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Unmarried Partner Property Disputes

If you own a property with a partner and are not married, resolving the property ownership can become very complex if your relationship breaks down and you do not have a formal agreement (cohabitation agreement), in place.

What happens if you are unmarried and own a property together, and your relationship ends?

If the property is in your joint names, even if you have made little contribution to its purchase or the mortgage or maintenance, you will be entitled to a half share.

If you are not the legal or beneficial owner of the property, that is you are not mentioned on the deeds or the mortgage or in any trust document but have been promised a share of the property by your partner (especially if this is in writing) then you would be entitled to at least the amount your partner promised you providing there is evidence of this agreement.

Financial Contribution

If you have contributed to the purchase of the property or the mortgage or maintenance or there is evidence of a direct financial contribution you may have a claim especially if you have done something to your detriment, that is if you have acted in a way that has imposed a burden upon you, for example, carrying out major works at the property or paid substantial bills or mortgage payments.

Children under 18

If you are parents of children under the age of 18 who are living in the property, and there is no alternative accommodation and you have decided to separate, it may be that one parent and the child or children may be permitted to occupy the property until the children are adults. In these special circumstances the other parent could be excluded from his, or her, own property.

Case Study

Read our Case Study about a property which a couple jointly occupied but was registered in the name of just one of them - UNMARRIED COUPLES AND PROPERTY DISPUTES

How we can help

This can be a complex area of law, so please get in touch with the family law team for advice.

Need to talk to a Family Lawyer?

Unmarried Partner Property Disputes
5/5 Star review
Charlene Shillingford and her conveyancing team did a very professional job. The service provided by the team at Neves Milton Keynes was timely, on task and exactly within the prices quoted. Highly recommended, great work!
5/5 Star review
I have had the pleasure of Beth representing me on financial and child arrangements over the last few years. Beth has been brilliant all round. She is personable, pragmatic and great at explaining legal matters in a way I can understand. Beth always communicates in a timely manner and never rushes me and listens to my concerns with care.
5/5 Star review
This is the second time I’ve used Neves services and I would highly recommend. Working with Jackie M from Conveyancing in particular was a pleasure, exceptionally helpful. The Team helped me transfer equity and buy a new property. They were always responsive and transparent, provided clear advice and made me aware of any issues quickly, kept me up to date on progress every step of the way. Value for money too. Will be using Neves in future too if needed for any legal matter.
5/5 Star review
I just wanted to say thank you to Beth Woodward, who has kindly supported and guided me at every stage throughout my difficult post-divorce enforcement proceedings. The solicitor of the other side is from a small firm and he is willing to go very far to profit on the legal loopholes by using many dishonest tricks. While maintaining her own professional standards, Beth has adopted a highly cautious and tactful approach dealing with the situation. I am very happy with the final outcome we have achieved in the end and I would like to give 5 stars for the assistance I have received!
5/5 Star review
I had used Neves to purchase a house as they were recommended. Unfortunately i was assigned another solicitor who was awful. Thankfully she left and Alima and Awais took over the final registering process which was filled with issues. They did a fantastic job, Alima always responded and was professional. This was much more like the service i was expecting in the first place when they were recommended to me. Due to these two, i would happily use Neves again.
Beth Woodward
Partner and Head of Divorce and Family Law
Tina Shah
Senior Associate - Divorce and Family Law
Emily Pope
Associate - Divorce and Family Law
Holly Warren
Solicitor - Divorce and Family Law
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