Whilst property is jointly owned, generally speaking both parties are entitled to live there and so can enter and retain a key unless there is a Court Order (Injunction) in place determining who should live in the property and who can have access to it.

Generally, it is not usually possible to stop one party entering the house.

It is also inadvisable to change the locks as if the locks are changed, it will be necessary to offer the other party a key.

However, it is often the case that we can assist in negotiations so that only one person resides in the property during the difficult period surrounding relationship breakdown to allow the person living there some privacy.

This is one of the most common concerns for parties going through relationship breakdown. Housing is the priority for any Court, particularly the housing of children and the parent caring for any dependant children most of the time.

One of the first steps will be see whether financially that can be achieved but if there is insufficient income, taking into account the combined resources of both parents, then the family home may have to be sold.

When the Court are making decisions, it is made clear that both parties should disclose all of their assets. Solicitors advising parties will also explain that to them.