How do I go about getting my name off of a joint checking/savings account? Do I have to go through the primary account holder or is this something I can do on my own?
Most banks have a policy that either of the accountholders may close an account and reopen a new account with different ownership. In most cases a person cannot be removed from an account.
Say John and Jane have a joint account. John has his name removed and now claims no ownership rights or liability for the account. A month later Jane has a check presented against her account, written by John two months ago. The check amount cleans out the accounts and could even cause an overdraft. Who is liable?
That is the situation that causes the policy of most banks to not take someone off an account, but to close it and open a new one. It isn't a law, but a good policy.
There are exceptions for many business accounts or organization type accounts where other documents support who is an authorized signor on the account. This could be the local Boy Scout account, as an example. The Boy Scout Troop may own the account, but various signors may write checks and those people can change over time.
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Most banks have a policy that either of the accountholders may close an 