ExH refusing to allow access to childs a/c

[ddrmum]

Hello!! I'm looking for some help with a financial issue. My exH demanded to go on our childrens a/c as a joint signatory. We have since divorced acrimoniously with a background of DV and he is refusing to attend the bank to allow me to withdraw money to provide them with clothing for a school residential trip. Much of the money in these accounts was from child benefit saved when I was in a better financial situation. I work full time & am the sole provider for my children and money is extremely tight. He was sacked from his job and feels that £20 p/m maintenance for 3 children is appropriate!! He is using this as a power/control over me as he remains bitter. Is there any way I can have this joint signature overturned or removed in any way? Many thanks in advance.

When you say joint signatory, do you mean that both your signatures are required in order to withdraw money? Or just that it is a joint account so that either of you can authorise the withdrawal of money?

If both names are required then I believe there is nothing that can be done.

If just one signature is required then there is no issue.

He was sacked from his job and feels that £20 p/m maintenance for 3 children is appropriate!!

Assuming that he is claiming JSA, it all depends how often they stay with him. If they stay with him less than one night a week on average then you are correct. He should be paying £28 per month.

If any of them stay with him for at least one night a week then he should not be paying anything at all. If you are sharing 50/50 and you are working then it is likely that you should have to pay him.

did you ask the bank? can the child themselves access it if one of you agrees? at least he cant spend it if he needs your signature!

Hi Nickimanchester, yes it is a joint signatory on the a/c so I assume it means a trip back to the courts to get around this. He has the children

The flat rate is £7 per week, not £5 per month. It will not be affected by any children his partner has. If he engineered his sacking to avoid paying maintenance the CMEC may assess him on his income when employed.