Common reasons for property transfers

Following a death

If a property owner has passed away, the steps required depend on how the property was owned - either as joint tenants or tenants in common.

We will

Review the ownership structure
Advise on the correct legal process
Work with our in-house Probate and Trusts team to support you and your family during this difficult time

After separation or divorce

If you’re transferring a property into one person’s name, it’s important to get the right legal advice - especially if the transfer is part of a financial settlement.

We will

Work closely with our Family Law team to protect your interests
Advise on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) implications
Liaise with mortgage lenders and manage third-party involvement

Adding a joint owner

You may wish to add a partner or family member to your property title. We’ll help you understand:

The difference between joint tenants and tenants in common
Potential implications for bankruptcy, care fees, and inheritance
Whether Stamp Duty Land Tax applies

We’ll also liaise with your mortgage lender and ensure the process is handled efficiently.

Transferring property to children

As part of your estate planning, you may wish to transfer your property to your children. This can be a complex decision, with implications for:

Inheritance Tax
Care home fees
Future claims or disputes

Why Choose Porter Dodson?

Specialist legal support for all types of mortgage and remortgage transactions

Clear communication and practical advice throughout

Joined-up service if your remortgage involves a transfer of ownership

Local knowledge, national reach – with offices across Somerset, Dorset and Devon, and remote support available wherever you are

A complete and professional service, felt very looked after by Bryony who guided me through my first experience using a law firm! Definitely money well spent.

Hannah

We were very pleased with the service we received from Bethany. She worked so hard and diligently to ensure that our purchase was completed, communicating with us throughout. Bethany dealt with everything calmly and professionally, and all within the very reasonable set fee originally agreed. We would highly recommend Porter Dodson to anyone, and would definitely use them again.

Neal & Catherine

We were directed to Porter Dodson in Bridport as an efficient and effective solicitor to deal with our flat purchase in Lyme Regis. They did not let us down. Amy Bishop and Steve Dunkerton were nothing short of amazing! It took 16 weeks from offer to completion. Both were communicative and always available for my sometimes pointless questions. I cannot rate these guys high enough. I will be recommending Porter Dodson at Bridport solely on the expertise of Amy and Steve. Thank you both so much.

Paul & Suzie