What If One Heir Refuses to Sell the Property?

One heir who refuses usually cannot single-handedly stop a sale that the personal representative decides is in the estate's best interest. What that heir can do is object to a Notice of Proposed Action, which forces the sale under court supervision rather than blocking it outright. The court then reviews whether the sale is fair and reasonable.

Common paths forward

• The representative proceeds with court confirmation, where a judge oversees the price and terms.
• The objecting heir buys out the others' interests if they want to keep the home.
• In rare deadlocks, an interested party petitions the court to resolve the dispute.

Most of these situations resolve with clear communication and a transparent process. We have helped families navigate a reluctant heir while keeping the sale moving.

California Probate Code section 10589. Not legal advice.