TOLATA Claim Solicitors

If you are an unmarried partner facing a dispute over property ownership after a relationship breakdown, our TOLATA Claims specialists are here to help. We ensure your financial interests are protected and that you receive the share of the property you are entitled to.

When unmarried couples live together, they often contribute financially to a home, share responsibilities, and build a future together. However, without the same legal protections as married couples, disagreements can arise over property ownership, financial contributions, and asset division if the relationship ends.

If you have invested in a property but your name is not on the title deeds, or if you and your former partner cannot agree on how to divide a jointly owned home, a TOLATA Claim under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 may provide the legal clarity you need. A TOLATA Claim allows the court to determine each person’s financial share, confirm property ownership rights, or decide whether a sale is necessary.

At Farnworth Rose, our experienced TOLATA Claims Solicitors will guide you through the process, helping you understand your legal position and working towards the best possible outcome. Wherever possible, we aim to settle disputes amicably, but if court proceedings are required, we will ensure your case is handled with skill, care, and expertise.

What Are The Rights Of Unmarried Couples Living Together?

In England and Wales, there is no such thing as a common-law marriage. If you are an unmarried couple who live together, you will not have the same legal rights as a married couple.

This means that following the breakdown of a relationship, couples may have very few rights and it can become difficult to decide what should happen to finances and assets.

How Can a Cohabitation Agreement Protect Unmarried Couples?

A Cohabitation Agreement can set out how certain finances and assets will be managed and set out what will happen to those assets should the relationship breakdown.

A Cohabitation Agreement can cover areas including:

• How each person contributes to the rent, mortgage or household bills

• How any debts are dealt with

• How you deal with joint bank accounts

• How each person contributed to the deposit if you own your home

• What would happen to items you bought together should you break up

• What would happen to any pets you have

• How you will support any children you have.

In order for a Cohabitation Agreement to be legally binding, you should receive advice from a specialist family law solicitor.

At Farnworth Rose, our specialist solicitors in Nelson and Barrowford have helped people across the Lancashire and the rest of the UK draw up legally binding Cohabitation Agreements which protect their assets.