LIVINGSTON (AP) -- A judge in Park County has ordered two partners in a Livingston-based medical marijuana operation to split their clients and assets in three weeks as the first step toward dissolving their business relationship.

District Judge Nels Swandal had previously ordered another man to continue caring for the company's marijuana plants at his rental property in Livingston until a formal decision could be made on their ownership.

The civil trial stems from a dispute between Richard Rosio and Rollin Minnick, partners in Caregivers Montana LLC, a medical marijuana supply business.

A rift between the two developed this year while they were growing marijuana for their business in a rented bomb shelter.

On Aug. 21, Rosio testified that he had founded the business and originally hired Minnick as a grower. They incorporated in 2007.

The company rented a bomb shelter near Emigrant, renovated it and put its growing operation there.

Rosio said he supplied the stock and growing equipment for the operation, which grew to 390 plants over the winter.

He estimated the crop's potential worth at $250,000 to $350,000.

Minnick said he came back from a February vacation in Florida to find the business operation in disarray.

"There were 200 or so plants left," Minnick said. "One hundred and sixty plants were lost to mold and hemaphroditism, which shortens the growth, yield and potency.

Twenty plants froze."

Minnick said he was unable to contact Rosio and later moved the remaining stock to a rented building in Livingston.

On Aug. 13, Rosio tried to take over the Livingston building by court order.

Judge Swandal quashed a restraining order on the property and ordered Homer Davis, a court-appointed horticulturist, to inspect the crop once a week on Rosio's behalf. Swandal said a settlement must be reached in 90 days.