Looking for help in your family court proceedings?Bridge The Gap is a free, community-built guide to UK family court, written by litigants and McKenzie Friends, for litigants. Real observations, plain English, and people who can help.
This content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
Who paid the deposit and mortgage is a contribution, but it does not determine ownership in financial remedy proceedings. The family home is a matrimonial asset regardless of who paid for it, and the court divides it according to fairness and needs — not according to who wrote the cheques. Contribution is one factor among many; the needs of any children and both parties come first.
This insight was contributed by someone who has been through the family court system. Bridge The Gap is deeply grateful to everyone who shares their experience — your honesty helps bridge the gap for the next person still in it.
Download the card and post it on Facebook, LinkedIn, or wherever you're active. Every share helps another litigant find this before their hearing.

Bridge The Gap
He paid the deposit? It's still a matrimonial asset.
Because one spouse paid the deposit and the mortgage, the family home belongs to them.
Reality
Who paid the deposit and mortgage is a contribution, but it does not determine ownership in financial remedy proceedings.
familycourtbridge.org • #bridgethegap
Navigating court alone?
A McKenzie Friend can help you make sense of this in the context of your own case.
Find your supportWe use essential cookies to keep you signed in and remember this choice. If you allow it, we also use Google Analytics to learn which pages help people most. Read our Privacy Policy.