A partition action enables you to force the sale of property when coowners are refusing to sell. Super Lawyers Rated Partition Attorneys in San Jose.Ending Co-Ownership Disputes in Santa Clara County. First Step of Partition: Filing a Complaint​​ The first step to a partition action is to petition the court for a partition of the property. Fill out and file form DE-221 explaining why the property belongs or should legally pass to the surviving spouse and describing the property. Find Your Court Forms. For a free, 15-minute consultation with experienced partition attorney at Partition Lawyer California, call (408) 777-6800 or fill out a contact form online. Once completed, note the SST number and come into our office to finish the process. It follows the same format as a partition deed. Before acting on these general principles, you should hire a lawyer licensed to practice law in the jurisdiction to which your question pertains.