Unmarried Partner Property Dispute Solicitors in Harpenden
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 - UNMARRIED COUPLES AND PROPERTY DISPUTES
How Neves Family Law solicitors in Harpenden can help
This can be a complex area of law, so please get in touch with the family law team for advice.
Call 01582 715234, email family@nevesllp.co.uk or complete our online Contact Form and we'll get back to you.
See also
- Joint Tenancies
- Cohabitation Agreements
- Property and Financial matters for unmarried couples
- Significance of not having a will
I would like to leave a testimonial/recommendation for Beth following my experience:
"When I first approached Beth for assistance I felt completely trapped in a very negative shared equity situation. This had followed a difficult separation and had been going on for almost 5 years.
Previous dealings with solicitors had left me feeling overwhelmed and unsure of my legal standing - prior advice had been open-ended and non-committal.
Beth very quickly helped me to turn this situation around as my rights were very clear to her. We took the matter straight to a court hearing where Beth was extremely adept at obtaining an order or sale. Within 6 months my house had been sold, and I was finally free to move on without the worry of facing financial ruin.
I would really like to thank Beth most sincerely for her professionalism and kind nature throughout. She has really provided so much more than I could have hoped for, and has helped to turn my life around."
