Understanding Co-Ownership in Sonoma County
Our team of partition attorneys in Sonoma can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- Can heirs force the sale of property? Heirs can force the sale of real property in California once that property is distributed to them. However, sometimes, the property is still held in a trust where the trustee will sell the property. When there is no trust, the probate court may decide that the probate administrator will sell the property before it is distributed in fractional interests to the heirs.
- Can a partition action be stopped? Generally, a partition action cannot be stopped, but a defendant may be able to buy time to seek a resolution. Eventually, however, the plaintiff can generally force the sale of the property based on the absolute right to partition.
- 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.
- What are the different types of partition in California? Almost all partition actions are partition by sale, though partition in-kind allows the property to be divided, while a partition by appraisal allows the purchase by one-co-owner at an appraised value.
- 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.

Our Sebastopol Partition Attorneys Know Sonoma County
Sebastopol is a small city located in Sonoma County, California. It is situated in the heart of the Russian River Valley, and is known for its apple orchards, wineries, and natural beauty. The city is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, shops, and restaurants. It is also home to the annual Apple Blossom Festival, which celebrates the city’s agricultural heritage. Sebastopol is a great place to explore the outdoors, with numerous parks, trails, and open spaces. It is also a popular destination for cyclists, with miles of scenic roads and trails.
Sebastopol is a small community located in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 1887 by a group of settlers from Sebastopol, California, who were looking for a place to settle and farm. The community was named after the city of Sebastopol in Sonoma County, California. The settlers built a small church and a one-room schoolhouse, and the community grew slowly over the years. In the early 1900s, the community was home to a number of small farms and orchards, and the area was known for its production of citrus fruits, walnuts, and other crops. In the 1950s, the area began to experience rapid growth as the population of Los Angeles increased. Today, Sebastopol is a vibrant community with a diverse population and a variety of businesses and services.
Lau v. Lau – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Lau v. Lau, 2013 WL 4017015, B241939 (6-Aug-2013) , the partition issues revolved around the division of a family-owned property. The property was owned by the Lau family, and the dispute was between two siblings, the plaintiff and the defendant. The plaintiff sought to partition the property, while the defendant argued that the property should remain undivided. The court ultimately ruled in favor of the plaintiff, finding that the property should be partitioned. The court also ordered the defendant to pay the plaintiff’s attorney’s fees and costs. The court also ordered the parties to submit a plan for the partition of the property.
Contact an Experienced Partition Attorney in Sebastopol, 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 Sebastopol have years of experience ending co-ownership disputes in California and can help you unlock the equity in your Sonoma County property. For a free, 15-minute consultation with an experienced partition attorney at Partition Lawyer California, call (707) 777-6600 or fill out a contact form online.
Contact us Today for a Free Consultation with a Partition Attorney in Sebastopol, California
Our partition attorneys in Sebastopol also serve Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Forestville, Occidental, and Graton