Talkov Law’s attorneys serving San Mateo County are exceptionally experienced in California partition actions and have conducted over 400 partitions for our satisfied clients. California partition actions provide a legal mechanism for co-owners of real property to divide the property among themselves. The partition statutes allow a co-owner to file a lawsuit in court to have the property divided, either physically or by awarding each co-owner a certain percentage of the property’s value. The court will then order the property to be divided according to the co-owners’ wishes. The partition statutes also provide that if the court finds that a physical division of the property is not feasible, it may order the property to be sold and the proceeds divided among the co-owners.
Our team of partition attorneys can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- 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.
- What are the potential outcomes of a partition action? The most likely outcome in a partition action is that the plaintiff receives fair value for their interest in the property either through a sale to a third party or to the defendant. In rare cases, a property can be divided, through this is not applicable to single family residences with no surplus land.
- 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.
- What type of relief can be granted by the court in a partition action? A partition action generally involves the sale or division of the property, along with an accounting of offsets.
- What is California’s Partition of Real Property Act? Effective January 1, 2023, California’s new partition law allows defendants to buy out the interests of the plaintiff at an appraised value.
Belmont is a city in San Mateo County, California, located in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is situated between San Mateo and San Carlos, and is part of the Silicon Valley. Belmont is known for its excellent schools, its beautiful parks, and its vibrant downtown area. The city is home to a variety of businesses, including tech companies, restaurants, and retail stores. It is also home to the Belmont Sports Complex, which features a variety of sports fields and courts. The city is also home to the Belmont Library, which offers a variety of books, magazines, and other resources. Belmont is a great place to live, work, and play.
Speak to Our Belmont 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
Teutenberg v. Schiller – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Teutenberg v. Schiller, 138 Cal.App.2d 18 (1955), the issue was whether a partition of real property was valid. The plaintiff, Teutenberg, owned a parcel of real property with his brother, Schiller. The two brothers had agreed to partition the property, with Teutenberg taking the northern portion and Schiller taking the southern portion. However, Schiller later refused to accept the partition and claimed that the partition was invalid. The court found that the partition was valid, as the brothers had agreed to it and had acted in good faith. The court also found that the partition was not invalidated by the fact that the brothers had not obtained a court order to effect the partition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Belmont
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Belmont?
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 Belmont?
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 Belmont, 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 Belmont?
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 Belmont, County of San Mateo, California
Our Belmont 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.