v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SPECIALISTS v 29th October 2026 • The HERALD • Page 65 ASK A PROFESSIONAL Estate Matters: Joint Tenants or Tenants in Common by Kelly Dawkins, Head of Private Client at TMT Legal Services For many people, buying a property with a partner, family member or friend is one of life’s biggest milestones. Yet surprisingly few homeowners realise that the way they own their property can have a signi cant impact on what happens to it in the future. When two or more people own a property together, there are generally two options: Joint Tenants or Tenants in Common. Despite the similar names, they work very di erently. If you own your property as Joint Tenants, each owner has an equal interest in the whole property. If one owner dies, their share automatically passes to the surviving owner, regardless of what their Will says. is is known as the “right of survivorship”. For married couples and long-term partners, this arrangement is o en suitable as it provides a straightforward transfer of ownership. However, it may not always be the best option for everyone. With Tenants in Common, each owner holds a speci c share of the property. is could be 50/50, but it could also re ect di erent nancial contributions, such as 70/30 or 60/40. Importantly, when an owner passes away, their share forms part of their estate and can be le to bene ciaries through their Will. is option is o en used by unmarried couples, blended families, friends purchasing together, or those who want greater control over how their assets are inherited. Choosing the right ownership structure can help protect family interests and avoid complications later. For example, someone entering a second marriage may wish to ensure that their share of a property ultimately passes to their children while still providing for their spouse during their lifetime. Many homeowners are unsure how their property is currently owned and are surprised to learn that it can o en be changed if their circumstances have evolved. Life events such as marriage, divorce, receiving an inheritance, starting a family or purchasing a new home are all good opportunities to review both your property ownership arrangements and your Will. Taking the time to understand these important legal distinctions can provide peace of mind and help ensure your wishes are carried out exactly as intended. Whether you’re reviewing an existing Will, considering your estate planning options, or simply want to understand how your property ownership could a ect your loved ones, the team at TMT Legal Services is always happy to help. Contact them on: 0333 188 4758, enquiry@tmtlegalservices.co.uk, or by visiting one of its local o ces in Hythe, Chandler’s Ford or Bitterne Village. Visit: www.tmtlegalservices.co.uk for more information. Kelly Dawkins, Head of Private Client at TMT Legal Services NFBP Business Support Programme New Forest Business Partnership (NFBP) have a really useful programme of business support and networking events, open to everybody and aimed at providing training for local businesses across a variety of essential skills. e programme includes a mix of both online and in person events - and many of them are free of charge. New Forest Business Support Hour: Join in an informal one hour networking meeting. You do need to book your FREE place by 3pm on the day. You will then receive an email before the meeting starts with the Zoom meeting ID and password to enable you to join the meeting online. e next sessions are taking place on 3rd November, 11th November, 18th November and 25th November, 4pm–5pm. Other NFBP events: Lunch & Leads, 5th November, 12noon, at the new KASI restaurant in Brockenhurst, £24 members, £26 non-members. Professional Services Lunch, 10th November, 11.30am, at e Montagu Arms in Beaulieu, £69. Marketing Masterclass - Marketing on a Shoestring, 12th November, 11am at Lyndhurst Community Centre, members £25, non-members £30. Co ee and Connect, 18th November, 10am at Tools for Self Reliance in Netley Marsh, members £10, non-members £12. Business Breakfast for International Men’s Day, 19th November, 7.30am at Burley Manor, members £30, non-members £35. Visit: www.n p.org. uk
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