How does one split up a co-ownership on a piece of land (in Riverside, CA)?

Question

The other co-owner wants too much to buy him out and in general is really difficult to get a hold of and deal with...

Answer 1

When two (or more) owners of a land come to an impasse on what to do with it; they usually agree to have one buy the other(s) out. If they can't agree on a price or neither can afford to; any owner can force the sale by filing a "Partition" suit in court. The court will first sort out any conflicting claims between the parties & then direct the property be sold at auction just as if it were a foreclosure. The property will be sold to the highest bidder and the proceeds divided between or among the owners as their interests appear. Any owner can bid & will have a "free bid" up to his portion of the equity. Thus, if two equal owners bid against each other, the higher bidder will take it & the other will get half the bid amount in cash. Partition cases seldom go to an actual sale because the owners generally realize it is to their advantage to conduct a sale between themselves or list the propery for a private sale.

Answer 2

Basically, you have three choices:

1) Pay him his asking price, even if you think it's too high;
2) Sell your share, or;
3) Live with it.

Unless you have some grounds to take him to court and force him to sell, it is his right to sell or not.