Frozen Bank accounts?

Question

My father's wife had some sort of debt (my father will not tell me what) that caused her bank accounts to be frozen. Because she did not have enough to cover what she owes they froze my father's accounts as well (he had one joint account with her and a few without her which were all frozen). Because I started my account when I was under 18 My father was listed as a secondary on my account. The bank assured him none of his accounts but the joint one with his wife would be frozen so he did not alert me. Two weeks after her accounts were initally frozen they froze all of his including my account. There was enough money between all these accounts to pay off her debt but they will not unfreeze any still. I am only 21 and have no other money but what was in my account. I have bills to pay and do not have a credit card. Even after they accessed enough to pay off the debt they are not un freezing the accounts. Can they do this? I can not borrow money even as my dad was the one i borrowed from

Answer 1

This sounds rather strange...

The CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) can place what is called a requirement to pay on an account if someone is behind on their taxes.  Another possibility would be when a creditor goes to court to get a similar order which is then placed on the account.  

If this was your father’s girlfriends debt it’s very strange that your account has been frozen, even if it is held jointly with your father.  I would speak with a manager within your branch to find out more.  Since YOUR account has been frozen they MUST provide you with a full explanation of why.  It’s your right to know!

Good luck.