How long does a California partition action take?

Contested cases commonly run months to a year or more, though many resolve earlier by negotiated buyout once a credible action is on file. The filing itself frequently breaks a negotiation stalemate.

Can I recover for years of paying all the expenses myself?

Very possibly. Contribution claims for taxes, insurance, mortgage payments, and necessary repairs are a standard part of the partition accounting.

We inherited the property through a trust — does this still apply?

Disputes over property held in trust may run through the probate court and trust law rather than a standard partition action, but the underlying leverage dynamics are similar. Bring the trust documents to your consultation.

I live out of state. Do I need to come to California?

Rarely. Partition litigation over California property must be handled in California, but out-of-state owners can typically participate remotely for nearly everything.

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Commercial Real Estate Disputes

Forcing the Sale (or Buyout) of Co-Owned California Property: Partition Actions Explained

Any California co-owner can force a resolution — a buyout, a division, or a sale. How the process is run can swing the outcome by hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Co-owners of a California property meeting with a partition attorney over title documents

Category: Commercial Real Estate DisputesDracup & Patterson

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