HELP! How do I get my ex-partner's name off my Endowment policy?

biggordon

Can somebody help me. Before buying my house 14 years ago I set up a joint endowment policy with my girlfriends name on it. We split up before I even moved in. I have being paying the policy ever since. A good few years ago I tried to get her name off but Standard Life told me I would need her signature to assign to me only. We did not split on good terms and I was unable to track her down. I have since married. The mortgage is in my name only. Can anybody tell me how I can get my old girlfriends name off the policy or what else I can do. :huh:

biggordon

Thank you for your comments

martinman3

I too had a Standard Life endowment policy linked a mortgage. If I remember correctly, in those days the mortgage lender had a charge (or similar) on the policy to prevent you from cashing it in. Though I believe that in the event of death the beneficiary of the policy would have been your ex.

Is that what you mean or do you truly have a joint endowment policy ?

biggordon

I have statements with both our names on it. I did try many years ago to get her name removed but they would not do it without her approval and signature. I could not track her down so gave up. I moved my mortgage to the Staffordshire about 8 years ago who then beacme part of Portman who are now part of Nationwide. Nationwide have told me today that the endowment is now assigned to them. So when maturity comes where will the money go? Thanks for your help

lynnexxxo

I'd put a serious effort into tracking her down - legally she could be entitled to half the pay out although if you can prove she never contributed to it you would have a good case.

At maturity you wll probably get a cheque with both your names on it. Your bank should refuse to pay this into an account in your name only. However in practice I have paid in large cheques into my own account which had both me and my partners name (not trying to defraud him - just was easier)

Have you tried Bebo/facebook - she might be on that. Hopefully the years that have past will have eased any bad feeling.

missprint

I got my ex-husband's name off our endowment policy without his signature. It took a solicitor and a judge who signed on his behalf after the case was made that the ex wouldn't sign out of spite.

biggordon

Thanks guys. I have tried facebook and bebo with no luck. I knew what bank she used to work for and did a google search and again no luck. Even tried ancestry.co.uk!
I will again ask Standard Life what I need to do to get her name off. It's been 14 years and only money from my account going in. If that doesn't work I will have to try a solicitor or citizens advice. She has never even set foot in my house!

chappers

there are some electoral role searches you can do or skype have a search for registerd skype users.
think you need to speak to a solicitor if you can't find her.