Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Contra Costa County are exceptionally experienced in California partition actions and have conducted over 450 partitions for our satisfied clients. A California partition action is a law that allows co-owners of real property to divide the property among themselves. The partition statutes provide a legal mechanism for co-owners to divide the property without having to go through the court system. The partition statutes allow co-owners to divide the property either by agreement or by court order. If the co-owners cannot agree on how to divide the property, then the court will divide the property in a way that is fair and equitable to all parties. The partition statutes also provide that any partition of the property must be in accordance with the laws of the state of California. The legal effect is that these statutes provide a legal mechanism for co-owners to divide their property without having to go through the court system.
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.
- Can heirs force the sale of property? Heirs can force the sale of real property in California once that property is distributed to them. However, sometimes, the property is still held in a trust where the trustee will sell the property. When there is no trust, the probate court may decide that the probate administrator will sell the property before it is distributed in fractional interests to the heirs.
- What are the costs associated with a partition action? The costs of a partition action generally involve the attorney’s fees, and court costs, but can involve referee fees and broker’s fees if the property is sold.
- How much does a partition action cost? The cost of a partition action can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case. A typical partition action usually costs between $5,000 and $12,000, with about $8,000 being the most common cost. However, difficulty locating a defendant, the motion to appoint a partition referee, delay tactics by defendants, and other issues may raise the cost of your partition action. An experienced partition lawyer can mitigate costs and resolve your co-ownership dispute with maximum efficiency.
- 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.
Danville is a town located in the San Ramon Valley in Contra Costa County, California. It is one of the most affluent suburbs in the San Francisco Bay Area and is known for its excellent schools, parks, and recreational activities. The town is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and businesses, as well as a vibrant downtown area. Danville is also home to several parks, including the Iron Horse Regional Trail, Las Trampas Regional Wilderness, and the Sycamore Valley Regional Open Space Preserve. The town is also home to several annual events, such as the Danville Farmers’ Market, the Danville Fine Arts Faire, and the Danville Summer Concert Series.
Speak to Our Danville Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Contra Costa County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (925) 999-7700 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Perelli-Minetti v. Lawson – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Perelli-Minetti v. Lawson, 205 Cal. 642 (1928), the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved a dispute between two co-owners of a piece of real property. The two co-owners had inherited the property from their father, who had died without a will. The court was asked to determine whether the two co-owners should be allowed to partition the property, meaning that each would receive a portion of the property. The court ultimately ruled that the two co-owners could not partition the property, as it would be too difficult to divide the property in a fair and equitable manner. The court also noted that the two co-owners had not been able to agree on a partition plan, and that the property was not suitable for partition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Danville
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Danville?
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 Danville?
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 Danville, 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 Danville?
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 Danville, County of Contra Costa, California
Our Danville 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 (925) 999-7700 or contact us online today.
Serving Areas Throughout California
San Ramon, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Dublin, Pleasanton, Diablo, and Blackhawk
