[Disbursing]

I closed a paid off joint credit card account several years ago. The account was closed because the account was no longer needed and not due to a pending divorce. 18 months after my divorce in Texas was final, my ex called the credit card company from Iowa and reopened the zero balance closed joint account and charged $2000. I discovered this after a different credit card company mailed me a letter saying they lowered my credit line due to negative items on my credit bureau file. The company with whom I closed the account with insists that a joint account holder is able to reopen a closed account, I dont see how but cant find anything in laws or regulations to disbute.

First they recommended for me to remove my name from the account by signing their form along with my ex spouses signature but when they recieved the signed document they said the account is now a bad debt and they can no longer remove my name (the ex has made zero payments towards the account). Then they recommended I file a police report but when i called to confirm the address to send the police report they said I am still responsible.

I have proof the account was a hard close from an old credit bureau file that says "closed by consumer". How can I still be held responsible?

[LawResearcherMissy]

Hi Disbursing,

According to the Credit Info Center, a joint account holder (frex, someone who was jointly responsible for the debt, not just an authorized user) can re-open closed credit card accounts, particularly if they were satisfactorily paid prior to closure.

In most states, however, you're only responsible for debts incurred on joint accounts during your marriage.

Your first step should be disputing the debt. Send the creditor a copy of your divorce decree, the credit report noting the date of the hard close, and the police report you filed. Explain that you closed the account, and that your former spouse re-opened it without your knowledge or consent a full 18 months after your divorce became final.

You'll also want to dispute it with all three credit reporting agencies using the same information as above.

If that doesn't help, you'll want to talk to an attorney. Good luck!

[Disbursing]

Which state laws would I follow? Place of marriage and where account was opened (IA), place where credit card company does business per stated on their terms and conditions (OH), place of divorce (TX), place where account was reopened (IA), or where I currently reside (SC). I"m active duty military...reason for moving around the country.