of a dispute between you, we may
take steps to prevent any of you giving instructions or
using the account individually until the dispute is ended.

I am sure it's the same for other accounts.

So, without your ex consent the only you can do is to either close the account or put it into dispute.

If you know the address or the phone number and the account is in credit, inform your ex that if he doesn't sign the forms you will close the account and send him the balance if he wishes.

If the account is in debit inform him that you'll get it frozen by putting into dispute.

If you can't contact the ex, just put the account into dispute and wait until your ex or the bank contact you.

Curv

Thanks, grumbler. I don't know his address or phone number and the accounts are always in debit. I will speak to branch staff about putting it into dispute or closing it. I don't want to cause him any undue disruption but if he can't be bothered to sign the forms then he will just have to deal with that.

grumbler

Beware that you are still solely and jointly liable for the debt. If you want to close it you'll have to pay the debt.

Curv

Of course. Dispute it is then

System

If the accounts are in credit for part of the month (e.g. after his payday) and then dispute it the same day - this would mean that it will be frozen with a credit balance and will be much easier to close if he isn't cooperative.

Of course, if you parted on reasonable terms and if he is just lazy rather than deliberately not responding, you can possibly avoid cancelling any overdraft limit/direct debits.

Curv wrote: »

Of course. Dispute it is then