The Law Society and Land Registry have today published a new joint practice note in relation to joint property ownership.
The note follows recent court decisions which have highlighted the need for joint home buyers to properly define and record their respective interests in the property. A new Land Registry form (Form JO) provides an effective way for conveyancers to record clients' intentions.
Jonathan Smithers, chairman of the Law Society's Conveyancing and Land Law Committee, said:
'I am pleased that the Law Society and Land Registry have worked together to provide detailed and up to date advice to solicitors practising in what is a complicated area of the law. The note will direct solicitors to the practical implications of statements made in recent cases so that their clients can continue to receive the best advice possible."
Alasdair Lewis, director of Legal Services at Land Registry said:
'In addition to our collaboration on the joint practice note, Land Registry has recently introduced a new voluntary form as an alternative means for joint owners to declare their interests, or to provide details of an existing separate declaration of trust, at the time when they acquire the property.'
Ends
Notes to editors
View the practice note
View the Land Registry JO form
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Press contact: Graham Capper, The Law Society, +44 (0)20 7320 5811