Stack v Dowden [2007] UKHL 17

Written By Nicolas Heyes

Court: House of Lords

Basic Facts:

  • Parties: S (Claimant), D (Defendant).

  • Context: Dispute over property ownership after relationship breakdown.

Issue for the Court: When does ownership change based on relationship contributions?

Held: The House of Lords emphasized that in cohabitation cases, the starting point for property ownership is equal shares, but the presumption can be rebutted by evidence of a contrary intention.

Lord Hope

  • Contribution Assessment: Contributions to property ownership are assessed in the context of relationship dynamics and mutual intentions.

Nicolas Heyes
Previous

Tinsley v Milligan [1994] 1 AC 340
Next

Pritchard v Briggs [2002] 1 P & C.R. 12