Talkov Law’s attorneys serving San Bernardino 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 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:
- Can you lose interest in a jointly owned home by moving out? Generally, co-owners maintain their ownership interests regardless of whether they live at the property. However, in rare cases, leaving the property for many years without paying taxes or other expenses may allow the co-owners in possession to argue that they have adversely possessed the property. Generally, these co-ownership disputes do not get easier with time, so it is important to act promptly.
- Are there methods to resolve a partition situation without a court-ordered sale? The vast majority of partitions are solved without a court-ordered sale. Many times, the defendant will buy out the plaintiff’s interest. Other times, the parties will agree to a voluntary sale on the open market. However, the filing of the partition action is generally what forces the defendant to see the wisdom of settlement. Under California’s Partition of Real Property Act, a defendant can buy out the interest of the plaintiff at an appraised value, meaning that a court-ordered sale is only likely occur where the defendant simply can’t afford to buy the property but still won’t agree to sell.
- 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.
- 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.
- How long does a partition action take in California?” Most partition actions are complete in 3 to 6 months because most cases settle in either a buyout or agreed sale. However, some cases can drag on for 6 to 12 months.
Chino Hills is a city located in the southwestern corner of San Bernardino County, California, United States. The city borders Los Angeles and Orange counties. Chino Hills is a part of the Chino Valley. Chino Hills is home to numerous parks, trails, and other recreational facilities. The city is known for its rolling hills, and is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Chino Hills is also home to the Vellano Country Club, a private golf course and country club. The city is served by the Chino Valley Unified School District, which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools. Chino Hills is a great place to live, work, and play.
Speak to Our Chino Hills Partition Attorneys Today
Call our San Bernardino County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (909) 577-3300 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Hunter v. Schultz – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Hunter v. Schultz, 240 Cal.App.2d 24 (1966), the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved a dispute between two co-owners of a parcel of real property. The plaintiff, Hunter, sought to partition the property, while the defendant, Schultz, argued that the property should not be partitioned. The court ultimately held that the property should be partitioned, but that the partition should be done in a manner that would not cause any damage to the property. The court also held that the partition should be done in a way that would not cause any unnecessary hardship to either of the co-owners.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Chino Hills
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Chino Hills?
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 Chino Hills?
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 Chino Hills, 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 Chino Hills?
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 Chino Hills, County of San Bernardino, California
Our Chino Hills 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 (909) 577-3300 or contact us online today.
Serving Areas Throughout California
Diamond Bar, Pomona, Yorba Linda, Brea, Anaheim Hills, Corona, Norco, Eastvale, Phillips Ranch, and Walnut
