can you turn a joint bank account into a single?

[manure]

Hi, does anyone know if it is possible to change a long standing joint current bank account in names of both husband and wife to a single one, if both parties agree? The wife needs to keep this account as so much is organised from it and the separated husband now has own new current account and agrees to this. Is it even possible or do they both have to open new single ones and close the old joint one? If it is possible, how do they go about it, what is required?

[PeeBee1]

Hi

It is possible, both of you will need to sign for this to happen.

[manure]

thanks, was hoping it would be. the account is overdrawn significantly at present but within agreed limits. would the account have to be back in credit before this could happen or would they let the wife take responsibilty for dealing with repayment of this? or would they say the husband must be responsible for half? no idea!

[redcrx]

best place to ask would be the bank. I think it would depend on the wifes earnings as to whether they would agree the same overdraft facility for just her

[manure]

thanks, wife in a good position with salary (at present!-she hopes!!) and has not yet informed bank that they have separated as have both been contributing financially to it and using joint account anyway. husband has only just opened and started to use a new account for his salary, starting this month, and intends to give wife half of mortgage payment/insurances very month plus child maintenance too, so she should, with good management soon be able to edge the overdraft back towards the black etc without help. maybe the bank would understand that and allow her a decreasing overdraft each month? wife still feeling little bit crappy and cant quite face bank meetings at moment!!

[ummmm]

Banks tend to help you more the more you talk to them.

[redcrx]

a phone call asking for the relevant paperwork is hardly a "bank meeting"

If her salary is going into the account already then they should have a good idea of her status and be able to post the appropriate paperwork

[manure]

sorry, she thought she would have to go in and arrange a meeting! if you can phone for paperwork thats very different. she thanks you all for you help.