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Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law
Action for Partition

RPAPL 904: Permissible defendants

RPA 904
Permissible defendants

The plaintiff, at his election, may make defendant in the action:

1.   A tenant by the curtesy or for life or for years, of the entire property, or whoever may be entitled to a contingent or vested remainder or reversion in the entire property, or a person having a lien or interest which attaches to the entire property. A person specified in this subdivision who is not made a party is not affected by the judgment in the action.

2.   A person having a lien on an undivided share or interest in the property. The nature of the lien and the share or interest to which it attaches shall be specified.

3.   An unknown person entitled to an estate or interest in the property sold. The court shall provide for the protection of his rights, as far as may be, as if he were known and had appeared.

4.  The state.


This section of the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law is provided as part of a free educational service by J. Douglas Barics, attorney at law for reference only. Statutes and codes such as RPAPL 904 are frequently amended, and no representation is made that the above version of RPA 904 is current. Updated statutes and codes may be available at the New York State Legislature Website. No statute should be relied on without understanding controlling case law which may further interpret it. An attorney should be consulted for legal advice.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact Mr. Barics at lawyer@jdbar.com or (631) 864-2600. For more articles and information, please visit www.jdbar.com.

J. Douglas Barics, Esq. – Divorce, family, matrimonial, trial and appeals lawyer in Long Island, New York.