Ex has run up overdraft on joint account, im being chased by bank, how do i get out of it?

[glamourousgranny42]

Im not sure whether I can do anything, but if anyone has advice, please help.
My husband and I split nearly 2 years ago. We had a joint account which his wage went into so he kept using that account, i had my own account. So i havent had anything to do with this account since we split. We tried to take my name off it but they said we had to close it and hubby still had transactions on it so we left it.
He has now run up a £700 overdraft which the bank keeps ringing me about. We have both told them that I have nothing to do with it, but i know I am still legally responsible. They are now threatening legal action. I have told him that we need to go to the bank and and put in writing that he is responsible for this debt. I just dont knowif this will be acceptable.
I know I need to sort out the divorce (am making an appt). Will it be sorted if we divorce?
Sorry this is long, Im not very au fait with this kind of thing.

Unfortunately you don't really have a leg to stand on. You are legally responsible for the debt, as you know, so the bank will keep chasing you for it. If you're on good terms with your ex you may be able to get him to open an account in his own name and transfer the overdraft. Then close the account.

Get on with the divorce PDQ and prioritise the financial seperation.

Thank you. I didn't think about asking if they would transfer the account. Its worth a try

Agree with nocake. They won't close the account unless there is a replacement in place.

A timely reminder for others not to be caught out by this and close any joint bank accounts that they are not using, simply by freezing them at the bank when the balance is near zero.

I always tell clients at the first appointment to go and tell the bank to either take off the overdraft facility or at least freeze it so the other party can't go on a spending spree with it. Also to tell the bank not to take just one person's authority to increase the OD limit.

Sorry not much help to you OP.