Disputes between co-owners of real estate often arise when those sharing ownership disagree over their respective rights and duties with respect to the property. If co-owners cannot resolve such a dispute informally, a partition action may result. A partition action is a lawsuit in which a part owner asks the court to order a property sold and the proceeds distributed. Partition actions tend to be emotionally difficult as well as financially draining because the parties are often ex-friends or business associates, or family members.