Riverside County Partition Referee: Resolving Property Co-Ownership Disputes Across the Inland Empire

Attorney Matthew Taylor Disagreements between co-owners of real estate in Riverside, whether it’s siblings disputing an inherited home in Wood Streets, former partners dividing a duplex in Arlington, or business co-owners splitting a commercial property in La Sierra, can escalate quickly into complex legal standoffs.

When co-owners can’t agree on how to manage, sell, or divide real estate, California law offers a solution: a partition action, a court-ordered process that ensures the fair treatment of all parties involved.

What Is a Partition Action in California?

A partition action is a court-supervised process that allows any co-owner of real estate to legally force either the division or sale of the property. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 872.210, any co-owner, whether in Canyon Crest, Downtown Riverside, or Orangecrest, can initiate this process unless they’ve specifically waived that right.

In Riverside, partition actions are generally filed in the Riverside County Superior Court – Historic Courthouse, located at 4050 Main Street, just steps from Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Riverside City Hall, and the Riverside County Law Library.

Properties Handled by Matthew Taylor in Alameda

Types of Partition Actions in Riverside

There are three main types of partition under California law:

Partition in Kind
This type involves physically dividing the property among the owners. It is most practical for undeveloped land, such as parcels in Lake Mathews, Jurupa Valley, or Mead Valley.
(CCP § 872.810)
Partition by Sale
The property is sold on the open market, and the net proceeds are divided among the owners. This is the most common outcome for properties in populated areas like Riverside Plaza, Moreno Valley, and Corona.
(CCP § 872.820)
Partition by Appraisal
Under this newer method, one or more co-owners may buy out the others at a fair market value, avoiding a full sale. This method was added by the Partition of Real Property Act (CCP §§ 874.310–874.323) in 2022 and can often reduce conflict and speed up resolution.

The Two Phases of a Partition Action

1. Ownership & Sale Determination

The court reviews the title, financial documents, and contribution records to confirm who owns what percentage. The court then decides whether the property should be sold or physically divided. A Riverside Partition Referee may be appointed to assist with valuations, logistics, or sale execution.

2. Accounting & Distribution of Proceeds

If the court orders a sale, the proceeds are distributed based on each co-owner’s legal share, adjusted for factors such as:

Unequal mortgage payments or taxes
Property maintenance or improvements
One co-owner’s exclusive use or receipt of rental income

These adjustments are guided by CCP § 873.850 and legal precedent such as Milian v. De Leon (1986) 181 Cal.App.3d 1185.

What Does a Riverside Partition Referee Do?

A Riverside Partition Referee is a neutral third party appointed by the court to ensure the property is divided or sold in a fair and legal manner. The referee is not paid by the individual co-owners, but from the proceeds of the property sale, upon court approval.

In a Partition by Sale:

The referee performs duties such as:

Hiring a Riverside-based real estate agent
Setting a competitive market price for the property (e.g., a craftsman home near Victoria Avenue, or a rental in University Neighborhood)
Managing the offer and negotiation process
Signing all necessary documents on behalf of unwilling or absent co-owners

In a Partition in Kind:

The referee helps execute a physical division of the property, ensuring compliance with zoning regulations and city planning rules, especially for rural or agricultural plots in Perris or Blythe.

Additional Responsibilities:

Evaluating reimbursement claims between co-owners
Investigating liens through the Riverside County Recorder’s Office
Making recommendations to the court based on equity and case facts

Whether you’re dealing with a residential dispute in Eastside, a vacation home in Idyllwild, or farmland near Temecula, a Partition Referee ensures the process stays on track, even when co-owners are uncooperative or unavailable.

Why Choose Matthew Taylor as Your Riverside Partition Referee?

Matthew Taylor is a respected California attorney and licensed real estate broker with more than 30 years of experience handling partition matters across Southern California. His work includes residential, commercial, and agricultural properties in Riverside County and beyond.

He has resolved partition cases involving properties near UC Riverside, large homes in Mission Grove, and investment properties in Norco. Matthew is known for his ability to guide contentious co-owners toward efficient, court-compliant outcomes, whether that means sale, division, or buyout.

With deep knowledge of California partition law and hands-on real estate experience, Matthew Taylor brings the clarity, neutrality, and legal knowledge needed to move your case forward.

Get Trusted Partition Help in Riverside

If you’re in a co-ownership dispute over property and don’t know what to do next, call Riverside Partition Referee Matthew Taylor today at 909-989-7774. He’ll walk you through your options and ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.

We assist clients throughout Riverside County, including Moreno Valley, Corona, Murrieta, Temecula, Jurupa Valley, Menifee, Indio, Banning, Palm Desert, Coachella, Cathedral City, and beyond.

Contact us now to schedule your consultation and resolve your partition case the right way.

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909-989-7774