My ex won't sign the transfer deeds without the sum we agreed in the bank

[rupertt79]

Can anyone offer advice? I am buying my ex out of the flat we own together and we have agreed a sum of money between us, however she is saying that she won't sign the title deeds or any other legal paperwork, like the paperwork to come off the joint mortgage, until she has the sum we agreed on in her bank account. What are the legal rules around this? Whilst I don't think she would run off with the money and not sign the paperwork, I am a bit wary and am not sure this is right?

[ummmm]

I don't blame her. If she signs before it's sold then it is effectively your house.

[loonytunes]

That's what solicitors are for, to ensure no body runs off with the cash beofre it's all sorted. Why aren't you using one?

[Barmaid]

Easiest way is to instruct a solicitor. You pay the money to him to hold to your order on account to be released to her on signature of the Deeds. He gives an undertaking to you that he will not release the £ until you have the signed docs, and an undertaking to her that it will be released to her on her signature. No different from completion on any other house purchase.