Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Orange 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 also provide a way for co-owners to resolve disputes over the division of the property. The partition statutes provide that the partition must be done in a fair and equitable manner, and that the court must approve the partition before it can be enforced. The partition statutes also provide that the court may order the sale of the property if the co-owners cannot agree on a partition. 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:
- Can I recover my attorney’s fees in a partition action? Yes, you can recover your legal fees in a partition action through a motion for attorney’s fees. However, most partitions settle, and most settlements involve a walk-away of attorney’s fees, meaning it important to hire a partition attorney who will handle the matter efficiently since each party is likely to pay their own fees.
- Can I be forced into selling a jointly owned house? Under California’s Partition of Real Property Act, a co-owner will have a right to buyout the property. However, absent a buy out at the appraised price, a plaintiff will likely be able to force the sale of a jointly owned house.
- Will there be a trial in a California partition action? Trials are extremely rare in partition actions because the interlocutory judgment procedure allows for a partition referee to be appointed by meeting just a few elements that rarely involve live testimony from witnesses. Even if a trial occurred, it would almost certainly relate only to the ownership interests or the distribution of proceeds, though most cases are decided on motion heard by the court based on the papers submitted by the parties.
- Can I still file a partition if my co-owner has filed for bankruptcy? Yes, the partition action can generally be filed in the bankruptcy court or the bankruptcy court can apply state partition law to allow offsets when the co-owned property is sold by the bankruptcy trustee.
- What are the costs associated with a partition action? The costs of a partition action generally involve the attorney’s fees, and court costs, but can involve referee fees and broker’s fees if the property is sold.
Anaheim is a city located in Orange County, California. It is the tenth most populous city in the state and is home to the world-famous Disneyland Resort. Anaheim is known for its vibrant culture, diverse neighborhoods, and thriving economy. The city is home to a variety of attractions, including the Anaheim Convention Center, Angel Stadium, and the Honda Center. Anaheim is also home to a number of professional sports teams, including the Anaheim Ducks of the NHL and the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball. The city is also home to a number of museums, galleries, and other cultural attractions. Anaheim is a great place to live, work, and play.
Speak to Our Anaheim Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Orange County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (714) 888-7700 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Borgerding v. Mumolo – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Borgerding v. Mumolo, 153 Cal.App.2d 821 (1957), the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved a dispute between two co-owners of a parcel of real property. The plaintiff, Borgerding, sought to partition the property, while the defendant, Mumolo, argued that partition was not necessary because the property was held in joint tenancy. The court ultimately held that partition was necessary, as the joint tenancy had been severed by the death of one of the co-owners. The court also held that the partition should be made in accordance with the wishes of the deceased co-owner, as expressed in her will. The court further held that the partition should be made in such a way as to ensure that each co-owner received an equal share of the property.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Anaheim
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Anaheim?
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 Anaheim?
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 Anaheim, 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 Anaheim?
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 the City of Anaheim, County of Orange, California
Our Anaheim 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 (714) 888-7700 or contact us online today.
Talkov Law Orange County Office
4000 MacArthur Blvd Ste 655
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (949) 888-8800