Two questions often arise when there is a debt: can the creditor of one of the two holders attach the joint account? And does putting the money in a foreign account serve to protect it? The answers are more nuanced than what you read online, and for both, the evidence of who paid in the money and when matters.
In 30 seconds
The creditor of only one of the joint holders can attach the account, but as a rule only for the debtor’s share, presumed to be an equal part (Art. 1298 of the Civil Code, c.c.). The other holder can prove that the funds are theirs and object. A foreign account is not a protected area: there are European instruments to freeze accounts and tax reporting obligations, and transferring money after the debt has arisen can be challenged.
Updated on October 14, 2026.
The joint account
In dealings with the bank, joint holders are jointly and severally liable. In internal relations and towards creditors, absent proof to the contrary, the shares are presumed equal. So the creditor of one can attach the share due to him, generally half. The attachment at the bank, however, may freeze the entire balance until the matter is clarified: the other holder must take action.
The other joint holder can prove that the sums are theirs (for example with account statements showing that the salary paid in is theirs) and bring a third-party opposition (Art. 619 of the Code of Civil Procedure, c.p.c.). Evidence counts more than the presumption: it is worth reconstructing the deposits and the origin of the funds. For the limits on an account containing salary or pension see attachment of the account, salary and pension and what can be attached.
The foreign account
An Italian attachment at a bank abroad is not as direct as one at an Italian bank, because it touches the jurisdiction of another State. However, this does not mean the account is unreachable: in the European Union there is the European Account Preservation Order (EU Regulation 655/2014) and, with a final enforceable title, recognition and enforcement procedures. In addition, anyone with an account abroad has tax reporting obligations in Italy.
Moving money abroad after the debt has arisen can be challenged by the creditor with the revocatory action (Art. 2901 c.c.), and in the most serious cases it can have further consequences: see what is lawful and what is fraud against creditors.
A frequent case
Example described in general terms: names, places and amounts do not refer to real people or cases.
A wife discovers that the joint account has been frozen because of a debt of her husband. Only her salary goes into that account. She gathers account statements and payslips and, with a lawyer, asks for the release of the part that belongs to her. Had she always kept the flows separate, the proof would have been immediate.
Frequently asked questions
If the account is joint, does the bank freeze everything?
It often freezes the balance pending clarification. The holder who is not the debtor must document their share immediately.
Can I open an account abroad to protect myself?
It is not a safe protection and, if done to remove assets from a creditor, it can be challenged. There are also tax reporting obligations.
What should I do if my account has been attached?
Collect the attachment order, the account statements and the evidence on the origin of the funds, and check immediately whether there are limits or partial exemptions from attachment.
Main page on the subject: Legal guides, index by subject
The route that usually works best
The possible routes
Third-party opposition by the other joint holder; agreement with the creditor; checking for partial exemptions from attachment.
Which usually works best and why
It usually works best to act quickly with clear evidence on the origin of the funds; then, if the debt exists, to negotiate with the creditor, because an agreed solution is often faster than a lawsuit.
What to do right away
Download the account statements and gather payslips or other documents of whoever paid in the money.
This is not a promise of outcome: each case must be assessed on the documents.
How Attorney Fiorentino can assist you
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Sources: Normattiva (Civil Code, Arts. 1298, 2901; Code of Civil Procedure, Art. 619), EU Regulation 655/2014. Author: Attorney Renato Giuseppe Fiorentino, Naples Bar. Informational text, not a substitute for an opinion on your case.
For an overview of the subject, see the dedicated page: banks and financial products.
Read also
- Civil rights lawyer: when you need one, what they do and how they can assist you
- Unlawful occupation of a property: how to obtain compensation for damages
- Unpaid INPS contributions: how long before they become time-barred?
(Read also): Legal guides from Studio Legale Fiorentino · Children of Italians born abroad: the parent’s naturalisation does not remove the minor’s citizenship (Joint Chambers 24045/2026) · Debt recovery abroad: how to get paid by a foreign customer
Translated from the Italian original; updated on October 18, 2026.
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