Co-Ownership Disputes
Our team of partition attorneys in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- What is a partition action and when is it necessary?
- How to force the sale of jointly owned property? A partition action is the only statutory method to ensure the end of the co-ownership dispute.
- How long will it take to get the property partitioned and sold? Most commonly, 3 to 6 months is all that it takes for the defendant to agree to a sale or buyout the plaintiff’s interest in the property for a fair value. Some cases may take 6 to 12 months.
- Can you lose interest in a jointly owned home by moving out? Generally, co-owners maintain their ownership interests regardless of whether they live at the property. However, in rare cases, leaving the property for many years without paying taxes or other expenses may allow the co-owners in possession to argue that they have adversely possessed the property. Generally, these co-ownership disputes do not get easier with time, so it is important to act promptly.
- What is a partition referee? A partition referee is a neutral third party, often times a lawyer or real estate broker, who completes the sale for the co-owners under court authority. The referee is then paid for their services either on an hourly, flat fee, or commission basis, and is relieved by the court of their duties in the case.

Our Central Coast Partition Attorneys Know San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County
The Central Coast of California is a region located between San Francisco and Los Angeles. It is known for its stunning coastline, rolling hills, and picturesque vineyards. The area is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Big Sur, Pismo Beach, and Santa Cruz. The region is also known for its wine country, with many wineries and tasting rooms located throughout the area. The Central Coast is a popular destination for tourists, offering a variety of activities such as whale watching, surfing, and hiking. The area is also home to a number of quaint towns and villages, making it a great place to explore and relax.
Siron v. Valdez – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Siron v. Valdez, 2006 WL 3579709, B186158 (11-Dec-2006), the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved a dispute between two siblings over the ownership of a family home. The siblings had inherited the home from their parents, and the siblings had agreed to partition the home, with one sibling taking the upstairs portion and the other taking the downstairs portion. However, the siblings had failed to execute a written agreement to formalize the partition. The dispute arose when one of the siblings attempted to sell the entire home without the consent of the other sibling. The court ultimately held that the siblings had agreed to a partition of the home, and that the partition was enforceable even without a written agreement. The court also held that the partition was valid and that the sibling attempting to sell the entire home was not entitled to do so without the consent of the other sibling.
Contact an Experienced Partition Attorney in Central Coast, California
If you want to end your co-ownership relationship, but your co-owner won’t agree, a partition action is your only option. Our experienced partition lawyers serving have years of experience ending co-ownership disputes in California and can help you unlock the equity in your San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County property. For a free, 15-minute consultation with a knowledgeable partition attorney at Partition Lawyer California, call (831) 999-9900 or fill out a contact form online.