Property Disputes When You Are Not Married But Have A Shared Interest In A Property

As more people choose to live together without being married, and as property ownership among non-married partners becomes increasingly common. Whether you’re cohabiting and wish to understand your legal situation or facing a potential dispute about ownership, Pepperells has the expertise to provide clarity, effective representation, and support.

Property disputes fall under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA), this gives the Court certain powers to resolve property disputes. Our Dispute Resolution team is particularly experienced in assisting those with a dispute with the aim of resolving this as quickly and efficiently as possible, helping to resolve ownership issues, protect financial interests, and navigate complex disputes that may include children issues.

Why TOLATA Expertise is Essential for Cohabiting Couples and Shared Property Owners

Dealing with this type of legal dispute is a speciality and requires expert representation and negotiation. In these situations, which are usually emotionally charged, you really do need someone on your side to navigate, whether you are:

• Unmarried and seeking clarity about your financial interest in a property
• In a dispute with a former partner over ownership or financial / upkeep / renovation contributions to the property
• Concerned about your share in a property following separation or breakdown of a relationship

A TOLATA claim can be issued to determine:

• whether jointly owned property should be sold
• the respective shares that each co-owner is entitled to
• whether a party has a beneficial interest in the property, usually where that party’s name is not on the legal title and the legal owner is disputing the claim
• whether property subject to a trust of land should be sold on the application of a creditor or a beneficiary such as a parent/grandparent seeking to recover their financial interest in the property

What We Offer:

• Clear Legal Guidance: Our team provides straightforward advice to individuals who share an interest in property, helping them understand their rights under TOLATA and the options available to resolve disputes.
• Property Disputes: We specialise in resolving disputes between cohabitees, former partners, and family members regarding property ownership. We are excellent negotiators and outside of the box thinkers allowing us to resolve matters with court proceedings being the last resort.
• Representation: If negotiations fail, our team can offer confident representation in court to ensure that your interests are protected

Client-Focused and Sensitive Approach

Pepperells Solicitors understand that property disputes can be emotionally and financially draining, especially when the individuals involved share close personal connections. Our team is committed to providing compassionate support, aiming to resolve matters quickly and fairly, protecting our clients best interest