2006-10-19 02:25:49 · 12 answers · asked by samantha b 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
You should have closed the account when you split, you'll have trouble proving you're not liable unless he agrees to you having your name removed.
Try the Citizens Advice Bureau.
If you can prove they're his debts, try taking him to the Small Claims Court. It doesn't cost much and you don't need a solicitor.
ps like the way everyone assumes its a she that ran up the debts...
2006-10-19 02:28:13 · answer #1 · answered by sarah c 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are liable for the debt. The Bank probably will not care whether you are still together or not. Morally you might not owe the money but legally you do. (unless your ex had to lie or forge your signature to get the money)
Check your credit file to see if there are any other joint accounts that are open or other links between your finances. Check also to see whether your credit file looks good or not at the moment.
Info on how to do this with the various agencies is here:
http://www.flmloans.co.uk/credit-file.php
Speak to the Bank asap and be honest with them. If they are not willing to forget all about you being a joint party on the account (which they probably won't) you have to make a decision. Is having a good credit rating worth more than the amount that it would cost you to pay off the debt.
If your credit rating is worth more than the debt then pay it as soon as possible, close the account and put it down to experience. If your credit rating is not that great or not that important to you then fight it out with your ex, mabey even try taking her to court about it, but remeber whilst you are doing this the fact that you owe money that is not being paid off is being recorded on your credit file where it will stay for 6 years.
Good luck
2006-10-19 08:53:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have worked for a bank in this department, the bank will see you as both liable for the debt.................
They will not care who pays the debt as long as someone does................
The only person that can sort it out is a solicitor but it will cost alot of money and time ..............get the bank to freeze the account along with the interest until it is resolved.....................
You should be able to proove it is the other party if it is cheques etc but a court is the only body that will have the right to rule on it so the bank allocates the debt
2006-10-19 02:33:54 · answer #3 · answered by xXx Orange Breezer xXx 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if it is a deposit account, you both are liable for the overdraft balance. the bank may do a right to offset first of course if you have any other accounts with the same financial institution to recoup losses.
you should have closed the account while you were both together. you still could in fact, if you bank allows you to close an account in a negative balance. to have your name removed, both parties would have to sign documentation (in person) to have a name removed.
otherwise, if you can't... then take her to court, prove that she made the purchases (statements would show which debit card was used), and sue her for the damages.
2006-10-19 02:33:27 · answer #4 · answered by jason29445 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could try Experian and ask them to send you copy of all your creditors, get in touch with your joint creditors and explain the situation. Otherwise, get on to the citizens advice bureau and i'm sure they will help you, they deal with this everyday and have no vested interest and so are more likely to give you a totally honest answer. Good luck Samantha, i really feel for you, above all don't panic mate
2006-10-19 02:38:27 · answer #5 · answered by kevin d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Divorce 101. Lesson 1. Always close accounts or have your name removed if possible.
If you have a legal separation order or divorce, he or she will be liable for any debt he or she accumulates after that time.
Talk to all your creditors and advise them of your current situation. They are normally quite helpful in these matters.
2006-10-19 02:35:54 · answer #6 · answered by Munster 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No consolation to you, but why have a joint account in the first place?
I know its convenient, but the only advantage is when one of you dies and the other has immediate access to cash, if there is any in!
2006-10-19 02:46:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
SAME thing happened to me. If you are the MAIN account holder and not the ADDITIONAL holder, then you are screwed my friend..... I had to pay EVERYTHING as I was the main account holder, will never have a joint account again...
2006-10-19 02:28:31 · answer #8 · answered by a_facchini 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If ex is runing it up i would pay any amount to get my name off of it. sounds like it will cost alot more to leave it on there and i would never let a ex have there nameon my checking acount even if we split in good turms because of this verry reason
2006-10-19 02:58:14 · answer #9 · answered by Heart-of-Hearts 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually have to put in news paper about not being responsible for her debts
2006-10-19 02:29:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋