Sonoma County Partition Referee: Guiding Property Co-Owners Toward Resolution

Whether you’re facing a disagreement over an inherited vineyard estate near Dry Creek Road, dividing a duplex in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square, or resolving a business dispute involving investment property in Petaluma, real estate co-ownership conflicts in Sonoma County can escalate quickly, emotionally and financially.

When co-owners can’t reach an agreement, California law offers a clear path forward: a partition action, a legal process that allows the fair division or sale of jointly owned real estate.

What Is a Partition Action in California?

A partition action is a court-supervised legal remedy that empowers any co-owner of real property to request the division or sale of the asset. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 872.210, every co-owner in Sonoma, Healdsburg, Rohnert Park, or elsewhere in the county has the right to initiate a partition unless they’ve previously waived that right in a legal agreement.

Partition actions in Sonoma are typically filed with the Superior Court of California – County of Sonoma, located at 3055 Cleveland Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, just off US-101 and near the Sonoma County Recorder’s Office and County Administration Center.

Types of Partition Actions in Sonoma County

California law provides three main types of partition:

• Partition in Kind
  The property is physically divided among the owners. This is most feasible for larger or undeveloped properties in areas like Sebastopol, Occidental, or Sonoma Valley.
  (CCP § 872.810)
• Partition by Sale
  The property is sold on the open market, and the proceeds are equitably distributed among the co-owners. This is the most common outcome in developed neighborhoods, such as Windsor, Cloverdale, or East Santa Rosa.
  (CCP § 872.820)
• Partition by Appraisal
  One or more owners buy out the others based on appraised value. Governed by the Partition of Real Property Act (CCP §§ 874.310–874.323), this method offers a private resolution and is often used to preserve family estates or business holdings.

The Two Phases of a Partition Action

1. Determining Ownership and Sale Method

The court first establishes each co-owner’s ownership interest. Then, it determines whether to divide the property or sell it. During this phase, the court may appoint a Sonoma Partition Referee to assist in assessing the property, managing disagreements, or overseeing the division.

2. Accounting and Distribution of Proceeds

If the court orders a sale, the net proceeds are distributed fairly, with adjustments for:

• Unequal mortgage, tax, or insurance contributions
  
• Renovation and maintenance costs
  
• Rental income or exclusive occupancy by one party

These financial considerations are addressed under CCP § 873.850 and informed by case law such as Milian v. De Leon (1986) 181 Cal.App.3d 1185.

What Does a Sonoma Partition Referee Do?

A Partition Referee is a court-appointed neutral party responsible for executing the court’s order to divide or sell the property. The referee is not paid directly by either co-owner but receives compensation from the sale proceeds, pending court approval.

In a Partition by Sale:

The Sonoma Partition Referee may:

• Hire a real estate agent with expertise in Sonoma’s housing and vineyard markets, from Fountaingrove to Sonoma Plaza
  
• Set an appropriate listing price
  
• Manage marketing, offers, negotiations, and escrow
  
• Sign contracts on behalf of absent or non-cooperative co-owners
  

In a Partition in Kind:

The referee oversees physical division of properties, particularly larger agricultural parcels near Glen Ellen, Forestville, or Kenwood, while ensuring compliance with Sonoma County zoning regulations.

Additional Duties:

• Review reimbursement and credit claims
  
• Investigate title issues and liens filed with the Sonoma County Recorder’s Office
  
• Provide fair and impartial recommendations to the court

Whether it’s a hillside vineyard estate, a Craftsman home in Bennett Valley, or a commercial property on 4th Street, a Partition Referee ensures the process is executed properly and equitably.

Why Choose Matthew Taylor as Your Sonoma Partition Referee?

Matthew Taylor is both a California attorney and licensed real estate broker with over 30 years of experience helping clients resolve complex co-ownership disputes through partition actions. He has handled matters involving residential, commercial, and rural properties, including vineyard land and luxury estates in Northern California.

Matthew’s approach is informed, neutral, and efficient. He understands Sonoma’s unique blend of agricultural zoning, family legacies, and high-value real estate. Whether you’re dividing a generational estate in Sonoma Valley or a multi-unit rental in Roseland, Matthew Taylor brings clarity and legal confidence to your case.

Get Trusted Partition Help in Sonoma County

If you’re involved in a real estate dispute and need a trusted professional to guide you through your options, call Sonoma Partition Referee Matthew Taylor today at 909-989-7774. He will help you take the next step toward resolution, legally, fairly, and efficiently.

We proudly serve clients throughout Sonoma County, including Santa Rosa, Sonoma, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Windsor, Healdsburg, Cloverdale, Sebastopol, and beyond.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and move your partition action forward with confidence.