I used to run a local special interest group as part of a four-man team. We had a £5 annual membership scheme, and monthly attendance fees at our meetings. The accounts were jointly overseen by two of the organisers, sharing a joint bank account in the organisation's name. The group has now been closed by the remaining team.

Unfortunately, there's now a dispute that's arisen over exactly how much should be in the account. The joint finance organiser that left is now refusing to meet us to draw the remaining funds out, and is insisting that he's going to send cheques out (in his name) for monies owed. The trouble is, he's claiming there's far less money in the account than we calculate should be there (and it isn't a very difficult calculation!) All we want is access to the account so that the remaining organisers of the group can deal with our remaining financial transactions. This guy has nothing to do with us now, and we certainly don't want him sending cheques out on our behalf. But we're at a loss over what to do next? Is it a police matter? I'm perfectly willing to initiate legal action. I'm taking this very seriously. Any advice, anyone?

With it being a joint account can he send cheques out solely in his name ? Who has authority in the group ? Do you all not have to agree and sign? in effect funds will be removed without all of your consent on a joint account ??

See the bank manager and check the small print on the account details, legal bills will run up high if you seek advice not knowing the full details

Dee

Purchases were made as a joint agreement between the four organisers, and cheques were signed by the two joint treasurers. There was an isolated purchase of one piece of equipment that was made via a personal bank account on eBay.

It seems (word travels fast), that the person involved has had this post passed to him. Much (most) of the funds were not actually paid into the account in the first place, and have just turned up - he forgot to pay them in. We now have a collection of uncashed cheques and postal orders, possibly out of date. Perhaps it's not a matter of deliberate deception, but one of incompetance. I'll add to the thread if I need more advice. Thx for now Dee.

Originally posted by Ant
We now have a collection of uncashed cheques and postal orders, possibly out of date.

You probably already know this, but cheques have a life of 6 months. I'm not actually sure whether postal orders have limited validity however.

Yeah, someone warned me when we found out about the mislaid cheques about their shelf-life. Mind you, there's no point in cashing them anyway now the group has folded. Postal orders, I think have a six month expiry date as well.