I want my share of our property!
Are you an unmarried couple who have decided to separate? Or
Are you a group of friends who have decided to move onto pastures new?
Do you know what happens to your rights if you own a property together?
Property Ownership Disputes
Whether you want to force a sale of the Property to obtain your share, or retain your occupation of the Property, or simply have your share of the Property determined, TOLATA can assist you in resolving such disputes.
What is TOLATA?
The Trusts Of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 [TOLATA]
The Act gives Courts certain powers to resolve disputes about the ownership of property (or land).
A claim under TOLATA can be issued:
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To determine the share owned by each person
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To force the sale of land or property
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To occupy a former family home
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To recover your financial interest in a property.
What are three types of TOLATA claim?
Rights of the Owner vs Rights of the Occupier
There are three main types of applications that can be made under TOLATA to resolve disputes about land. These are:
1. To order a sale of the property, enabling an owner(s) to realise their financial interest
2. To decide who is entitled to occupy the property, and
3. To decide the extent of the ownership and nature of that ownership.
These applications permit a court to decide who are the legal and beneficial owners of a property, and in what proportions.
A property can currently be owned as follows:
|
Joint Tenants |
Each individual owns the whole of the Property e.g. each own 100% of it |
|
Tenants in Common |
Each individual owns a separate share of the Property e.g. one could own 75%, whereas the other 25%. |
The typical joint ownership used by cohabiting couples, friends or relatives who are buying together is Tenancy in Common.
There are powers in TOLATA that can allow a court to direct the owner of land to behave in a certain way. In disputes about co-ownership, these powers are used most frequently to require a co-owned property to be sold so that the proceeds can be divided. This however, need not be the only resolution and your personal circumstances may allow you to request the Court to order the occupying party to pay you occupational rent.
Alternatives to issuing Court proceedings.
Madhvi Panchal of our Dispute Resolution Team, explains:
“Any person planning to make such an application should always consider alternative ways to settle their dispute.
We would recommend, if possible, the use of mediation and negotiation to resolve the issues without involving the courts. Whilst this approach is not compulsory it is highly encouraged as Court Judges are keen to see such methods of Alternative Dispute Resolution being attempted. Failing to actively consider alternative resolution methods could result in penalties being imposed on that party relating to the costs of the proceedings.
We have great expertise in dealing with such TOLATA claims and resolving them without the need to take each matter to Court. We look at all your personal circumstances to ensure the best outcome for you is reached."
Madhvi Panchal, Solicitor, Dispute Resolution
mpanchal@lawson-west.co.uk
