Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Los Angeles County are exceptionally experienced in California partition actions and have conducted over 400 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 done in accordance with the laws of the state of California. The legal effect of the partition statutes is that it provides 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:
- Can we negotiate a settlement instead of going through a partition action? We find that the best solution is to file the partition action, then negotiate a settlement. Defendants often reach a more reasonable settlement when they are being advised by a partition attorney who will explain that the plaintiff is very likely to obtain the sale of the property.
- Can I be forced into selling a jointly owned house? Under California’s Partition of Real Property Act, a co-owner will have a right to buyout the property. However, absent a buy out at the appraised price, a plaintiff will likely be able to force the sale of a jointly owned house.
- Can a Trust File a Partition? Yes, a trust can file a partition action as the co-owner of real property in California.
- Do I need to go to court to win a partition action? While the partition action must be filed with the court, partition actions rarely involve a trial in which the co-owners appear at court. This means it is extremely unlikely that you will need to step foot in a courtroom. Most partition work is done by motion practice involving tentative rulings with little interaction between the court and the attorneys, let alone the co-owners.
- Are there ways to make my partition action less expensive? There are numerous ways to obtain a less expensive partition action in California. For example, having your documents organized can ensure you don’t have to pay your attorney to go through a disorganized mess to get the information they need.
Duarte is a city located in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County, California. It is located about 21 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. The population was 21,486 at the 2010 census, up from 18,256 at the 2000 census. The city is bounded to the north by the San Gabriel Mountains, to the south by the cities of Irwindale and Azusa, to the east by the city of Bradbury, and to the west by the city of Monrovia. Duarte is home to the historic Fish Canyon Falls, a popular hiking destination. The city is also home to the Duarte Sports Park, which features a variety of sports fields and courts, as well as a skate park. The city is served by the Duarte Unified School District, which includes Duarte High School, Northview Intermediate School, and several elementary schools.
Speak to Our Duarte Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Los Angeles County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (626) 777-3300 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Worcester v. Worcester – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Worcester v. Worcester, 246 Cal.App.2d 56 (1966), the issue was whether a partition of real property was proper. The court found that the partition was not proper because the property was held in joint tenancy, and the partition would have destroyed the joint tenancy. The court held that a partition of real property held in joint tenancy is not allowed because it would destroy the right of survivorship, which is an essential feature of joint tenancy. The court also held that the partition would have been proper if the property had been held in tenancy in common, but since it was held in joint tenancy, the partition was not allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Duarte
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Duarte?
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 Duarte?
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 Duarte, 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 Duarte?
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 Duarte, County of Los Angeles, California
Our Duarte 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 (626) 777-3300 or contact us online today.
Talkov Law Los Angeles Office
10880 Wilshire Blvd Ste 1101
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Phone: (310) 496-3300