What happens when siblings disagree on sale of inherited asset?

Asked by: Chester Friesen  |  Last update: February 17, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (28 votes)

If a deal cannot made, and one party refuses to sell the property, it may be necessary to bring a partition lawsuit. Sometimes the co-owner of a property is a trust. The trustee can also bring a partition lawsuit to try and force the sale of the property.

Do all siblings have to agree to sell inherited property?

In some cases, the executor can sell the house without getting the sign-off from all the heirs. For example, in California, if the executor can sell the property for at least 90 percent of its appraised value, they may have the authority to move forward with the sale.

When siblings disagree about inheritance?

If you inherit a house and face a challenge from a sibling regarding the inheritance, it's recommended to seek legal counsel. Resolving such disputes often involves legal procedures, negotiation, or mediation.

What happens if one person wants to sell an inherited house and the other doesn't?

However, under California law, if the siblings can't agree and any of the siblings want to sell the house they inherited, they can use a legal proceeding known as a “partition action” to force the sale.

How do you resolve family conflict over inheritance?

Start planning a loved one's estate early to allow more options for managing assets, considering strategies like life insurance, and resolving disagreements. If your family can't settle things, consider hiring a professional mediator to help resolve the dispute without going to court.

What Happens When One Sibling Is Living In An Inherited Property And Refuses To Sell

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Can you sue a sibling over inheritance?

Can I sue my sister for stealing my inheritance? In California, if you have evidence that your inheritance was stolen, you can seek legal recourse. A probate lawyer can assist in filing a restitution order.

What happens when heirs disagree?

The probate court plays a crucial role in resolving disputes where heirs cannot agree. If an heir challenges the executor's decision to sell, the court evaluates whether the sale aligns with the fiduciary duty to manage the estate wisely and fairly.

How do you deal with fighting siblings who can't agree to sell the home?

If one sibling is living in an inherited property and refuses to sell, a partition action can potentially be brought by the other siblings or co-owners of the property in order to force the sale of the property. In general, no one can be forced to own property they don't want, but they can be forced to sell.

What can cause you to lose your inheritance?

Will disputes.
  • The will is dated and does not reflect the decedent's wishes;
  • Circumstances have changed since the will was made (i.e. a remarriage or the birth of a child);
  • The decedent expressed different wishes verbally prior to death;
  • The decedent leaves property to someone other than their spouse;

Is there a time limit on selling inherited property?

The straightforward answer is no, and there is no specific time limit on selling an inherited property. However, certain factors will influence the timeline of the sale process. Understanding these nuances is key to ensuring a smooth and compliant sale.

How do you deal with a greedy sibling when a parent dies?

Dealing With Contested Inheritances: How to Outmaneuver Greedy Relatives
  1. Step 1: Review Signed Documents Thoroughly First. ...
  2. Step 2: See Through Smoke and Mirrors. ...
  3. Step 3: Set Healthy Boundaries. ...
  4. Step 4: Spot Signs Early. ...
  5. Step 5: Divide and Conquer No More. ...
  6. Step 6: Get Help From a Probate Attorney.

What if my brother cheated me out of my inheritance?

If your brother cheated you out of your inheritance, the courts will first remove him from the executor role then compel him to pay back stolen assets. The courts may also force your brother to pay your lawyer fees for the case. Additionally, your brother may be criminally prosecuted.

How do you deal with unfair inheritance?

3 Tips for Leaving Unequal Inheritance
  1. Be Honest. ...
  2. Be Clear and Concise in Your Will. ...
  3. Hire a Mediator.

What happens if one sibling doesn t want to sell your house?

A partition suit can be filed, which may result in a court order to sell the property and divide the proceeds among the co-owners.

Do all beneficiaries have to agree to sell a property?

Trustees can ordinarily sell assets without beneficiary consent per California Probate Law, but we advise seeking approval and acquiring an agreement. Transparency and communication with beneficiaries are vital, as are documenting sales and getting agreements in writing.

Can I force a buyout of an inherited property?

In California, a co-owner of an inherited property can force a sale of that property by taking legal action against siblings with a lawsuit called a partition action, a legal proceeding that can result in the court ordering the sale of the property and the division of the profits among siblings.

What are the six worst assets to inherit?

  1. Timeshares. A timeshare is a long-term contract where you agree to rent out an annual trip to a resort or vacation property. ...
  2. Potentially valuable collectibles. ...
  3. Guns. ...
  4. Operating businesses. ...
  5. Vacation properties. ...
  6. Any physical property (especially with sentimental value)

What is inheritance hijacking?

Inheritance hijacking can be simply defined as inheritance theft — when a person steals what was intended to be left to another party. This phenomenon can manifest in a variety of ways, including the following: Someone exerts undue influence over a person and convinces them to name them an heir.

Who cannot be disinherited?

California is a community property state, meaning that half of the assets acquired during a marriage automatically belong to the spouse. As a result, you cannot disinherit a spouse entirely, as they are entitled to their share of the community property.

What to do when a sibling steals your inheritance?

You should consider consulting with a trust litigation attorney the moment you suspect a brother or sister is stealing your inheritance or assets from the estate. The sooner you engage counsel, the sooner they can open communications with the suspected sibling and/or their attorney to address the theft.

Can an executor decide who gets what?

While executors have discretion in some areas, your core decision-making is bounded by: The deceased's will. You must follow their distribution wishes rather than diverging based on your own judgments.

How do you deal with a vindictive sibling?

5 tips for how to navigate toxic sibling relationships
  1. Set clear boundaries. ...
  2. Enforce those boundaries. ...
  3. Consider family therapy. ...
  4. Stay realistic about the relationship. ...
  5. Know when to let go.

Can siblings sue for inheritance?

The short answer is yes, but for siblings to sue one another for their inheritances, there must be a valid reason. In other words, there should be a legitimate estate dispute between siblings.

How do you resolve an inheritance conflict?

Resolving Inheritance Disputes: Strategies for Beneficiaries and Executors
  1. Open Communication and Mediation. ...
  2. Understand the Estate Plan and Legal Obligations. ...
  3. Seek Professional Guidance. ...
  4. Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods. ...
  5. Focus on the Best Interest of the Estate. ...
  6. Explore Settlement Options.

Can I be forced to sell inherited property?

The short answer is yes – a partition action can be commenced by any co-owner with an interest in the property. This includes those with even a small fractional interest in the property. Being a majority owner of a property is not a prerequisite to forcing the sale of the jointly owned property.