Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Yolo 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:
- 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.
- What are the different types of partition in California? Almost all partition actions are partition by sale, though partition in-kind allows the property to be divided, while a partition by appraisal allows the purchase by one-co-owner at an appraised value.
- How will the property be divided if a partition action is successful? In most partition actions, the property will be sold, rather than being divided. If the property is eligible for partition in-kind, the court can appoint a referee to prepare a report on dividing the property in a manner that does not damage the value of the fractional interests.
- 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.
- When is a partition action right for my dispute? Generally, parties who can reach their own resolution of a co-ownership dispute are not reading websites about partition law. If you are reading this article, chances are that your co-ownership dispute has reached a level where legal options are being considered. Filing a partition action will bring about a certain result to the co-ownership dispute, rather than letting it linger for years on end. However, if the parties are very close to a settlement, it may be wise to consider a resolution.
Davis is a city in Northern California located in Yolo County. It is part of the Sacramento metropolitan area and is home to the University of California, Davis. The city is known for its vibrant downtown area, bike-friendly streets, and agricultural heritage. Davis is also home to a variety of parks, museums, and other attractions, making it a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.
Speak to Our Davis Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Yolo County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (530) 999-5588 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Lake Vineyard Land & Water Ass’n v. San Gabriel Orange Grove Ass’n – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Lake Vineyard Land & Water Ass’n v. San Gabriel Orange Grove Ass’n, 7 P.C.L.J. 695 (1881), involved a dispute over the partition of a large tract of land in California. The dispute arose when the San Gabriel Orange Grove Association (SGOGA) sought to partition the land into two separate parcels, one for the Lake Vineyard Land & Water Association (LVLWA) and one for SGOGA. The LVLWA objected to the partition, arguing that it would be inequitable and would not provide them with an adequate portion of the land. The court ultimately sided with the LVLWA, ruling that the partition proposed by SGOGA was not equitable and that the LVLWA should receive a larger portion of the land. The court also ruled that the partition should be done in such a way that the LVLWA would receive the most valuable portion of the land.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Davis
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Davis?
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 Davis?
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 Davis, 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 Davis?
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 Davis, County of Yolo, California
Our Davis 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 (530) 999-5588 or contact us online today.
