The District of Columbia Partition Deed for Surface Estate is a legal document that determines the ownership and division of a property's surface estate in the District of Columbia. It provides a detailed description of the boundaries, measurements, and location of the property in question. This type of deed is commonly used in cases where co-owners or multiple parties have an interest in the same property and wish to divide the surface estate among themselves. The District of Columbia recognizes different types of Partition Deeds for Surface Estate, depending on the specific circumstances and intentions of the parties involved. These may include: 1. Voluntary Partition Deed: This type of deed is executed when all parties involved mutually agree to divide the surface estate of the property. It outlines the terms and conditions of the partition, including the allocation of specific portions of the property to each co-owner. 2. Judicial Partition Deed: In cases where the co-owners cannot reach an agreement on the division of the property, a judicial partition may be sought. This type of deed is issued by the court and follows a legal process to determine and allocate the surface estate fairly among the owners. 3. Partial Partition Deed: Sometimes, co-owners may wish to divide only a portion of the surface estate while keeping the remaining area undivided. This type of deed specifies the specific portion of the property being partitioned and defines the measurements and boundaries of the divided area. 4. Absolute Partition Deed: In certain situations, co-owners may prefer to completely separate their interests in the property. An absolute partition deed divides the surface estate in a way that allows each party to hold independent ownership and control over their respective portion without any shared interests or liabilities. 5. Tenancy in Common Partition Deed: This type of partition deed is used when co-owners wish to maintain shared interests in the property even after division. It outlines the percentage of ownership each party holds in the divided areas and specifies their rights, responsibilities, and obligations as tenants in common. It is crucial to consult an experienced real estate attorney specializing in District of Columbia property laws to ensure all legal requirements are met and the partition deed accurately reflects the intentions and rights of the parties involved.