What can I do about my ex not removing me from joint account?

[Anonymous]

My divorce was finalized in December 2024. We didn’t have children or own property so we just took what we had prior to the marriage and what each acquired during and left it at that. I figured he’d close the joint account or remove me so there was no mention of it in the divorce.
Last week I found out my name is still on the account and when I went to try and remove myself they wouldn’t let me without him present. He ran off to the army and is stationed where there are no branches of this bank.
I’m terrified he will ruin my credit or something with that account.
I was told I can close it myself but I do NOT want the money from the account.
Is it legal for me to close it and send the $ to him via cashiers check or something? I can’t afford court costs or attorney fees atm.
Advice?

[slatyb]

If it's a cash account then you have nothing to worry about.

[Abbycado]

Why did you not handle this in the divorce proceedings?

[Asker]

I thought he would close it on his own as he was always saying I’d better not use it (never did and never planned to) I was also threatened not to say anything about the account. I was not in the best headspace during the divorce and just wanted out of the abusive situation

[Abbycado]

The fact that he was threatening you over did ring any alarm bells? Geez.

Contact a lawyer. This is your fault. You should have told your original divorce lawyer about it and the threat. It is really hard to feel sorry for you.

[Asker]

If you’ve never been in an abusive relationship and desperate to get out, you don’t really have a right to judge. I never had a lawyer. It was all done on our own. I cannot afford an attorney

[Anonymous]

I am not sure, but it will probably have to be handled in court.

[ItsJill]

It would be better to consult a lawyer.

[Anonymous]

You might need some help from a lawyer.