Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Sonoma 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 possible, 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:
- What to expect in a California partition action? Partition actions necessarily resolve the conflict between co-owners through an expedited statutory process. A capable partition attorney will assist in expediting the process and producing the most favorable outcome.
- 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 do I file a partition action? Partition actions must be filed in the county where some or all of the co-owned real property is located by way of a partition complaint. While filing the complaint is relatively easy, reaching the end of the partition as quickly and efficiently as possible requires the skill of an experienced partition attorney.
- What are the grounds for a partition action in California? A co-owner is “entitled to partition as a matter of absolute right,” meaning “he need not assign any reason for his demand; that it is sufficient if he demands a severance; and that when grounds for a sale are duly established it may be demanded as of right. To grant it is not a mere matter of grace. De Roulet v. Mitchel (1945) 70 Cal.App.2d 120, 123-124.
- In a partition action, can I be reimbursed for paying more than my fair share of the down payment? Yes, partition actions allow for offsets whereby one co-owner claims excess payments for mortgage, taxes, insurance, improvements, repairs and other property expenses
Cotati is a small city located in Sonoma County, California. It is situated in the heart of the wine country, just north of Santa Rosa. The city is known for its vibrant downtown area, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The city is also home to the annual Cotati Accordion Festival, which celebrates the city’s rich musical heritage. Cotati is a great place to live, work, and play, with its close proximity to the coast and the many outdoor activities available in the area.
Speak to Our Cotati Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Sonoma County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (707) 777-6600 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Le Blanc v. McMahon – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Le Blanc v. McMahon, 2011 WL 2348459, B223909 (15-Jun-2011) , the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The plaintiff, Le Blanc, owned a parcel of land that was divided into two separate parcels by a fence. The defendant, McMahon, owned the parcel of land adjacent to the plaintiff’s. The plaintiff argued that the fence constituted a partition of the land, while the defendant argued that the fence was merely a boundary line and did not constitute a partition. The court ultimately found that the fence did constitute a partition, and that the plaintiff was entitled to a partition of the land. The court also found that the defendant was not entitled to any compensation for the partition, as the partition was not a voluntary act on the part of the defendant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Cotati
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Cotati?
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 Cotati?
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 Cotati, 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 Cotati?
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 Cotati, County of Sonoma, California
Our Cotati 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 (707) 777-6600 or contact us online today.
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Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, and Penngrove
