When Your Co-Owner Won’t Sell: Your Options in California

September 10, 2025 | By Amiel Wade
When Your Co-Owner Won’t Sell: Your Options in California

Disagreements between property co-owners are common—especially when one wants to sell and the other refuses. California law provides a clear path: a partition action. In a partition case, a court can order either: a sale with proceeds divided fairly, or a physical split of the property when feasible. Acting early helps control carrying costs, protect equity, and keep negotiations on track. Before filing, it’s important to understand the financial and legal implications of partition. Co-owners may face questions about mortgage responsibility, upkeep costs, or how improvements made by one party affect the division of proceeds. Getting clear guidance early can help you prepare and strengthen your position. Wade Litigation advises co-owners on strategy, notices, negotiations, and, when needed, filing and managing partition actions through settlement or sale. If you’re stuck with a co-owner stalemate, we can help you move forward.

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Amiel Wade

Founder and Managing Partner

Amiel is the firm’s Founder, President and Managing Partner. He specializes in civil litigation, conducting jury trials in complex cases and in helping individuals and businesses in every phase of their development. He has been practicing law for over twenty-five years. He also has served as both a judge pro tem and an arbitrator for the Santa Clara County Superior Court, and has guest lectured at Stanford University.

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