Modesto Co-Ownership Disputes
Our team of partition attorneys in Stanislaus can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- 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.
- How will the property be divided if a partition action is successful? In most partition actions, the property will be sold, rather than being divided. If the property is eligible for partition in-kind, the court can appoint a referee to prepare a report on dividing the property in a manner that does not damage the value of the fractional interests.
- When is a partition action right for my dispute? Generally, parties who can reach their own resolution of a co-ownership dispute are not reading websites about partition law. If you are reading this article, chances are that your co-ownership dispute has reached a level where legal options are being considered. Filing a partition action will bring about a certain result to the co-ownership dispute, rather than letting it linger for years on end. However, if the parties are very close to a settlement, it may be wise to consider a resolution.
- Can I be forced into selling a jointly owned house? Under California’s Partition of Real Property Act, a co-owner will have a right to buyout the property. However, absent a buy out at the appraised price, a plaintiff will likely be able to force the sale of a jointly owned house.
- How will the court in a California partition action determine how much each co-owner will receive from the sales proceeds? Generally, each co-owner will receive their fractional interest in the proceeds of sale based on their ownership interests. However, this amount can be enhanced or diminished by partition offsets whereby one co-owner paid more than their fractional interest for property expenses.

Our Modesto Partition Attorneys Know Stanislaus County
Modesto is a city located in the Central Valley of California, approximately 90 miles east of San Francisco. It is the county seat of Stanislaus County and the 18th largest city in the state. The city is known for its agricultural production, particularly almonds, walnuts, and wine grapes. Modesto is also home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, with a variety of museums, galleries, and performing arts venues. The city is also home to a number of parks and recreational areas, including the McHenry Mansion, the Modesto Reservoir, and the Tuolumne River Regional Park.
The history of Modesto, California dates back to the mid-1800s when it was founded by William C. Ralston, a banker and real estate developer. The city was named after Ralston’s friend, William Chapman Modesto. The city was incorporated in 1884 and quickly became a major agricultural center in the Central Valley. In the early 1900s, Modesto was known as the “Celery Capital of the World” due to its large celery production. In the 1920s, Modesto experienced a population boom due to the oil industry. The city was also a major hub for the railroad industry, and the city’s downtown area was transformed into a bustling commercial center. In the 1950s, Modesto was the site of the first drive-in theater in the United States. The city also became a major center for the automotive industry, with several car dealerships and auto parts stores opening in the area. Today, Modesto is a vibrant city with a population of over 200,000. The city is home to several major employers, including E&J Gallo Winery, Foster Farms, and Blue Diamond Growers. Modesto is also home to several cultural attractions, including the McHenry Mansion, the Gallo Center for the Arts, and the Modesto Arch.
Carlson v. Sullivan – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Carlson v. Sullivan, 146 F. 476 (1906), the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved a dispute between two siblings over the partition of their father’s estate. The siblings had inherited the estate from their father, who had died without a will. The siblings disagreed on how the estate should be divided, and the court was asked to decide the issue. The court held that the estate should be divided according to the laws of the state in which the estate was located. The court also held that the siblings should be allowed to partition the estate in whatever manner they saw fit, provided that it was done in a fair and equitable manner. The court also held that the siblings should be allowed to agree on a partition of the estate without the court’s intervention.
Contact an Experienced Partition Attorney in Modesto, 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 Modesto have years of experience ending co-ownership disputes in California and can help you unlock the equity in your Stanislaus County property. For a free, 15-minute consultation with an experienced partition attorney at Partition Lawyer California, call (209) 600-7700 or fill out a contact form online.
Contact us Today for a Free Consultation with a Partition Attorney in Modesto, California
Our partition attorneys in Modesto also serve Turlock, Ceres, Riverbank, Oakdale, Escalon, Ripon, Salida, Hughson, and more