Joint mortgage and separation

Valensin

Hello,

My ex partner and I have a joint mortgage on our property, of which I put up the full deposit. Unfortunately, since we separated, they have been unwilling to move forward with either putting the house to market or allowing me to buy them out, which has left me paying the mortgage by myself for two years.

Do I have a legal right to the additional equity I have put into the property if the house was put on the market? Obviously the longer they digs their heels in, the more I’m out of pocket. Would really appreciate a steer - as we were not married, advice is often unclear online about my legal rights.

Help very much appreciated!

Thrugelmir

What's behind the refusal to allow any movement in the situation? What does your ex hope to achieve.

How the equity gets split is up for debate. Your ex is paying rent where they live now I presume.

Valensin

A combo of things. Not being able to get a mortgage on their own, refusal to accept the situation, anxiety, laziness. There has been an absolute refusal to speak to me, it has been like conversing with a brick wall.

They have been living in the house the majority of the time we have been separated, without paying into the mortgage. When not here they haven't been paying rent elsewhere, I've been taken for a ride and I want to see if there is any legal right to what I've been single handedly paying.

Thrugelmir

Not a cheap option but you can force a sale through the courts. A letter from a solicitor might focus your ex partners attention. Before any need to resort to actual action.

foxy-stoat

Speak to your solicitor and find out likely costs for a forced sale.

How much equity do you have?