Co-owner and Trust Dispute Solicitors
Property disputes between co-owners can leave you feeling stuck and frustrated. Whether you’re in disagreement with someone over selling a shared property, who can live there, or how it should be managed, or you’re dealing with disputes about trust property, these matters rarely sort themselves out.
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Alternatively, talk to one of our team members on 0330 111 3131 or via our online enquiry form.
Trust and co-owner property disputes we can help with
Our trust dispute solicitors handle the full range of disagreements between property co-owners and beneficiaries. We give you clear advice on your legal position and the practical options available to resolve matters.
Co-owner property disputes
We help unmarried couples, family members, friends and business partners resolve disputes when joint ownership has broken down. This includes disagreements over selling shared property, who has the right to live there, and how rental income or costs should be split. If you’re being blocked from selling or accessing your share, we can advise on your rights under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act (TOLATA) and represent you in court if needed.
Trust property disputes
When there are disagreements about property held in trust, we act for both beneficiaries and trustees. We sort out disputes over how trust property should be managed, sold or distributed, and challenge trustees who aren’t acting in beneficiaries’ best interests. We also handle cases where there’s confusion about who owns what share, or where beneficial interests haven’t been properly documented.
Declarations of beneficial interest
We help you establish or challenge ownership shares when there’s no written agreement. This often comes up when someone has contributed financially to a property but isn’t named on the title deeds, or when co-owners disagree about who owns what percentage based on deposits, mortgage payments or home improvements.
Whatever your situation, we focus on getting you a practical outcome that protects your investment.
How the co-owner property dispute process works
- Assess your legal position
We review the property deeds, any agreements between co-owners, and financial contributions to establish who owns what. Many people assume equal ownership when the reality is different, which completely changes the negotiating position.
- Attempt negotiation
We contact the other party to explore settlement options like buying each other out, agreeing sale terms, or setting up a formal occupation arrangement. Most cases settle at this stage if both sides get proper legal advice early.
- Apply to court if needed
If negotiations fail, we make an application under TOLATA asking the court to order a sale, determine ownership shares, or resolve occupation rights. Court typically takes 9-12 months from application to final hearing.
- Court hearing and outcome
The judge decides based on the legal and beneficial interests, what’s fair given everyone’s circumstances, and (where relevant) what’s best for any children. We represent you throughout and handle the sale or transfer that follows.
Why choose Slater Heelis for co-owner disputes
Experience in property dispute resolution
We’ve successfully resolved co-owner property disputes and trust property matters across the country for years. Our solicitors regularly handle TOLATA applications, beneficial interest claims and trust disputes, so we understand the legal tests the courts apply and what evidence makes the difference. We know when to push for negotiation and when court action is the only realistic option.
Local solicitors who know the area
Based in Manchester, Sale and Chester, we’re on your doorstep when you need face-to-face advice. Co-owner property disputes are stressful and often involve family breakdown or failed relationships, so having solicitors nearby who understand the local property market makes a real difference. As a full-service firm, we can draw on expertise from our property, family and litigation teams if your case overlaps with other legal issues.
Recognised excellence you can trust
We’re listed in The Times Best Law Firms for 2026, and The Legal 500 recognises us as one of the leading firms in the North West. With over 1,400 reviews and an average rating of 4.9/5 on ReviewSolicitors, our clients trust us enough to recommend us to their families and friends.
If you’re dealing with a property dispute between co-owners or beneficiaries – whether you’re being blocked from selling, need to establish ownership shares, or are facing disagreements about trust property – our team is here to help.
Call us on 0330 111 3131 or get in touch through our online enquiry form to speak with our trust dispute solicitors.
We’re based in Manchester, Sale, and Chester with offices open for face-to-face meetings, and we also work with clients across the UK. You’ll get regular updates at every stage while we handle all the legal work and take the pressure off you during what’s already a stressful situation.
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