Co-Ownership Disputes
Our team of partition attorneys in Riverside and San Bernardino can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- What happens to any debts or liens on the property during a partition action? Secured debts are paid from the sale of the property. Secured lenders named in a partition action are generally dismissed with an agreement to pay the mortgage at the time of the sale.
- What is the average cost of a partition action? The usual cost for a partition action is about $8,000 to $12,000, depending on the complexity. Some cases settle quickly after the defendant receives the partition complaint, while others can drag on longer if there are more complex issues or delay tactics by the defendant.
- 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 to expect in a California partition action? Partition actions necessarily resolve the conflict between co-owners through an expedited statutory process. A capable partition attorney will assist in expediting the process and producing the most favorable outcome.
- Can a partition action be stopped or dismissed in California? The truth is that there are very few affirmative defenses in a partition action, and those defenses are rarely applied by courts in California.

Our Inland Empire Partition Attorneys Know Riverside and San Bernardino County
The Inland Empire is a region in Southern California that encompasses the counties of Riverside and San Bernardino. It is the 12th most populous metropolitan area in the United States, with over 4.5 million people. The Inland Empire is known for its diverse culture, beautiful scenery, and vibrant economy. It is home to many major cities, including Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, and Fontana. The region is also home to several universities, including the University of California, Riverside, California State University, San Bernardino, and the University of Redlands. The Inland Empire is a great place to live, work, and play, with plenty of outdoor activities, shopping, and entertainment.
Howerton v. Izant – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Howerton v. Izant, 2006 WL 1727336, C049110 (23-Jun-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 dispute arose when one sibling wanted to sell the home and the other wanted to keep it. The court had to decide whether the siblings should be allowed to partition the home, meaning that each sibling would receive a portion of the home. The court ultimately ruled that the siblings could not partition the home, as it would be too difficult to divide the home in a fair and equitable manner. The court also noted that the siblings had not been able to come to an agreement on how to divide the home, and that the court would not be able to do so either.
Contact an Experienced Partition Attorney in Inland Empire, California
If you want to end your co-ownership relationship, but your co-owner refuses, 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 Riverside and 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.