Contested proceedings under TOLATA where Claimant’s contribution was work on the property.

Christopher acted for the Defendant in a case where a property was held in the Defendant’s sole name, having inherited it.

The Claimant made no contribution to the acquisition of the property and lived in it without paying any rent or making any contributions to the outgoings or for living costs. Significant work was done on the property by both parties, with the Claimant undertaking a larger share of the labour, and the Defendant paying for materials and also on some occasions for external tradespeople to do work.

Christopher successfully persuaded the court that the Claimant had not proved that there was any agreement or common intention that he was to have a beneficial interest in the property, and the Claimant’s case was dismissed.