Atherton Real Estate Partition Lawyer
Talkov Law’s attorneys serving San Mateo County are exceptionally experienced in California partition actions and have conducted over 470 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:
- What is a partition referee? A partition referee is a neutral third party, often times a lawyer or real estate broker, who completes the sale for the co-owners under court authority. The referee is then paid for their services either on an hourly, flat fee, or commission basis, and is relieved by the court of their duties in the case.
- 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.
- Do I need to go to court to win a partition action? While the partition action must be filed with the court, partition actions rarely involve a trial in which the co-owners appear at court. This means it is extremely unlikely that you will need to step foot in a courtroom. Most partition work is done by motion practice involving tentative rulings with little interaction between the court and the attorneys, let alone the co-owners.
- 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.
- What happens to any debts or liens on the property during a partition action? Secured debts are paid from the sale of the property. Secured lenders named in a partition action are generally dismissed with an agreement to pay the mortgage at the time of the sale.
Atherton is a small, affluent town located in San Mateo County, California. It is situated between the cities of Menlo Park and Redwood City, and is part of the San Francisco Bay Area. Atherton is known for its large, luxurious homes, and is one of the most expensive zip codes in the United States. The town is home to many tech executives, venture capitalists, and other wealthy professionals. Atherton is also home to several parks, including Holbrook-Palmer Park, which features a playground, picnic areas, and a duck pond. The town is served by the Menlo Park-Atherton Caltrain station, which provides access to San Francisco and other Bay Area cities.
Speak to Our Atherton Partition Attorneys Today
Call our San Mateo County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (650) 999-3300 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Kampa v. Superior Court – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Kampa v. Superior Court, 2018 WL 3298029, E068425 (5-Jul-2018) , the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The plaintiff, Kampa, owned a parcel of land with two other individuals, and the three of them had agreed to partition the land. However, the other two individuals refused to sign the partition agreement, and Kampa sought a court order to compel them to do so. The court found that the partition agreement was valid and enforceable, and ordered the other two individuals to sign it. The court also found that the partition agreement was not subject to any partition issues, such as unequal division of the land or any other issues that could arise from the partition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Atherton
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Atherton?
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 Atherton?
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 Atherton, 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 Atherton?
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 Atherton, County of San Mateo, California
Our Atherton 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 (650) 999-3300 or contact us online today.
