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TOLATA Solicitors Essex
Property disputes between unmarried couples or family members can feel frustrating and deeply uncertain. Our TOLATA specialists in Essex provide clear and practical advice that helps you understand your position, protect your interest in the property and take confident steps towards resolution. We guide you with calm, steady support.
Are you in a dispute about ownership of a home?
TOLATA disputes often arise when a relationship breaks down or when people disagree about who owns a property. Many clients tell us they feel frustrated, distrustful of the process or unsure what evidence they need. The legal framework can seem confusing without the right guidance. Our specialist Family Law Team in Essex explains TOLATA clearly, helps you understand your rights and works with you to find a constructive way forward that protects your financial position.
Contribution Without Ownership
You contributed to a property but your name is not on the deeds and you want to understand your rights under a TOLATA claim.
Unmarried Separation
You are separating as an unmarried couple and need clarity on how equity or ownership should be divided.
Promised Interest
You believe you were promised a share in a property and want guidance on whether you can make a claim.
Sale or Buyout Dispute
You want a fair sale or buyout of a jointly owned home but communication has broken down.
Family Property Dispute
You are involved in a family dispute about contribution, inheritance or beneficial interest in a property.
Speak to our team
Jessica Thrower
Member and Head of Family
Jaspreet Burrha
Associate Solicitor
Esra Dogan
Associate Solicitor
Jenny Waite
Family Law Associate
Alison Brotherton
Consultant
Callie Collins
Solicitor
TOLATA Services
Whether you are an unmarried couple, co-owner or family member involved in a property dispute, our TOLATA specialists in Essex can help. We explain your options clearly, assess the strength of your claim and support you through each step.
TOLATA property claims
We advise on beneficial interest disputes, contributions, promises and ownership disagreements between unmarried partners or family members.
Equity and ownership assessment
We help you understand your share of the property by reviewing financial contributions, agreements and relevant evidence.
Sale or transfer negotiations
We support clients who want a fair sale, buyout or transfer of a jointly owned home.
Claims for non-financial contributions
We assess contributions such as renovations or household investment that may support a TOLATA claim.
Disputes between co-owners
We help resolve disagreements about property use, access or financial responsibility.
Court representation
If agreement cannot be reached, we prepare your case thoroughly and represent you in court.
Steps in a TOLATA Claim
Understanding the process can help you feel more confident about what happens next. While every case is different, TOLATA claims generally follow a structured legal pathway.
Initial Letter of Claim
A formal letter is usually sent to the other party first
This sets out the basis of your TOLATA claim clearly
It explains what interest you say you have in the propertymust notify the other side of the claim and relevant issues
Early correspondence can sometimes resolve matters without court action
Preparing the Claim
If the dispute cannot be resolved, legal documents are prepared
Particulars of Claim set out the facts, contributions and legal basis
Evidence of financial or non-financial contributions is gathered
The claim is framed under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act
Issuing Court Proceedings
Proceedings are issued in the County Court (civil jurisdiction)
The other party is formally required to respond to the claim
The court process then manages disclosure, evidence and hearings
The aim is to reach a fair determination of beneficial ownership
Jessica Thrower
Member and Head of Family
Schedule a call to discuss your TOLATA claim and next steps.
Make an enquiry
Why choose Mullis & Peake
Property disputes can be stressful and complex, especially when they involve personal relationships. Our Essex-based Family Law Team provides clear explanations, practical advice and steady support throughout your TOLATA claim. We focus on understanding your position fully, helping you gather the right evidence and guiding you towards a fair and workable outcome.
Specialist TOLATA expertise
We advise unmarried couples and family members on beneficial interest, contributions and ownership disputes with clear, practical guidance.
Evidence-focused approach
We help you understand what evidence is needed, how to gather it and how it affects your claim.
Plain English advice
We explain the law in simple terms and keep you informed at every stage so you feel more in control.
Supportive negotiation
We promote constructive discussions where possible and provide firm representation if court proceedings become necessary.
Frequently asked questions
A TOLATA claim is used to resolve disputes about the ownership of property when the parties are not married. The law can determine who has a beneficial interest, how much of the equity they may be entitled to and whether a property should be sold. These claims often arise between unmarried couples or family members. We help you understand whether you have a strong claim, what evidence you need and the options available to resolve the dispute fairly.
Yes. Unmarried couples often use TOLATA when they own a home together or when one partner contributed financially but is not on the legal title. We explain your rights clearly, help you assess your contributions and guide you through the evidence needed to support your claim.
Evidence may include bank statements, payments towards the mortgage, renovation invoices, agreements, messages or anything showing intention to share ownership. The stronger your evidence, the clearer your case becomes. We help you gather and present the right material so you can move forward with confidence.
No. Many disputes settle through negotiation or mediation. Court is usually a last resort when communication breaks down or the parties cannot agree. If court becomes necessary, we help you prepare thoroughly and support you throughout the process.
Yes. The court can order a sale if that is the most practical solution. This may happen when joint owners cannot agree or when one party needs to release their equity. We help you understand whether a sale is appropriate and how it would affect your financial position.
Timing depends on complexity, evidence and cooperation between the parties. Some cases settle quickly while others take several months to resolve. We help you understand the likely timeline and keep the process moving efficiently wherever possible.
Get in touch with our TOLATA team
If you are in Essex and facing a property dispute involving TOLATA, our Family Law Team is here to help. We provide clear, confident advice that supports you throughout the process and helps you protect your interest in the property.
Specialist TOLATA solicitors
– Dedicated solicitors with deep experience.
Fast, confidential advice
– Clear guidance when you need it most.
No-obligation consultation
– Understand your options before you decide.
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