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TOLATA claims

We specialise in property ownership disputes and TOLATA claims. Contact us for a free consultation and details of No WIn, No Fee funding. Call 0333 888 0404 or email info@sleeblackwell.co.uk.

Free consultation 0333 888 0404
How we can help

Our team of SRA regulated solicitors specialises in dealing with claims under TOLATA – the Trust of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act – when property ownership disputes arise.

We are solicitors specialising in TOLATA disputes

We represent claimants and defendants, acting for clients throughout England and Wales.

Common TOLATA claims we deal with

  • Deposit contributions
  • Purchase price contributions
  • Mortgage payments
  • Renovation expenditure
  • Gifts versus investments
  • Inheritance disputes

Who can bring a TOLATA claim?

1. Disputes Between Unmarried Couples

  • Cohabitee rights
  • Common law marriage myth
  • Sole-name homes
  • Joint ownership disputes

2. Family Property Disputes

  • Parents and children
  • Siblings
  • Informal family arrangements
  • Contributions to the purchase price
  • Contributions to the deposit

 

3. Property Disputes Following a Death

  • Estate money used to buy property
  • Deceased’s contributions
  • Executor claims

Why choose our team

So many people choose us because we are:

Funding a TOLATA claim

Funding options include:

Get your free initial consultation

We offer a free initial consultation service which you can take advantage of by calling 0333 888 0404 or emailing info@sleeblackwell.co.uk .

A member of our team will review your case and identify the options that are likely to be open to you.

If it’s a case we can assist with, then we will consider funding, including No Win, No Fee.

*ReviewSolicitors August 2026.

Independent recognition

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Our people

Work with our team.

Find your solicitor

Partner

Anya Hoyland

Anya Hoyland is a solicitor who qualified in 2020 having trained with Slee Blackwell. She heads up our Bristol office…

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Partner

Naomi Ireson

Naomi is a specialist inheritance and trust dispute lawyer. She is one of the country’s leading practitioners in this area…

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Partner

Chris Holten

Chris Holten is a Partner in our Contentious Probate Department who joined the firm in 2014 as a newly qualified…

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Solicitor

Sabrina Morey

Sabrina Morey qualified as a Solicitor in 2020, having attained a first-class law degree at Birmingham City University before completing…

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FAQs

Questions we’re often asked.

What is TOLATA?

TOLATA stands for the Trust of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act. It is the legal framework for resolving property ownership disputes, where the legal ownership isn't clear.

Can I make a TOLATA claim if I am not on the deeds?

Yes, you can. In fact many TOLATA claims involve parties who are not named on the title deeds. This includes people who have contributed to the purchase price or the mortgage, those who have improved a property, or where there was a shared understanding that someone would have an ownership interest. The court can determine a party's share and, where appropriate, order the sale of the property. 

Can I use TOLATA to stop my ex selling the house?

Yes. Where you have a legal or beneficial interest in a property, you may be able to apply to the court under TOLATA to oppose or postpone a sale. However the court has a wide discretion and will balance the interests of all parties before deciding whether the property should be sold immediately, or retained and sold at a later date.

Can I force a sale of a property?

Yes. If you own a property jointly with someone else, or have a beneficial interest in a property, you may be able to apply to the court for an Order for Sale under TOLATA. This is often necessary when co-owners cannot agree on whether a property should be sold following a relationship breakdown, inheritance dispute or disagreement between family members. The court will consider all the circumstances before deciding whether a sale should take place. You can read an article by partner Naomi Ireson explaining how she succeeded in obtaining an Order for sale.

Case outcomes

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Featured insights

Useful reading from the team.

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TOLATA
Civil Disputes

TOLATA solicitors

Case study of another success our TOLATA solicitors have had. We have been independently ranked in the top 10 solicitors in the UK by the legal review website ReviewSolicitors. Contact…

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0333 888 0404 Free consultation