Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Los Angeles County are exceptionally experienced in California partition actions and have conducted over 430 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 sale. The court will then order the division of the property in a way that is fair and equitable to all parties. The partition statutes also provide that any proceeds from the sale of the property must be divided among the co-owners in proportion to their respective interests in the property.
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 does a partition action work in California?
- What are my partition rights for inherited property? Co-owners of inherited property generally have the absolute right to force the sale of the property through a partition action.
- How long will it take for the plaintiff to receive his or her share of the sales proceeds? Usually, the property is marketed for sale or purchased by the defendant in 3 to 6 months. If a referee is appointed, that may take 6 to 9 months. With proper drafting of an interlocutory judgment of partition by sale, the referee can be required to disburse the proceeds promptly at the close of escrow or shortly thereafter.
Calabasas is a city located in Los Angeles County, California. It is located in the hills of the Santa Monica Mountains and is part of the Greater Los Angeles Area. The city is known for its affluent population and exclusive gated communities. It is home to many celebrities and is known for its high-end shopping and dining. Calabasas is also home to the Calabasas Park and the Calabasas Country Club. The city is also home to the Calabasas Tennis and Swim Center, the Calabasas Library, and the Calabasas Lake.
Speak to Our Calabasas Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Los Angeles County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (818) 900-7700 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Waterman v. Lawrence – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Waterman v. Lawrence, 19 Cal. 210 (1861), the issue was whether a partition of land could be made between two parties who had conflicting claims to the same property. The plaintiff, Waterman, had purchased the land from the original owner, while the defendant, Lawrence, had obtained a deed from the same owner, but after Waterman had already purchased the land. The court held that the partition could not be made, as it would be inequitable to allow Lawrence to receive any portion of the land, since he had no legal claim to it. The court also noted that the partition would be contrary to public policy, as it would encourage people to purchase land without first ensuring that they had clear title to it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Calabasas
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Calabasas?
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 Calabasas?
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 Calabasas, 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 Calabasas?
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 Calabasas, County of Los Angeles, California
Our Calabasas 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 (818) 900-7700 or contact us online today.
Talkov Law Los Angeles Office
10880 Wilshire Blvd Ste 1101
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Phone: (310) 496-3300
