Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Los Angeles 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 also provide a way for co-owners to resolve disputes over the division of the property. The partition statutes provide that the court may order a partition of the property if the co-owners cannot agree on a division. The court may also order the sale of the property and the division of the proceeds among the co-owners. The partition statutes also provide that the court may award attorney’s fees and costs to the prevailing party in a partition action.
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.
- What are my partition rights for inherited property? Co-owners of inherited property generally have the absolute right to force the sale of the property through a partition action.
- Can a partition action be stopped or dismissed in California? The truth is that there are very few affirmative defenses in a partition action, and those defenses are rarely applied by courts 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.
- 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.
El Monte is a city located in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County, California. It is situated between the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo Rivers, and is approximately 12 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. El Monte is known for its diverse population, with a large Latino population, as well as a large Asian population. The city is home to a variety of businesses, including manufacturing, retail, and service industries. El Monte is also home to several parks, including the El Monte Community Park, which features a lake, picnic areas, and a playground. The city is also home to the El Monte Historical Museum, which showcases the city’s history and culture.
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Forderer v. Schmidt – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Forderer v. Schmidt, 146 F. 480 (1906), the issue was whether a partition of real estate was valid. The plaintiff, Forderer, had purchased a tract of land from Schmidt, who had previously purchased it from a third party. Forderer then sought to partition the land into two separate parcels, one for himself and one for Schmidt. The court held that the partition was invalid because Schmidt had not consented to it. The court reasoned that since Schmidt had not agreed to the partition, he was still the owner of the entire tract of land and could not be divested of his ownership rights without his consent. The court also noted that the partition would have been valid if Schmidt had consented to it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in El Monte
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in El Monte?
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 El Monte?
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 El Monte, 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 El Monte?
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 El Monte, County of Los Angeles, California
Our El Monte 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
Serving Areas Throughout California
Some communities near El Monte, California include Baldwin Park, Rosemead, South El Monte, Temple City, West Covina, Arcadia, and Baldwin Park