Related Issues Archives

Bankruptcy Co-Ownership Offset Disputes - Applying Partition Laws in a Section 363(h) Sale of Co-Owned Property - In re Flynn (B.A.P. 9th Cir. 2003)

Bankruptcy Co-Ownership Offset Disputes – Applying Partition Laws in a Section 363(h) Sale of Co-Owned Property – In re Flynn, 297 B.R. 599 (B.A.P. 9th Cir. 2003)

When a co-owner files for bankruptcy in a partition, the bankruptcy trustee or debtor-in-possession may seek to sell the co-owned property under Section 363(h) of the Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. Section 363(h)). However, the Bankruptcy Court is empowered to apply California law on co-ownership offsets to ensure that the proceeds are equitably divided. These bankruptcies … Read More

Anti-Heart Balm Statute in California Partition Actions

What is the anti-heart balm statute in California? California’s anti-heart balm statute is a state law that prevents someone from suing their former romantic partner over a broken promise (or promises) that was to be met on the condition of marriage or during the course of the marriage. These statutes arose due to the common … Read More

Code of Civil Procedure 872.530 CCP – Personal Representatives; Joinder; Affidavits (Partition Actions)

California Code of Civil Procedure 872.530 is the California partition statute that outlines how to file a partition action against a co-owner who is deceased or believed to be deceased. The statute further describes what should be done if a deceased party’s personal representative is known or unknown as follows: (a) If a person described in Section … Read More

Forcing the Sale of an Inherited House in California

Can I Force the Sale of Inherited Property? Understanding exactly what to do after a close family member passes away is one of the most difficult things someone can go through. Before asking whether both owners have to sign to sell a house, a whirlwind of confusion and sadness makes decision making near impossible, especially … Read More

Terminating Sanctions for Document Fabrication in Federal Court

Federal courts have repeatedly found that terminating sanctions are appropriate when a party commits the cardinal sin of litigation since “fabricating evidence has been referred to as the most egregious misconduct which justifies a finding of fraud upon the Court.” Kenno v. Colorado’s Governor’s Off. of Info. Tech., 2021 WL 2682619, at *19 (D. Colo. June … Read More

11 USC 522(o) – Homestead Exemption Limitations in Bankruptcy

In bankruptcy, creditors can allege that debtors should lose the part of their homestead exemption that is allegedly “attributable to” an “intent to hinder, delay, or defraud a creditor” under 11 U.S.C. § 522(o). This is particularly important given the recent increase in California’s homestead exemption effective January 1, 2021, which is now as high … Read More

Mortgage vs Trust Deed Real Estate Lawyer

What is the Difference Between a Mortgage and a Trust Deed?

How is a Mortgage Different from a Trust Deed? A mortgage and deed of trust (otherwise known as a “trust deed”) are legal instruments in real estate that allow a lender to secure repayment of a loan. Although a mortgage and a trust deed serve the same purpose, the exact terms of both of each … Read More

California Bankruptcy Exemptions Talkov Law

California Bankruptcy Exemptions – 704 vs. 703?

Bankruptcy Exemptions in California Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in California is a powerful tool that can relieve debtors of unsecured debts and provide a fresh start. Many people assume that bankruptcy involves creditors taking all their personal property, especially their home and vehicle. However, California bankruptcy exemptions allow debtors to maintain possession of certain … Read More

Can You Sue a Law Firm for Doing Its Job Talkov Law

Can You Sue an Attorney for Doing their Job? [Anti-SLAPP Protection for Litigation-Related Activities]

Can an Attorney Be Sued for Representing a Client in Litigation? It may sound ridiculous, but attorneys (or their law firms) are sometimes tacked on as defendants in a complaint. Is this legal? Can another attorney do this? Talkov Law’s attorneys explain how anti-SLAPP law prevents this and the devastating legal repercussions of including a … Read More

Anti-SLAPP Can Be Used to Strike “Mixed Conduct” Claims [Baral v. Schnitt (2016) 1 Cal. 5th 376]

California’s Anti-SLAPP History Like 28 other US states, California has enacted an anti-SLAPP statute in its Code of Civil Procedure. The statute states that “[a] cause of action against a person arising from any act of that person in furtherance of the person’s right of petition or free speech under the United States Constitution or … Read More

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