Joint Ownership - how do I escape?!

Miss_Placed

Hi. I'm new to the post and I know this is a common subject but I was looking for some advice please?

I signed a joint mortgage 7 years ago with my then partner and while I paid nothing in terms of a deposit (he did that) I made the sole payments on the mortgage out of my bank account while I was living there. It was of course a very niave thing to do but at the time I was persuaded into thinking that it was like renting only made more sense because he had the deposit to pay for a house (???)

I moved out of the property after around 2 years when the relationship broke down but my ex stayed there - paying the mortgage from that point by himself.

At the time he said that I would 'need to stay on the mortgage' as he wouldn't have been able to have a mortgage by himself. I continued, niavely I know, to stay on the mortgage for a while and fast forward 7 years later and I am still on the mortgage and he refuses to speak to me!!!

I have tried several times to make contact with him and discuss this matter but to say he's unreasonable is an understatement. In the beginning I was happy to just sign my equity over but now I am beginning if I should at least attempt to get back what I paid into the mortgage payments??

I am at the end of my tether and don't know what to do? I have considered getting a solicitor but how much would that cost? I believe I have more rights as it's a joint mortgage although not sure. I would appreciate any constructive help as I am very naive to the world of mortgages and desperate to find a way out of this.

Thanks

kingstreet

If you cannot have him remove you from the mortgage voluntarily, all you can do is follow the legal route and apply for an order of sale for the property to be sold and the property and mortgage to cease being your problem.

This is an expensive and lengthy process.

hcb42

It doesnt follow necessarily that what you paid in mortgage payments is equity - did you have any kind of agreement at the time, given you had no deposit?

It might be a good point to start with however, if you can then agree for him to remortgage, change ownership and walk away.

Miss_Placed

Thanks both. I would be happy with just being released and handing over the equity but the only reason I'm considering forcing a sale is because it's the only way I can make contact that he will take notice of.

So frustrating trying to deal with someone that refuses to acknowledge you. Maybe I should declare myself bankrupt? What would happen then?

Thrugelmir

Consult a solicitor and take advice.

Follow due process and you'll get the outcome you desire.

Any games and he'll be the one footing the bill.

amnblog

If you pay £100 for a short meeting and some sensible legal advice you will at least know where you stand.