Currently going through a divorce. My husband used our old joint account which i no longer use and deposited some bad checks (from one of his other accounts). When the checks came back the account went negative. I don't want to pay the balance which is now close to $500 with all the various fees. I talked to the bank and they said there is nothing they can do until the account is brought positive. At that point they could remove some of the fees. If it is not brought positive is will be turned over to Chex after 30 days.

What should I do??

You really don't want to enter "ChexSystems" world. I had an experience with them and it wasn't fun.

Sadly, it causes more problems if you do not pay it. Paying it now means there is no risk of it hitting chex (5 year stay) or, heaven forbid, the major credit reporting agencies (up to 7 years with a FICO hit)

Have to pay it.

It is best to work with the bank and not end up in chexsystems. Once you are reported, you will more than likely be there for 5 years and unable to open an account easily.

If you can NOT pay it, I would suggest you find a bank that does not run " sweeps on accounts " and open a new account right away before you are reported