Pittsburgh Partition Lawyer

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Resolving co-owner disputes through structured court action and asset protection strategy

When two or more people own real estate and cannot agree what to do with it, the law provides a remedy. A partition action allows the Court of Common Pleas to order division or sale of the property and distribute proceeds according to ownership rights.

At Lebovitz & Lebovitz, P.A., we represent co-owners in partition disputes throughout Allegheny County and Western Pennsylvania. These cases often involve inherited property, former partners, unmarried couples, business associates, or estranged family members. Our approach is structured, procedural, and focused on protecting the underlying asset.

What Is a Partition Action in Pennsylvania

A partition action is a formal civil proceeding filed in the Court of Common Pleas requesting that jointly owned real estate be divided or sold. If physical division is not practical, the court may order sale of the property and distribution of proceeds after payment of liens, expenses, and adjustments.

Partition is not emotional litigation. It is an asset proceeding. The court examines title, ownership percentages, contributions, expenses, and equitable claims before final distribution.

Partition actions are a form of real estate litigation used to resolve co-owner deadlock and protect the underlying asset when voluntary agreement fails.

Common Situations Leading to Partition

• Inherited property owned by siblings who cannot agree whether to sell or keep the home
• Unmarried couples who jointly purchased property and later separated
• Business partners holding real estate through tenancy in common
• Estranged family members disputing control of a residence
• Properties subject to life estate or complex title arrangements

Partition frequently intersects with Real Estate Law and
Estate and Probate matters. Title mechanics, prior conveyances, life estates, and contribution claims must be analyzed carefully before filing.

Is Court Filing Always Necessary

Not always. In many cases, structured negotiation and buyout discussions resolve the dispute once legal exposure is clear. A co-owner may purchase the other’s interest, or the property may be privately listed for sale with agreed distribution terms.

When voluntary agreement fails, formal filing provides leverage and procedural clarity. The court can supervise valuation, appoint a master, resolve accounting disputes, and order sale when necessary.

When No One Agrees

If deadlock persists, a partition complaint may be filed requesting judicial intervention. The court may:

• Determine ownership percentages
• Address contribution and reimbursement claims
• Appoint a master or order sale
• Authorize sheriff sale or court supervised private sale
• Distribute proceeds after liens and expenses

We have represented clients through negotiated resolution and through full court ordered sale when required. The strategy depends on the asset, the title structure, and the financial posture of the parties.

Representing Both Sides of a Partition Dispute

We represent co-owners seeking to force sale as well as those defending against premature or unfair sale. In some cases, valuation, accounting offsets, or reimbursement claims materially affect final distribution.

Experience in litigation and title work matters. Partition is not simply filing paperwork. It requires understanding deed history, lien priority, estate transfers, and equitable adjustments.