248SPG

Does anyone know if you can remove your name from a joint bank account without the other persons permission or signature??

Thanks in advance

S

badgerface123

doubt it

Coffin Dodger

Unless they are either dead, insane, or they have given someone power of attorney to sign on there behalf, I would say no.

David Lock

Can't see why not. Why would you want to except to prevent cheques/statements being issued with your name on them?

You can draw on the account without other person's approval etc etc so bank should act on an instruction from you alone. You're not trying to change the other party's facility.

But this is only a guess dl

53

iTrader: (41)

Depends as you will be jointly and severally liable for any debt on the account. By changing the account holders you will be changing the lending implications therefore the conditions of the account. Best talk to your bank as it wholey depends on who your with, what the account is for and how helpful the bank is.

EAndy

I doubt it very much.

Else I could go and spend £20k on our account, get a loan off it. Then take my name off the account and leave my other half with the debt.

It was probably one of those things someone did once before and thats why you can't now.

It might be a case of one of those, you can't close the account till all debts are paid but if there is cash in the account and no outstanding direct debits you might be able to opt out of it.

Think best bet is a quick phonecall to bank they'll let you know correctly straight away.

The Rig

iTrader: (13)

the other thing with joint accounts is, if the other half has a debt with the same bank as you have your joint account,if you had a windfall,say a bonus at work etc, the bank can take out any amount upto the value of the other halfs debt,even if its your money !

been there,done that, had the 3 day fight with the bank ha ha ha

had it reversed in the end

cookstar

iTrader: (6)

wtf... what bank was that?

OllyK

You can certainly remove the funds and close the account with a single signatory, assuming that's how you set the account up. I doubt they can / will just remove one of them though.

scooby L

NO..I've tried it when I split from ex-g/f...

Without her going into another branch and signing, the account cannot be closed/modified to remove one name.

PeteBrant

Depends on the account/bank I suspect. I've closed a joint account with First Direct on my own before now.

248SPG

OK here is the full situation my unfortunate (or i think stupid) friend has found himself in.

Not sure if I should mention the bank's name???

Split with his ex MONTHS ago. She moved out and statements kept coming to the house and all was normal. He kept thinking "Oh I should get that account closed" and never got round to it/bothered

New statement arrived yesterday with only his name on it and an O/D of £2K up to the limit.

Got a horrible feeling this is going to be a very harsh lesson for him.

scooby L

Yes, because he's legally liable as a joint holder of that account.

I practically dragged my ex kicking and screaming to the branch... with all sorts of "don;t you trust me" digs on the way...

But it had to be done... poor lad..I feel for him..

Odds on

The debt would have been run up at a time they were both on the account. He'll probably get stuffed for half the bill unfortunately.

If she removed herself (if that's possible) and then run up the debt, then tell him to call the police. I'm sure they'd like a chat with her.

pwhittle

I tried it, even explaining the the ex was a bunny-boiler, but they won't do it.
Still getting statements 7 years on

MrJim

No you can,t but nothing to stop you taking all the money out and opening a new account in your name only

coolangatta

When myself and my ex wife split (amicably), Barclays insisted that 'she' signed a letter stating she no longer wished to hold a joint account.
I then had the account in my name only.
I would imagine it's the same with other banks.

248SPG

Well it is a very reputable high street bank he uses so you would hope so but doesn't look like it.

I am sure i will find out more tonight after he has spoken to the bank today

scousefly

Your ex has to sign a form saying they want out from the account if they dont/wont sign and there is no money in the account just open a new one and it wont cause any hassle.......but inform the bank in writing that you have split and you will not be using the account that way if it is used by said ex they can clearly tell by the means used to withdraw who did the withdrawing!!!!!
They SHOULD by all means cancel your card and block the other.

I speak from experience

53

iTrader: (41)

Your friend needs legal and banking advice.

A bank would be very very neglectful to remove a joint holder without asking how the debt were to be repaid by the remaining account holder. OR if the debts were made after her removal from the account that is theft, fraud etc etc and whilst would need proving would help your friend avoid getting fully stung for the debt as the bank would be at fault for not cancelling any cards/books named to her or marking the account accordingly

248SPG

Just a thought.

Can you have bank Statements sent to two different address'???

Just wondered if maybe she is having copies sent and not been able to remove herself after running up the debt.

I am sure i will have an update for you all tomorrow

53

iTrader: (41)

Yes if the joint account holders addresses are different.

Although the account holders will be on both copies !

248SPG

Ah he is screwed then

Only his name on the statement he told me this morning.

53

iTrader: (41)

Like I say depends on what sort of account it is, some accounts can operate like joint accounts but are infact held by a primary account holder with a secondary account holder allowed to operate within the account. This would be even harder to change though, as all account changes would have to be done by the primary account holder.

wagrain

Wife works at HBOS

Both parties need to sign to have a name removed from an account.

It's possible this was done fraudulently if she took a male friend in posing as you, or managed to interupt mail going to your house (the bank may have written to you, asking you to confirm this)

Get your friend to go to the banks ASAP and sort this.

Waggy

The Rig

iTrader: (13)

I Bet thats what happened !

The Rig

iTrader: (13)

Halifax.

I Think the only thing that swayed them to return the £1.5K they took out was because £500 of it was to pay the mortgage they supplied.

248SPG

Well he didnt even bother talking to them yesterday!!!!

Big mistake there I think as the longer he leaves it the less important it looks in my eyes.

Hey ho some people just do it to themselves eh!!!