When a relationship ends, you’ll need to decide who gets what. This can be difficult to agree on, as one person may argue that they should stay in the property with the kids, while the other may argue that they’ve contributed more money. Inevitably, this can lead to disputes over who owns what. If you’re not married, there’s a chance you don’t actually have any legal rights over the property. This is because the laws for married couples are very different to the laws for unmarried couples. Property can be a hugely complicated issue in legal terms, so it’s important to have an expert on your side.
For example there’s a popular myth that when you live with your partner for a long time, you’re in a ‘common law marriage’, or where they sold their own house to move into a partners house only to use the cash from there sale to support the family, you have rights to the house. Unfortunately the truth is far from that.
An experienced family law solicitor can help to untangle your shared assets and work out who has the legal right to property you own together. Family lawyers will also advise on the division of business assets, as well as private property.
If a dispute over property has turned nasty and you’re concerned that you may not reach a resolution or you are concerned that your partner is deliberately disposing of assets and money get in touch with one of our panel family lawyers without delay. Remember that you may be liable for the debts as well as the assets so seek advice today.
