Traditionally it's been what's on the legal property ownership documents that's counted. But that may change..

Earlier today the Supreme Court passed a judgement relating to a couple who’d bought a house together, which could affect thousands more couples who own property together. In this case, the ex boyfriend wanted to claim a percentage of the increase in the property's value during the 14 years after they’d split up – when he’d made no payments to the mortgage. The court said that even though in law they owned the property 50:50, it shouldn't be divided like that.

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If you lose your job, want to start your own business or have your hours reduced it can put a strain on your finances and your relationship.

In the current economic climate, it’s not uncommon for one – or even both partners in a couple to lose their job, to have their hours reduced or to decide to go it alone. Change on this scale means that the financial habits you established when you got together may not work anymore. You may have different expectations about what you want from your money and have less (or more) cash to live on.

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The free complaints service, the Financial Ombudsman Service is highlighting problems with joint accounts and policies.

Reviewed 26th April 2011.

In the last few weeks I’ve had a number of emails from women whose relationship has split up and who want to know what this could mean for joint debts, accounts and insurance. It’s something that the Financial Ombudsman Service (the free consumer complaints service) is also highlighting in its latest report. It says that in some cases banks and insurers aren’t treating their customers fairly.

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