Normally that account would have to be closed along with any atm/debit cards attached to that account. On a joint checking account either person can close out the account and get the remaining money. A new account would then need to be opened in your own name.
No. it is not mandatory to have a joint account with your spouse. If you feel, you no longer wish to have your spouse in your joint account, you can let them know and then contact the bank to remove their name from the accounts joint holders list.
The ownership of the joint accounts passes directly to the surviving spouse. Every person has the right to determine what will happen to his property upon his death. During his life this parent chose to hold those accounts jointly with his wife. They are now her sole property.
A spouse may open as many bank accounts as they wish. If, on the other hand, you are referring to a joint account; then there will have to be paperwork filled out adding the spouse to the account and thus creating a joint account. This requires the agreement and signature of the original account holder.
If the accounts are joint he cannot legally "control" the use of them. He can perhaps take the checkbook and debit cards, but it is a simple matter for the spouse to have them replaced so she has access to the monies. A joint account belongs to each account holder according to state laws and banking regulations. By law marital accounts belong to each spouse equally as long as they remain married, regardless of what amounts each contributes to it or does not contribute at all.
The divorce is of no consequence. If your spouse and their ex opened joint accounts while they were married, they are jointly liable for those accounts and both credit reports will reflect the history. A divorce never supercedes any other contract. You mentioned that the accounts were "both in other spouses name". If that were true, the accounts would not be on your spouse's credit report in the first place.
It would depend on who they are jointly owned with. If a spouse, no. Anyone else, yes but only half.
When you get married, your credit does not automatically combine with your spouse's. Each person maintains their own credit history and score, but joint accounts or loans can impact both individuals' credit.
Stepparents are not responsible for their stepchildren. Your spouse is not responsible for your child(ren). However, the State may place liens on real and personal property, including bank accounts, even though your spouse is a joint owner.
Stepparents are not responsible for their stepchildren. Your spouse is not responsible for your child(ren). However, the State may place liens on real and personal property, including bank accounts, even though your spouse is a joint owner.
Yes. If joint debts are an issue, it is beneficial for both parties to enter into a BK filing. If not the one who is not a party to the bankruptcy will be liable for those debts.
No. Credit reports show individual and joint debts, but not as husband and wife. For example, a married couple hold a joint mortgage it will be on both of their credit reports, individual accounts including medical bills will only appear on the CR of the spouse who incurred the debt.
Your credit follows you individually. If you have joint accounts then they appear on both of your credit reports.