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Surge in Inherited Property Among Baby Boomers' Heirs Drives Need for Partition Actions - Underwood Law Firm Responds to Growing Disputes

Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

By Eli Underwood

Growing inheritance trends are increasing shared property disputes among families. Underwood Law Firm, P.C. focuses on partition actions, offering experienced legal support to help clients resolve co-ownership conflicts, move through the legal process efficiently, and reach clear, practical outcomes.

Los Angeles, California, United States - March 30, 2026 -

A major shift in property ownership is underway across California and the United States. As baby boomers pass down real estate to the next generation, more families are finding themselves in shared ownership situations. While inheritances can provide financial opportunity, they often bring unexpected challenges.

Recent data from the real estate intelligence firm Cotality highlights the scale of the trend. In California, nearly one out of every five property transfers in the past year came through inheritance.

That figure is well above the national average and reflects steady growth over the past decade. With more homes moving between family members instead of being sold on the open market, co-ownership disputes are becoming more common.

Inherited property often involves multiple heirs with different goals. One sibling may want to sell, while another may prefer to keep the property.

Others may lack the resources to maintain it. In many cases, families don't expect these disagreements until they're already in them. Without a clear agreement, disputes can stall decisions and strain relationships.

Partition actions have become a key legal solution in these situations. They allow co-owners to divide or sell a property through the court system when no agreement can be reached.

As inheritance-related disputes increase, the demand for attorneys with focused experience in partition cases is rising.

Underwood Law Firm, P.C. has built its practice around handling these disputes. The firm works with clients who have inherited property and need a clear path forward.

Some clients come in after months of back-and-forth with family members, unsure what step to take next. By focusing on partition actions, the firm brings a level of familiarity that many general real estate practices may not offer.

The legal team at Underwood Law Firm manages a high volume of partition cases. That consistent experience shapes how cases are handled.

The firm understands patterns that often appear in inheritance disputes, from disagreements over property value to conflicts about long-term use.

Clients often arrive during emotionally charged moments. Inherited property can carry personal history, which adds another layer to difficult decisions.

Underwood Law Firm approaches each case with a focus on clarity and direction. Clients are guided through the process with a clear understanding of their options.

Handling many partition actions has allowed the firm to refine its process and avoid common delays. That can help clients reach a resolution more efficiently and reduce prolonged conflict between co-owners.

As more wealth transfers through real estate in the coming years, disputes tied to inheritance are expected to increase. Early legal guidance can help preserve options and create a more direct path to resolution.

Underwood Law Firm, P.C. stands out by concentrating its work on partition actions and helping clients move forward with confidence.

About Us: Underwood Law Firm, P.C. is a California-based law firm focused on partition actions. The firm handles a high volume of co-ownership and inheritance-related property disputes, helping clients divide or sell jointly owned real estate through the courts. Contact us.

Eli Underwood Eli Underwood

Founder & Managing Attorney
Elijah “Eli” Underwood is the founder and managing attorney of Underwood Law Firm, P.C., a California law firm focused on partition actions and real estate co-ownership disputes.
Since founding Underwood Law Firm in 2021, Eli has built a practice dedicated to helping property owners navigate complex disputes involving jointly owned real estate. The firm has handled more than 500 partition matters throughout California, giving Eli extensive experience in this highly specialized area of real estate law.
Eli has practiced law in California since 2009 and brings the perspective of both an experienced litigator and a real estate investor. His litigation experience includes jury and bench trial victories, representation of high-profile clients, including members of Congress, and legal work that has contributed to developments in California law.
Recognized for his knowledge of partition and co-ownership law, Eli serves on the Executive Committee of the California Lawyers Association Real Property Law Section. He is also an instructor on Partitions and Co-Ownership Relationships for the California Association of REALTORS® and regularly speaks to legal and professional organizations on partition law and real estate disputes.
Eli earned his J.D. from UC Hastings College of the Law, now UC Law San Francisco, in 2009 and his B.A. from UC Santa Barbara in 2005. During law school, he served on the board of the Negotiation Team and competed in national and international negotiation competitions.
His legal insight has been featured in television and print media, and he continues to contribute to the legal community through education, speaking engagements, and professional leadership.
Education
J.D., UC Hastings College of the Law (UC Law San Francisco), 2009
B.A., University of California, Santa Barbara, 2005
Bar Admission
State Bar of California, 2009
Professional Leadership & Education
Executive Committee, California Lawyers Association Real Property Law Section
Instructor, Partitions and Co-Ownership Relationships, California Association of REALTORS®
Speaker and educator on California partition and real estate co-ownership law

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  • 5 stars
    We were in need of a real estate attorney. Eli Underwood provided excellent legal advice and services. He explained everything well and followed through with all important issues that needed attention. We found him to be reliable, courteous, patient and extremely professional. We highly recommend...

    I.S.

  • 5 stars
    I own a real estate investment company that operates across multiple states (California, Washington, Oregon, Montana, and more), whenever I run into an issue that needs legal attention, Eli is my first call. I've been working with him for years. He is an amazing attorney and I highly recommend him."...

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    Mr. Underwood is a fantastic Lawyer with extraordinary ethics. He responds quickly, which is rare these days, and he is very knowledgeable in his craft. It was a pleasure working with him and we will definitely use his services in the future if needed. Thank you for your help Sir!

    M.O.

  • 5 stars
    Eli took our case and controlled every hurdle put before us. I one time commented to him that he must love his job because it seemed that he was always available. When talking about my case to anyone I always bring up where, I believe, the other parties Lawyer tried to take advantage of my wife and...

    E.T

  • 5 stars
    We were in need of an attorney with considerable knowledge of real estate law and the legal issues related to property ownership. Eli Underwood went above and beyond our expectations. In keeping us abreast of our suit, his communication skills were outstanding. This talent was especially...

    P.B.

  • 5 stars
    In our need for legal services we found Eli to be well informed and on top of our case and our needs. Our's was not an ordinary case as it was a case with many facets. It was a very convoluted case. There were multiple owners involved in a property dispute where one of the owners sued the rest of...

    M.A.

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