Ex refuses to settle on property holding me hostage

Sparky9999

Under the premise that this was going to be a future marital home, I purchased a flat with an ex. He has NEVER lived there, never contributed to a single bill, upkeep or anything. He only contributed to the deposit. After the property was purchased his behaviour changed and coercive control began. He also said he didn't want to live in the area and that we should look to purchase another. (My earnings were higher and were the only reason we would qualify for mortgages). Thankfully I got out and escaped this. This followed by a campaign of stalking and harassment which stopped when I threatened to call police. 

He now refuses to cooperate and agree a way out and I'm stuck on a follow on rate.  Does anyone have any advice or recommendations for decent solicitors or barristers who could handle a case like this without me losing my home of 15 years. 

RAS

How long ago did you buy it?

Are you/were you married to each other?

Sparky9999

2014. No we were never married and we never lived together 

Sparky9999

I live there on my own and paid and continue to pay all bills, mortgage, service charge etc 

Mojisola

Sparky9999 said:

Under the premise that this was going to be a future marital home, I purchased a flat with an ex. He has NEVER lived there, never contributed to a single bill, upkeep or anything. He only contributed to the deposit.

How is the property owned - as 'joint tenants' or 'tenants in common'?

If it's the first, he's entitled to half the value of the flat if it's sold (or an equivalent amount if you have to buy him out) and going to court to get him to agree to a sale or change the mortgage is going to be very expensive.

Sparky9999

Tenants in common 

RAS

Do you have a deed of trust specifying how the asset is split. The starting point is 50:50 but people can agree any other split, and often do if it is advantageous for tax reasons.

However, if you didn't do that, you got a fight on your hands, and the longer you delay the situation, the more equity he gets. 

Caz3121

Sparky9999 said:

He now refuses to cooperate and agree a way out and I'm stuck on a follow on rate.  Does anyone have any advice or recommendations for decent solicitors or barristers who could handle a case like this without me losing my home of 15 years. 

What was the purchase price, value now, mortgage outstanding?
Are you proposing that you remortgage into your own name only and buy him out and he is refusing?...is the disagreement around how much he is to receive?
Have you confirmed that you will get a mortgage in your own name for the amount required?
You say you have lived there 15 years and that it was bought in 2014...was this a property you previously rented?

tightauldgit

Sparky9999 said:

Under the premise that this was going to be a future marital home, I purchased a flat with an ex. He has NEVER lived there, never contributed to a single bill, upkeep or anything. He only contributed to the deposit. After the property was purchased his behaviour changed and coercive control began. He also said he didn't want to live in the area and that we should look to purchase another. (My earnings were higher and were the only reason we would qualify for mortgages). Thankfully I got out and escaped this. This followed by a campaign of stalking and harassment which stopped when I threatened to call police. 

He now refuses to cooperate and agree a way out and I'm stuck on a follow on rate.  Does anyone have any advice or recommendations for decent solicitors or barristers who could handle a case like this without me losing my home of 15 years. 

If he's not being co-operative then you'll have to go to court. Any decent local marital law solicitor should be able to give you good advice on this matter I would think. It may well be that once thing become legal your ex partner is more willing to come to the table and discuss a resolution rather than being faced with an inevitable court judgement and costs against.  

Sparky9999

Thank you all. @Caz3121 Yes previously it was rented by me and then bought and yes I will get the mortgage in my name (already qualify) - the issue is getting the title deed signed. Yes he is demanding a lot.

Gavin83

I assume you've made him some sort of offer in order to sign the house over to you. If so what is it? Also what is he asking for?