removing partners name from joint property

[marguerita]

I purchased my property 5 years ago.When i met my partner we remortgaged about 3 years ago and put this in joint names. He has now left me and says he dosn't want anything from the house. I want to get this signed back to me as I have to think about remortgaging as I can no longer afford this on my own and have debts to pay which I can't get a loan secured on the property as it's still in joint names. I have around �100,000 equity in the property and may have to think about moving.

[Maud]

You need to change the Entry on the Land Register also, and from recent correspondence with me here on Answerbank it seems that mortgage lenders now insist upon doing this together with their own work when doing as you propose. You must therefore speak to your existing lender, or a new lender if you are going to change. It is a simple job involving a few forms and a charge of around �200 + VAT seems to be standard.

Your proposal is regarded as a gift to you by your ex, and he will therefore have to sign some of the forms. It seems also that some lenders insist upon an ex appointing their own solicitor in the matter, so be prepared for this.