joint bank account

[Giggsie]

My friend at work seperated from husband more than a year ago. She went to bank to get her name off this account but was told as there was an overdraft on it could not be done til it was paid off. since then he (husband) has took out a further loan and again incurred a bigger overdraft she is worried that she will be liable for these debts as his job is in jeopardy and may not be able to pay. Where does she stand in all this surely she should be able to clear herself from this account from date of separation. HELP!!!

[birdwoman]

I was in a similar situation when I split up from my husband. He was not paying money into the joint account for his loans and ran up an over draft. I went to the bank and they told me that they couldn't shut down the account (even after I cleared the overdraft myself) but what they did do was cancel all direct debits on the account and then changed it so that it required 2 signatures for any transactions on the account. This meant that my husband couldn't draw any money from the account or set up any direct debits. Once the account had been left empty for a while it was automatically closed. Tell your friend to go to her bank and discuss the situation with them - they should be sympathetic and helpful.

I had to chase my husband for the money that was run up on the overdraft but I would rather have done that than have the worry of that debt with the bank hanging over me!

[Giggsie]

thanks for your help birdwoman friend went to bank but they were not helpful at all just told her as long as overdraft due could not close her part of account. also told her she would be responsible if he could not pay the debts he had run up. Seems to me bit unfair as they are no longer a couple. I have told her to go back to bank and see the manager to see what can be done surely must be something.

[jennyp]

Iam sure there must be something she can do.
Try http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk