Jointly Owned Property Issues in Chino Hills
Our team of partition attorneys in San Bernardino can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- 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.
- Are there methods to resolve a partition situation without a court-ordered sale? The vast majority of partitions are solved without a court-ordered sale. Many times, the defendant will buy out the plaintiff’s interest. Other times, the parties will agree to a voluntary sale on the open market. However, the filing of the partition action is generally what forces the defendant to see the wisdom of settlement. Under California’s Partition of Real Property Act, a defendant can buy out the interest of the plaintiff at an appraised value, meaning that a court-ordered sale is only likely occur where the defendant simply can’t afford to buy the property but still won’t agree to sell.
- How long will it take for the plaintiff to receive his or her share of the sales proceeds? Usually, the property is marketed for sale or purchased by the defendant in 3 to 6 months. If a referee is appointed, that may take 6 to 9 months. With proper drafting of an interlocutory judgment of partition by sale, the referee can be required to disburse the proceeds promptly at the close of escrow or shortly thereafter.
- What is California’s Partition of Real Property Act? Effective January 1, 2023, California’s new partition law allows defendants to buy out the interests of the plaintiff at an appraised value.
- How long does a partition action take in California?” Most partition actions are complete in 3 to 6 months because most cases settle in either a buyout or agreed sale. However, some cases can drag on for 6 to 12 months.

Our Chino Hills Partition Attorneys Know San Bernardino County
Chino Hills is a city located in the southwestern corner of San Bernardino County, California, United States. The city borders Los Angeles and Orange counties. Chino Hills is a part of the Chino Valley. Chino Hills is home to numerous parks, trails, and other recreational facilities. The city is known for its rolling hills, and is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Chino Hills is also home to the Vellano Country Club, a private golf course and country club. The city is served by the Chino Valley Unified School District, which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools. Chino Hills is a great place to live, work, and play.
Chino Hills, California is located in the southwestern corner of San Bernardino County, about 30 miles east of Los Angeles. The area was originally inhabited by the Tongva and Serrano Native American tribes. The first Europeans to settle in the area were the Spanish, who established the Rancho Santa Ana del Chino in 1841. The rancho was eventually divided into smaller parcels, and in the late 19th century, the area began to be developed for agriculture. In the 1960s, the area began to experience rapid growth as Los Angeles residents moved to the area in search of more affordable housing. The city of Chino Hills was incorporated in 1991, and today it is a thriving suburban community with a population of over 80,000. The city is known for its rolling hills, open spaces, and excellent schools.
Hunter v. Schultz – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Hunter v. Schultz, 240 Cal.App.2d 24 (1966), the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved a dispute between two co-owners of a parcel of real property. The plaintiff, Hunter, sought to partition the property, while the defendant, Schultz, argued that the property should not be partitioned. The court ultimately held that the property should be partitioned, but that the partition should be done in a manner that would not cause any damage to the property. The court also held that the partition should be done in a way that would not cause any unnecessary hardship to either of the co-owners.
Contact an Experienced Partition Attorney in Chino Hills, California
If you want to end your co-ownership relationship, but your co-owner disagrees, a partition action is your only option. Our experienced partition lawyers serving Chino Hills have years of experience ending co-ownership disputes in California and can help you unlock the equity in your San Bernardino County property. For a free, 15-minute consultation with an experienced partition attorney at Partition Lawyer California, call (909) 577-3300 or fill out a contact form online.
Contact us Today for a Free Consultation with a Partition Attorney in Chino Hills, California
Our partition attorneys in Chino Hills also serve Diamond Bar, Pomona, Yorba Linda, Brea, Anaheim Hills, Corona, Norco, Eastvale, Phillips Ranch, and Walnut