Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Orange 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:
- 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.
- Can a Trust File a Partition? Yes, a trust can file a partition action as the co-owner of real property in California.
- Can I still file a partition if my co-owner has filed for bankruptcy? Yes, the partition action can generally be filed in the bankruptcy court or the bankruptcy court can apply state partition law to allow offsets when the co-owned property is sold by the bankruptcy trustee.
- 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.
Fountain Valley is a city located in Orange County, California. It is situated in the center of the county, between Huntington Beach and Santa Ana. The city is known for its large parks, excellent schools, and its close proximity to the beach. It is a great place to live for families, with plenty of activities and amenities to enjoy. The city is also home to Mile Square Regional Park, which offers a variety of recreational activities, including golf, tennis, and a lake. Fountain Valley is a great place to live, work, and play.
Speak to Our Fountain Valley Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Orange County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (714) 888-7700 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Miranda v. Miranda – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Miranda v. Miranda, 81 Cal.App.2d 61 (1947), the issue was whether a partition of real property between two siblings was valid. The siblings had agreed to a partition of the property, but the court found that the partition was invalid because it was not done in accordance with the law. The court found that the partition was not done in a manner that would ensure that each sibling received an equal share of the property, and that the partition was not done in a manner that would protect the interests of the other siblings. The court also found that the partition was not done in a manner that would protect the interests of creditors. The court ultimately held that the partition was invalid and that the siblings would have to enter into a new agreement in order to divide the property in a manner that was fair and equitable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Fountain Valley
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Fountain Valley?
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 Fountain Valley?
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 Fountain Valley, 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 Fountain Valley?
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 Fountain Valley, County of Orange, California
Our Fountain Valley 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 (714) 888-7700 or contact us online today.
Talkov Law Orange County Office
4000 MacArthur Blvd Ste 655
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (949) 888-8800