Transfer of Equity 'complete' but no paperwork and ex has changed the locks

espritlibre87

Hi everyone

Much of this year has been spent trying to complete a transfer of equity in which my ex-partner bought my share of the house. It was a long and drawn out process, with his solicitor taking almost two months to complete the transaction (or apply for it to be completed perhaps) after receiving all the requisite forms, and many differeng stories from both them and my ex-partner about why the money was not forthcoming. However, I have now received my equity funds, and the mortgage no longer appears on my bank statements BUT I have not received any documentation whatsoever to substantiate this. The solicitors assured me all would be completed on 14 December and confirmation that I had been removed from the deeds would be sent to me both electronically and by post (I provided them with my forwarding address). I have chased them up this week but heard nothing back.

In the meantime I have left a key to the property for my ex-partner to collect and am now living elsewhere - however I was unable to move some heavy furniture due to a friend's van breaking down at the last minute. It won't be fixed until after the holiday period. I advised my ex of this and said I wouldn't be able to come and get it until after Christmas, unless he would be happy to buy it from me. He told me he would have a look and let me know on Monday. I sent photos of the furniture to him over the weekend. I have also let him know that I have not taken the fish/turtle with me (purchased jointly when we were still together) and asked him to confirm whether he intended to move into the property immediately, or if I would need to hold onto a key in order to pop back and ensure they are fed until he does.

I have not heard anything further from my ex other than to be told he has changed the locks on the property. He has not got back to me about the furniture or whether the pets are being fed (e.g. whether he is living there fully yet). He has acknowledged within our previous email correspondence that the furniture is mine (I bought it long after we split up) but is now ignoring my e-mails asking for an update on whether he wants to buy it or I can arrange a date to pick it up after Christmas. I'm concerned he intends to simply keep it, knowing I can't get into the property to get it back.

Obviously I already have the money so there is some 'evidence' that I have indeed been taken off the deeds to the property, but there is absolutely no paperwork in my possession backing this up. My main question I suppose is do I have any rights regarding this furniture? I have explained to him why I wasn't able to move it prior to the transfer of equity (ignoring the fact that I also had no idea when the transfer would take place due to constant delays and lack of response) and he has acknowledged that and initially said he may be interested in buying it. Is there any way I can legally assert any rights to get that furniture back (or else money for it)?

Apologies for long and rambling post. Just not sure where I stand with any of this right now.

AnotherJoe

Wow, this could have been condensed into a couple of sentences.
Spend £3 at the land registry to see what the entry says, but if you've got the money why would they not have taken you off, and why are you concerned if you are on the entry, that would be their problem not yours?

If you know where he lives (if it's not this house) go and see him ask him face to face about the pets and furniture.
Failing that, seems you have a solicitor, have them send a letter.

davidmcn

If you have the money then the transfer of equity has completed.

Thrugelmir

With regards to the furniture perhaps your ex simply wants to move on with their life. You didn't collect it at the agreed time. I'm sure your ex will get back to you when it's convenient.

Neutrinno

davidmcn wrote: »

If you have the money then the transfer of equity has completed.

Yes we know this, her question is what does she have to formally back this up i.e paperwork.

Read her last paragraph.

espritlibre87 wrote: »

Obviously I already have the money so there is some 'evidence' that I have indeed been taken off the deeds to the property, but there is absolutely no paperwork in my possession backing this up. My main question I suppose is do I have any rights regarding this furniture? I

davidmcn

Neutrinno wrote: »

Yes we know this, her question is what does she have to formally back this up i.e paperwork.

The OP has already been told that they'll get confirmation of the re-registered title but that doesn't come through instantly. So either they wait or they chase up the solicitor or they just get it themselves from the Land Registry or the lender.

Though I'm not sure why they need "paperwork" if the only dispute is with the ex (who doesn't appear to be arguing that the transfer hasn't completed).

tlc678910

Hi,
I think you would be wise to make sure you do get confirmation of the transfer just in case your ex found that they were not able to take on the property finances alone and paid you off without taking you off the house either on the mortgage or land registry. This would have implications for you if you were to buy another property (e.g. 3% extra stamp duty) and you would still be liable for the mortgage if your ex didn't pay.
However (as stated above) your ex is likely to need a little time to get the documents to you.

Not putting your mind at rest about the pets is cruel. Do you know their parents or family? Could you ask them about the pets?

How much are you looking for for the furniture? If it is a smallish amount such as a couple of hundred I would just leave it and see if they get back to you rather than give them the satisfaction of getting all pumped up about it while they ignore you.

Tlc