Understanding Co-Ownership in Kern County
Our team of partition attorneys in Kern 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.
- 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.
- Can a minority owner force the sale of a property? There is no requirement for a majority vote for partition. Rather, an co-owner of any interest in property can force the sale.
- What types of properties can be subject to a partition action in California? All co-owned real or personal property can be partitioned under California law. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 872.020.
- 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.

Our Tehachapi Partition Attorneys Know Kern County
Tehachapi is a city located in the Tehachapi Mountains in Kern County, California. It is approximately 40 miles (64 km) east-southeast of Bakersfield, at an elevation of 3,970 feet (1,210 m). The population was 14,414 at the 2010 census, up from 10,957 at the 2000 census. Tehachapi is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including camping, hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. The city is also known for its wind farms, which are visible from many parts of the city. The Tehachapi Loop, a popular train route, is located nearby. The city is served by the Tehachapi Unified School District.
The Tehachapi area was first inhabited by the Kawaiisu Native American tribe. The first Europeans to explore the area were Spanish missionaries in the late 1700s. In 1854, the first settlers arrived in the area, led by Thomas Baker. The town of Tehachapi was founded in 1876 and the first post office was established in 1877. The town grew quickly, becoming a major stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad. In the early 1900s, the Tehachapi Loop was built, allowing trains to climb the steep grade of the Tehachapi Mountains. The area also became known for its apple and walnut orchards. In the 1950s, the area began to experience rapid growth as people moved to the area for its mild climate and scenic beauty. Today, Tehachapi is a thriving community with a population of over 14,000.
Ralston v. Dumouchel – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Ralston v. Dumouchel, 2014 WL 4828226, G049241 (30-Sep-2014) , the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The parties had inherited a property from their father, and the court was tasked with determining how to divide the property between them. The court found that the property was not capable of being divided in kind, and thus, the court ordered a partition by sale. The court also found that the parties had failed to agree on a partition plan, and thus, the court appointed a referee to oversee the sale of the property. The court also ordered that the proceeds of the sale be divided equally between the parties.
Contact an Experienced Partition Attorney in Tehachapi, 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 Tehachapi have years of experience ending co-ownership disputes in California and can help you unlock the equity in your Kern County property. For a free, 15-minute consultation with a knowledgeable partition attorney at Partition Lawyer California, call (661) 999-3300 or fill out a contact form online.
Contact us Today for a Free Consultation with a Partition Attorney in Tehachapi, California
Our partition attorneys in Tehachapi also serve Bakersfield, Lancaster, Palmdale, Mojave, Rosamond, California City, Golden Hills, Bear Valley Springs, Stallion Springs, Oak Knolls, Sand Canyon, and Cummings Valley