Joint Bank Account Issues

Nwal

Hello

My partner was declared bankrupt in 2017. We held a joint account which was ‘frozen’ at the time of bankruptcy
He had accrued an overdraft debt on the joint account where he was spending on fuel/jobs etc for his business (he was self employed)
Since the bankruptcy ended last year I have been chased by different debt collection companies for the amount following Halifax selling the debt on to them.
I know it was a joint account but I have been responding to them asking them to provide evidence of a guarantee and also prove that I accrued any of this debt, as it was for my partner’s business and I had no idea that this was what he was using the overdraft for. They can’t seem to give me an answer and then I end up being contacted by another company and going back to square one (assuming they then sell it on again)
I have received a letter today stating that they (the latest debt collection company, think I am on 4 now) will accept a reduced amount subject to agreement.
Where do I go from here please?

antrobus

Nwal wrote: »

Hello

My partner was declared bankrupt in 2017. We held a joint account which was ‘frozen’ at the time of bankruptcy
He had accrued an overdraft debt on the joint account where he was spending on fuel/jobs etc for his business (he was self employed)
Since the bankruptcy ended last year I have been chased by different debt collection companies for the amount following Halifax selling the debt on to them.
I know it was a joint account but I have been responding to them asking them to provide evidence of a guarantee and also prove that I accrued any of this debt, as it was for my partner’s business and I had no idea that this was what he was using the overdraft for. They can’t seem to give me an answer and then I end up being contacted by another company and going back to square one (assuming they then sell it on again)

It was a joint account, with joint and several liability. You are liable for the whole balance on the overdraft. There is no need for any "evidence of a guarantee" nor proof that you "accrued any of this debt".

Nwal wrote: »

I have received a letter today stating that they (the latest debt collection company, think I am on 4 now) will accept a reduced amount subject to agreement.
Where do I go from here please?

Make them an offer.

Zanderman

As Antrobus says, a joint account is a joint account. That means you are jointly own any credit in it and are jointly liable for any overdraft. Doesn't matter who spent the money or why - if it was a joint account it is your joint responsibility. Doesn't help you I know (sorry) but that's how it works.