Scott Talkov

Why Oral Life Estates Are Not Legally Recognized in California

California law is clear: a life estate must be in writing to be legally enforceable. In California, real estate transactions conveying ownership interests must follow strict legal requirements, particularly when it comes to life estates. Some property owners mistakenly believe that someone can transfer a life estate through a verbal agreement, but this is not … Read More

Why Partition Referees Are Essential in a Partition Action

For many co-owners facing a partition action, the idea of a court-appointed partition referee can seem intimidating. Some fear that a referee will unfairly take sides, undervalue the property, or create unnecessary delays in the sale process. In reality, partition referees are intended to be neutral professionals whose primary role is to ensure a fair … Read More

Will Each Co-owner be Required to Disclose Material Defects About the Property in Partition Action

Will Each Co-Owner be Required to Disclose Material Defects About the Property?

Each co-owner of real property in California is legally required to disclose any known material defects or issues that could affect the value or desirability of the property. This obligation to disclose is not only a legal requirement but also a matter of ethical responsibility to ensure transparency and fairness in real estate transactions. Similarly, … Read More

What Evidence is Necessary When Requesting Partition Referee for Offsets?

What Evidence is Necessary When Requesting Partition Referee for Offsets?

When one co-owner asserts that they have contributed more than their fair share towards property costs, a partition action offers an opportunity to reclaim unequal payments for down payments, repairs, improvements, mortgage payments, taxes, or similar expenditures. California partition law mandates an partition accounting in all such cases and the court appointed referee will compile … Read More

Why Past Consideration Cannot Support a Contract in California

In California contract law, past consideration cannot form the basis of an enforceable contract. This principle plays a crucial role in real estate and partition disputes, where parties may attempt to retroactively classify a past financial transaction—such as a gift—as a secured loan. This is common in intra-family partitions and ex-boyfriend/ex-girlfriend partitions. Courts have repeatedly … Read More

1031 Exchanges in Partition Actions

Partition actions often result in the sale of co-owned property, leaving the court to determine how the proceeds should be distributed among the co-owners. For co-owners interested in reinvesting their share of the proceeds into like-kind property via a 1031 exchange, complications arise when the court or referee holds the funds beyond the sale’s closing … Read More

What is the Purpose of a Case Management Conference in a California Partition Action?

What is a Case Management Conference in a Partition Action?

In a California partition action, the case management conference promotes timely resolution through an open hearing involving the attorneys and judge. Its purpose, as mandated by California Rules of Court, is to facilitate communication among parties and ensure essential issues are exposed early in the litigation process. However, contrary to what many co-owners may believe, … Read More

Hoarders in Co-Owned Properties – Partition Actions in California

When co-owners of real estate disagree on what to do with a property, a partition action is often the best legal solution to force a sale. However, disputes become even more complicated when one of the co-owners is a hoarder. A property filled with excessive clutter, debris, or hazardous conditions can significantly reduce market value, … Read More

How to Piece Together a Property's Title History

How to Piece Together a Property’s Title History

A property’s title history reveals its ownership trail, liens, and any disputes or irregularities that might affect your rights as the new owner. When purchasing or investing in real property, understanding its title history is crucial. Why is a Property’s Legal Title Important? Legal title is important because Evidence Code § 662 provides that: “The … Read More

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Los Angeles Partition Attorneys
10880 Wilshire Blvd Ste 1101
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Phone: (310) 496-3300

Orange County Partition Attorneys
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Newport Beach, CA 92660
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San Jose Partition Attorneys
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San Diego Partition Attorneys
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San Diego, CA 92130
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San Francisco Partition Attorneys
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San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: (415) 966-3300

Riverside Partition Attorneys
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Riverside, CA 92506
Phone: (951) 888-3300

Sacramento Partition Attorneys
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Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 668-3300

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