DH has left, but we have a joint account. What happens now?

[blueslipper]

Amicable split. I'm trying to sort out an appointment with CAB. We have one account with all wages/bills coming in and out.

He's living at a friend's.

Can I try and claim tc? What about council tax being reduced now I'm single? 2 children and childcare costs....

Sorry for being brash. Just trying to sort out logistics.

TIA

You need to sort out sole accounts with your respective bank, then close the joint account. When you close the joint account call round utilities, c/tax and all of them. Advise them only 1 adult is living in the house and they will adjust accordingly. Plus you will also need to change your bank details with them, although some banks will automatically bring them across.

Tax Credits will be able to tell you if you are entitled

Thank-you. So sorting out sole accounts is the priority?

Definitely sort out sole accounts as a priority and start getting Direct Debits transferred etc. Whatever you do, don't tell the bank you've split up or they may freeze the joint account as a precaution against one of you emptying the funds and it can mess up your bills. When that happened to me once it was a headache.

Wow - didn't know the bank was capable of making such a moral judgement???

I'm going to call tax credits shortly as it looks like I can update a claim now despite still sharing a bank account.

Not so much of a moral judgment - having seen the results frequently of separated couples where one has requested a huge overdraft which is promptly spent, the bank has an obligation to prevent this happening if they are aware of a separation. I had a woman scream and yell at me about this as though it was my fault (neither her nor her STBXH had told the bank there was any problems in the relationship).

Easy enough to unfreeze the account if both parties will sign to agree use of the account still, or complete a form to transfer into one person's name only.

Crikey - yes what a nightmare. He has just called and new bank account is being sorted as we speak. As soon as it's done, I'll do away with the joint account.