Final answer:
An action for partition is a legal process for dividing jointly held property among co-owners, which can be voluntary or court-compelled.
Step-by-step explanation:
An action brought by a co-owner of property to compel the severance of respective interests is known as an action for partition. This legal process allows co-owners of property to divide the property into distinct portions, allowing each owner to have a separate piece of the property or, in some cases, to sell the property and split the proceeds. The partition can be voluntary, where all co-owners agree to the severance, or it can be compelled by court if the co-owners can't agree. This legal action is often used in circumstances where property is inherited by multiple heirs or when joint owners no longer wish to hold property together.