Updated on September 28, 2023
Does a partition and adverse possession action ever interplay with one another? How are they different, and how are they similar? In this blog, we’ll describe the interplay between adverse possession cases and partitions in the co-tenancy context.
A typical partition case involves two or more co-owners having a dispute about whether their co-owned property should be sold. Our clients frequently entrust us with helping them resolve these ownership disputes. Sometimes, however, we notice interesting facts in the case that allow us to seek more than our client’s share of ownership based on record title. This occurs when one owner may be able to show that they have adversely possessed their co-owner’s share of the property.
When this occurs, we look to an abundance of legal authorities that describe the interplay between partition cases and adverse possession in the co-tenancy context.
One case that we want to highlight is Zolezzi v. Michelis (1948) 86 Cal.App.2d 827, 832. In Zolezzi, the Court found adverse possession by one cotenant against the other even though the possessors offered to purchase the owner’s interest in the property. The court ruled that the acknowledgement of one co-tenant of the ownership of the co-tenant did not prevent the adverse possession claim. Specially, “Such an offer made by one in possession does not ‘impair the character of his possession.’” (Id. (emphasis added).) The Court also held that the possessors’ partition claim, which alleged they were co-owners with appellants, did not divest their title by adverse possession. (Id.) In other words, the Court found a cotenant had acquired the property by adverse possession against its cotenant despite a partition claim and an offer to purchase the other party’s interest in the property.
This is just one of many cases that helps support adverse possession in the co-tenancy context. At Schorr Law, our real estate attorneys have extensive experience, dealing with adverse possession in the co-tenancy and partition context. For help with your adverse possession or partition matter, call our Los Angeles Partition Lawyers to schedule a consult, or use our Contact Form to send us a message. You can also text us at (310) 706-2265
See related: Demanding an Accounting in a Partition Claim