Banking Problem- getting name off joint account

smicer07 · 30-12-2005, 12:00

Been in touch with the ex because I've got a letter from the bank saying my name is still attached to the joint account (I thought this was sorted but evidently not) and that that overdraft on it is close to being used up totally (minus 470 out of an overdraft of 500). I called her and she's had a big go at me saying it's none of my business

despite the fact I'm receiving letters regarding it! Is there any way I can get my name off this damn account? I asked Natwest but they said I cannot do it without her doing so too- and she refuses because I think she wants to use the overdraft facility on it. And puts the phone down on me when I try to explain why I want my name off

Cheers.

dilligaf1701 · 30-12-2005, 12:02

I think you DO need both people to agree to it first.

The best thing to do is go to somewhere like the cab and ask them for further advice if both her and natwest don't want to play ball.

Gareth · 30-12-2005, 12:03

Nope, it is not possible to remove yourself from a joint account without both of you being there in person.

danielf · 30-12-2005, 12:03

Call the bank, explain the situation, and ask them to contact her?

smicer07 · 30-12-2005, 12:04

Doh. Thanks anyway

Paul · 30-12-2005, 12:06

Some banks can't remove names from joint accounts without closing the account and opening a new one with the new details. Either way both parties need to be present I think for the account to close so your ex will have to play ball at some point. Sounds like she is running up a debt that you are now connected to just to spite you.
Can you not ask the bank to freeze the account until this situation is sorted as it is a serious issue to you.

dilligaf1701 · 30-12-2005, 12:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by smicer07

Doh. Thanks anyway

Most solicitors have a free clinic one day a week - you could get yourself down and see what they suggest?

smicer07 · 30-12-2005, 12:07

Yeah I'll give all your suggestions a try and see what happens.

Gareth · 30-12-2005, 12:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielf

Call the bank, explain the situation, and ask them to contact her?

That's actually a very good idea. If I was you, I would go in to your branch where the overdraft was arranged and explain the situation - without your ex girlfriend being present. Explain that you are no longer together, and that you had thought the account had been closed down. You should explain that you were not responsible for the withdrawls made against that account, and you would like them to explain what options you have available to you, as you don't feel it is fair to expect you to pay for something you didn't use.

They won't budge on removing you from the account without your girlfriend being present, but you might get some assistance from the bank in terms of responsibility for repayment of the overdraft.

If the worst comes to the worst, ask them to arrange a meeting with her present. Morally speaking, you shouldn't have to pay for this, but I think you may find that because you are jointly responsible, you will be liable to repay the debt. A worst-case scenario would be you offering to pay ½ the debt (bad enough but still better than paying the whole amount) and getting removed from the account... but hopefully you'll not have to resort to this.

Angua · 30-12-2005, 12:10

Point out to her that whilst the account is still in joint names, you can still draw her money out.

nffc · 30-12-2005, 12:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angua

Point out to her that whilst the account is still in joint names, you can still draw her money out.

What money, there's ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£-470 in there?

Angua · 30-12-2005, 12:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by nffc

What money, there's £-470 in there?

Ahh but at the point her pay goes in, he could draw out all the money to the limit of the overdraft.

etccarmageddon · 30-12-2005, 12:20

ask them to freeze the account and also that you wish to close it as soon as possible - ie. as soon as the other account holder consents. I dont know where you're at with the house issue - any further forward? but this may impact on the mortgage direct debit and your ex's desire to sell the house etc.

smicer07 · 30-12-2005, 12:21

House is sorted mate, she gave me the cash for it and it's all gone through. Just don't want any bad credit ratings etc.

30-12-2005, 12:58

I'd take further legal advice.

Speak to the bank, tell them you are seperated and that you no longer wish to have any financial involvement with your ex.

Advise them in writing that as far as you are concerned any debt owing on the account is not yours, as you are not using it (assuming you dont use it).

If all that fails, see if they will freeze the account or would they prefer you to get a court judgement to do the same, but advise them if its going to cost you you will seek compensation form the bank.

If all esle fails, tell them your cards been stolen, and you suspect other account related documents. And request new cards and pin numbers be sent to the registered address.

Then hopefully she will contact you when she cant get any money.