2nd April 2026 • The HERALD • Page 77 v INDEPENDENT, LOCAL AND PROUD v ASK A PROFESSIONAL Understanding Declarations of Trust When Buying Property Together by Kelly Dawkins, Head of Private Client at TMT Legal Services Buying a home with a partner, friend or family member is an exciting step, but it can raise questions about how ownership should be shared. A declaration of trust is a simple and e ective way to make sure everyone’s contributions are recognised and that expectations are clear from the start. In this article, which is part of our demystifying legal matters series, Kelly explains what the document does, how it works, and what happens if you later get married. A declaration of trust is a legally binding document that sets out each owner’s share in a property and records how much each person has contributed. It also explains how the proceeds should be divided if the property is ever sold. Once signed, witnessed and completed as a deed, it sits alongside the property title at HM Land Registry and can be relied upon if a dispute arises in the future. e document is commonly used by couples, relatives or friends buying together, or where one person is contributing more than the other. It o ers reassurance and transparency, helping to avoid disagreements later on. Many people wonder what happens to a declaration of trust if they go on to get married. e good news is that it remains valid and continues to re ect the ownership shares agreed at the time. However, marriage brings the property within the scope of family law. In the event of divorce, the Family Court can divide assets fairly between both spouses, and while it will take the declaration into account, it is not obliged to follow it if doing so would be unfair. If you’re buying a property and would like to know more about how a declaration of trust can protect you, TMT Legal Services can help. Pop into one of our o ces in Hythe, Chandlers Ford or Bitterne Village for clear, practical advice; call us on: 0333 188 4758, or visit: www.tmtlegalservices. co.uk for more information. Kelly Dawkins, Head of Private Client at TMT Legal Services Colleagues Take On Triathlon Challenge For Local Children’s Charity Three teams from the Southampton o ce of UK top 10 accountancy rm Azets took part in a gruelling physical challenge to raise vital funds for a regional charity supporting children with complex disabilities. Colleagues Chris Tate, Michael Wesley, Andrew Perkinson, Rohit Ghai, Harry Soper, Daniel Boh, Sophie Baxter-Clark and Ruby O’Mahoney participated in the Annual Corporate Team Triathlon in aid of the long-established Rose Road Association. Between them they had to swim 400 metres in an outdoor pool, cycle 15km on a static bike and run 4km on a treadmill at the David Lloyd Leisure Centre in Lordshill. e day of tness, friendly competition, team building, and networking led to a total of £2,755 being raised for the charity through the 16 teams taking part. Sadly, the Azets teams didn’t challenge the winning time of just over 39 minutes, but did nish in respectable 7th, 12th and 14th positions. Chris Tate, Insolvency & Restructuring Partner, said: “It was pretty hard work for all of us taking part but we knew we were raising funds for a fantastic charity that does so much for deserving children in the wider Southampton area. We focussed on what we had to achieve to complete the swimming, cycling and running and who it would help and that too spurred us on to push through until the end was in sight.” Southampton-based Rose Road is a charity that provides a range of care services, including overnight short breaks, onsite and o site outreach and day services, and telephone SEN advice services, for children and young people with complex disabilities and their families, across Southampton and surrounding areas. Chief Executive O cer Steve Swi said: “It was a brilliant effort by Azets and all the teams who took part in the corporate triathlon challenge. Our participants’ energy, determination and team spirit made the event truly special. We are extremely grateful to every business who partners with Rose Road, helping make a positive difference to the lives of the disabled children and young people we support.”
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