If you co-own real estate and find yourself disagreeing with the owner about what to do with the property, a Richmond partition lawyer could help you protect your interests. Property co-ownership disputes can become intensely stressful, especially when one party wants to sell but the other does not. An experienced civil litigation attorney could help you pursue a fair resolution through negotiation or court action.
At Ashwell & Ashwell, we handle partition actions involving inherited homes, investment properties, and jointly purchased residences. We understand the personal and financial issues involved and guide you through each step of the process with clarity and respect.
Under Virginia Code § 8.01-81, any co-owner of real estate may request a partition when owners cannot agree on how to divide or sell their shared property. These disputes often occur between former partners, family members who inherit property together, or business partners with differing plans. Courts generally prefer partition in kind when a physical division is practical. A sale is ordered only when a fair division cannot be made without harming the owners’ interests.
Under Virginia law, co-owners must also receive proceeds according to their legal share, and the court may adjust distributions to account for taxes, improvements, or unequal contributions.
There are generally two types of partition actions. A partition in kind divides the property among the owners, and a partition by sale involves selling the property and dividing the proceeds according to ownership shares.
Our legal team in Richmond could evaluate the property, the relationships among co-owners, and the feasibility of division before recommending which route best fits your situation. In many cases, a negotiated settlement could avoid litigation.
Disputes over property division are not just legal issues, they can also be deeply personal. We could assist you by:
When necessary, we collaborate with surveyors, appraisers, and real estate experts to accurately represent your ownership rights. By building a strong evidentiary record, our seasoned legal team in Richmond positions your case for a favorable resolution in breaking up jointly owned property, whether that means retaining your share, securing fair compensation, or achieving a clean division of assets.
Although partition actions are civil matters, disputes can occasionally give rise to criminal allegations such as trespass, destruction of property, or fraudulent transfer. For example, if one co-owner attempts to sell or lease the property without the other co-owner’s consent, it could result in both civil and criminal exposure.
Our Richmond attorneys understand property law, allowing us to identify potential risks early and develop strategies that protect your property division rights in every forum. By addressing both the civil and criminal aspects of these conflicts, we could help prevent a property dispute from escalating into broader legal jeopardy.
Not every partition case needs to go to trial. Many co-owners find that mediation provides a more private, cost-effective way to reach agreement. Through structured discussions facilitated by our attorneys, you and your co-owner could explore buyouts, refinancing arrangements, or sale terms that balance both your interests. When negotiations succeed, they often preserve relationships that litigation might otherwise damage.
We also recognize that emotions can be intense in disputes involving family properties or estates. We offer empathic, professional legal counsel to Richmond residents, helping you stay focused on the practical outcome of the partition while minimizing personal conflict.
If you are in dispute with a property co-owner, you do not have to manage the process alone. At Ashwell & Ashwell, we combine extensive courtroom experience with a practical understanding of state property and civil procedures to resolve partition cases efficiently and effectively. Contact us today to speak with a Richmond partition lawyer and discuss your options for protecting your investment. Our team is ready to help you take control of your property and proceed with confidence.
