A law firm says it has seen a 300 per cent surge in its service for unmarried clients facing property disputes after relationship breakdowns.
Clough & Willis, based in Little Lever and Bury, first launched its TOLATA Disputes Service last year in response to rising demand from clients.
TOLATA gives the court the power to determine property ownership, decide who can remain in a home, and establish each party’s beneficial interest where there are no cohabitation agreements in place.
Clough & Willis litigation solicitor Gary Hall said: “The surge in TOLATA work reflects how people’s living and buying habits are changing.
“More friends and relatives are pooling resources to get onto the property ladder, but many don’t formalise their arrangements.
“When relationships, romantic, familial or otherwise, come under strain, uncertainty around ownership can quickly escalate."
Over the past year, the firm has seen a rise in TOLATA instructions involving friends who have bought property together, as well as family members entering joint ownership arrangements.
These cases often arise when informal agreements break down or when expectations around contributions, responsibilities or plans diverge.
Mr Hall said: “Our dedicated service has enabled us to respond swiftly, provide clarity, and guide clients towards fair and practical resolutions.
“The growth we’ve seen over the past year shows just how valuable that support has become.”
Alongside TOLATA disputes, Mr Hall also advises on contested probate, individual and commercial debt, residential landlord and tenant matters.
He also advises on Japanese knotweed claims, county court judgments, neighbour disputes and insurance claims.
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