For nearly a decade, I have been trapped in a joint mortgage with my ex-husband who has not contributed a single penny towards the payments since 2014. During that time, I was not only shouldering the financial burden on my own but also raising my child as a single parent. Despite my countless attempts to communicate and resolve this matter amicably, he chose silence. Now, after years, he re-emerges demanding 50% of the property — his supposed right. This is not just unfair; it is unjust.

The current system shackles individuals to a binding financial obligation even when their partner abandons them or refuses to cooperate. The Joint Mortgage Justice Campaign seeks to change this narrative. We are calling for a fair, transparent, and independent process that considers varied personal circumstances to facilitate the financial separation of individuals following a relationship breakdown.

Lenders, regulators, and the government need to implement a more comprehensive approach when dealing with joint mortgages. This approach should assess:

1. **Payment History** - Recognize the contribution of each partner and ensure that the payment history reflects the true picture of who has been financially responsible.

2. **Affordability** - Consider the capability of individuals to maintain mortgage payments on their own without being financially drained.

3. **Property Maintenance** - Acknowledge the effort of the person maintaining and improving the property.

Statistics indicate that the number of people trapped in a similar situation is on the rise, often leading to severe financial and emotional distress. According to recent research, approximately 200,000 joint mortgage holders find themselves in financial limbo after a relationship ends in the UK alone. This is unacceptable and calls for immediate action.

A reformed system will ensure justice by enabling fair distribution of assets and responsibilities, aligned with individual circumstances rather than rigid legal stipulations. It is high time we reshape the existing framework to aid those who are unjustly ensnared in these financial entanglements.

Real people are suffering due to outdated financial practices, and we urge you to stand with us in demanding change. Sign this petition to end the injustice of joint mortgage entrapment, and help create a process that truly serves the needs of individuals and families alike.