Civil LitigationCo-owner Real Estate DisputesReal Estate DisputesCo-Owner Real Estate Disputes in Upper Marlboro

What Happens When Property Owners Don’t Agree

Co-Owner Disputes in Upper Marlboro, Maryland

By Matthew J. Dyer, Esq., Real Estate Civil Litigation Attorney, The Law Offices of Haskell & Dyer
co-owner property dispute Upper Marlboro MD, shared property disagreement Maryland, partition action lawyer Upper Marlboro, Maryland joint property attorney, co-ownership legal help Upper Marlboro, Matthew J Dyer Esq property disputes, forced sale of property Maryland, real estate attorney Upper Marlboro MD, Upper Marlboro property conflict lawyer, legal help for inherited property MD, co-owner not paying taxes Maryland, Upper Marlboro home ownership dispute, Maryland real estate co-ownership law, fix co-owner disagreement MD, lawyer for family property disputes Upper Marlboro

I’ve seen it happen many times, and it’s happened to me personally:

Two (or more) people own a property together, and it’s fine for a while, but then it’s not.

Co-owner disagreements can become quite contentious, particularly when no written agreement exists.

If you’re involved in a dispute over how jointly owned property is used, maintained, or sold in Upper Marlboro, read on for a discussion of your options.

What Is a Co-Owner Dispute?

When two or more people own a home, land, or building together, they’re co-owners. It could be:

  • A house inherited by siblings
  • A property owned by unmarried partners
  • An investment property shared by business partners
  • A home bought with friends or extended family

Disputes happen when owners don’t agree on important decisions—like who pays what, who can live there, or when (and if) it should be sold.

Common Issues I See in Upper Marlboro

Here’s what I often deal with in co-owner cases:

  • One owner wants to sell, the other doesn’t
  • Disagreements over who’s responsible for repairs or taxes
  • Someone living on the property without paying their share
  • One person making decisions without the other’s consent
  • Renting out the property without agreement

Things get especially tricky when emotions, money, and family are all tied together.

Trust me; I’ve handled cases involving ex-partners and business breakups.

What Are Your Legal Options?

The good news? You don’t have to stay stuck. Maryland law gives you options, especially if you’re ready to move forward and the other party isn’t.

Voluntary Agreement

Best-case scenario: you talk it out, maybe with a lawyer’s help, and reach a fair written agreement.

Partition Action

If talking fails, you can file a partition action in court. This means you’re asking the court to either:

  • Split the property physically (rare), or
  • Force the sale and divide the proceeds fairly

It’s not personal—it’s just business at that point.

If someone’s holding up the process, this gets things moving.

Do I Need a Lawyer?

Yes. And not just because I’m a lawyer. These disputes involve real money, legal paperwork, and court procedures that aren’t always straightforward.

I’ll review the title, ownership records, and any agreements you have (or don’t have) and help you protect what’s yours.

Don’t Wait Until It Gets Worse

If you’re in a co-owner situation that’s already tense—or heading that way—don’t ignore it.

The longer you wait, the more complicated it gets.

I’m Matthew J. Dyer, Esq., and I help people in Upper Marlboro resolve co-owner property disputes before they spiral out of control.

Call me today at 301-627-5844 or through our website to schedule a consultation.

Responsive Iframe

The Law Offices of Haskell & Dyer, LLC Practicing Law in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s, and Prince George’s Counties.

The Law Offices of Haskell & Dyer, LLC Practicing Law in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s, and Prince George’s Counties.

The information provided on this website, in our blog posts, social media content, videos, or other marketing materials by The Law Offices of Haskell & Dyer, LLC is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship. While we strive to provide accurate and current information, legal matters are often complex and fact-specific. You should not act or rely on any information contained herein without seeking professional legal counsel directly from a licensed attorney. Contacting our firm does not create an attorney-client relationship until a formal agreement is signed. For legal advice specific to your situation, please get in touch withour office directly.