Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Alameda County are exceptionally experienced in California partition actions and have conducted over 400 partitions for our satisfied clients. A California partition action is a law that allows co-owners of real property to divide the property among themselves. The partition statutes provide a legal mechanism for co-owners to divide the property without having to go through the court system. The partition statutes allow co-owners to divide the property either by agreement or by court order. If the co-owners cannot agree on how to divide the property, then the court will divide the property in a way that is fair and equitable to all parties. The partition statutes also provide that any partition of the property must be in accordance with the laws of the state of California. The legal effect of the partition statutes is that it provides a legal mechanism for co-owners to divide their property without having to go through the court system.
Our team of partition attorneys can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- How long does a partition action take in California?” Most partition actions are complete in 3 to 6 months because most cases settle in either a buyout or agreed sale. However, some cases can drag on for 6 to 12 months.
- What are the steps involved in a partition action in California? The first step is to file a partition complaint in California, which is followed by a request for the court to enter an interlocutory judgment of partition, thereby appointing a partition referee under the partition statutes.
- Who can file a partition action in California? Generally, any co-owner of real property can file a partition action.
- How will the court in a California partition action determine how much each co-owner will receive from the sales proceeds? Generally, each co-owner will receive their fractional interest in the proceeds of sale based on their ownership interests. However, this amount can be enhanced or diminished by partition offsets whereby one co-owner paid more than their fractional interest for property expenses.
- Are there methods to resolve a partition situation without a court-ordered sale? The vast majority of partitions are solved without a court-ordered sale. Many times, the defendant will buy out the plaintiff’s interest. Other times, the parties will agree to a voluntary sale on the open market. However, the filing of the partition action is generally what forces the defendant to see the wisdom of settlement. Under California’s Partition of Real Property Act, a defendant can buy out the interest of the plaintiff at an appraised value, meaning that a court-ordered sale is only likely occur where the defendant simply can’t afford to buy the property but still won’t agree to sell.
Alameda County is a county located in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. It is the seventh most populous county in the state, with a population of 1,510,271 as of the 2010 census. The county seat is Oakland, and its largest city is also Oakland. Alameda County is home to many of the Bay Area’s most popular attractions, including the Oakland Zoo, the Oakland Museum of California, and the Chabot Space and Science Center. The county is also home to several universities, including the University of California, Berkeley, and Mills College. Alameda County is known for its diverse population, with a mix of cultures and backgrounds. It is also known for its beautiful parks and trails, including the East Bay Regional Park District, which offers a variety of outdoor activities.
Speak to Our Alameda County Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Alameda County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (510) 999-3300 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Akley v. Bassett – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Akley v. Bassett, 189 Cal. 625 (1922), the California Supreme Court was asked to decide whether a partition of real property was proper. The dispute arose when two brothers, William and John Akley, inherited a parcel of land from their father. William wanted to keep the land intact, while John wanted to divide it into two separate parcels. The court held that the partition was proper, as the brothers had equal rights to the land and the partition would not cause any prejudice to either of them. The court also noted that the partition would not interfere with the rights of any third parties, as the land was not subject to any mortgages or other encumbrances. The court also noted that the partition would not cause any damage to the land itself, as it was not necessary to divide the land into two parcels in order to make it more productive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Alameda County
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Alameda County?
The costs of a partition action—including attorney fees, court fees, appraiser fees, and other legal expenses—are typically around $20,000. While some cases may incur fees as low as $5,000 or exceed $20,000, depending on their complexity, these expenses are generally shared among the co-owners. The court may also adjust the distribution of these costs based on each party’s level of involvement or responsibility, ensuring a fairer allocation when needed.
Who Can File a Partition Action in Alameda County?
A partition action can be filed by any co-owner of a property, excluding married couples who own it as community property. A majority ownership is not required to initiate a partition action. Common situations for partition actions include disputes among siblings inheriting property, former romantic partners, friends or family members who purchased property together, and divorced couples.
Who Pays for a Partition Action?
In Alameda County, each party typically pays for their own attorney’s fees (known as the “American Rule”). However, California partition law allows for an exception to this rule, stating that “the court shall apportion the costs of partition among the parties in proportion to their interests or make such other apportionment as may be equitable.” California Code of Civil Procedure 874.040. Indeed, the court may award “reasonable attorney’s fees incurred or paid by a party for the common benefit.” California Code of Civil Procedure 874.010(a).
Can a Partition Action Be Stopped in Alameda County?
Generally, a partition action cannot be stopped, but a defendant may be able to buy time to seek a resolution. Eventually, however, the plaintiff can generally force the sale of the property based on the absolute right to partition.
Contact our Team of Experienced Partition Lawyers Serving Alameda County, California
Our Alameda County partition litigation attorneys will work diligently to obtain a favorable outcome on your behalf, whether by negotiation or litigation. Talkov Law Partition Attorneys unlocks access to justice for co-owners by funding your case. For qualified cases, you pay no fees until we successfully partition your property by obtaining a sale on the market or to your co-owner! For a free consultation with California’s first and largest team of partition attorneys at Talkov Law, call (510) 999-3300 or contact us online today.
