Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Fresno County are exceptionally experienced in California partition actions and have conducted over 450 for our satisfied clients. California partition actions allows for the division of real property among co-owners. This statute provides a legal mechanism for co-owners to divide their real property into separate interests. The partition statutes allow for the court to order a partition of the property, either by physically dividing the property or by selling the property and dividing the proceeds among the co-owners. The partition statutes also provide for the court to award damages to any co-owner who has been wrongfully excluded from the property. The partition statutes also allows for the court to award attorney’s fees and costs to the prevailing party.
Our team of partition attorneys can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- Who can file a partition action in California? Generally, any co-owner of real property can file a partition action.
- 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.
- What is the average cost of a partition action? The usual cost for a partition action is about $8,000 to $12,000, depending on the complexity. Some cases settle quickly after the defendant receives the partition complaint, while others can drag on longer if there are more complex issues or delay tactics by the defendant.
- 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 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.
Fresno is the fifth-largest city in California and the largest inland city in the state. Located in the San Joaquin Valley, it is the economic and cultural center of the Fresno-Clovis metropolitan area, which has a population of over 1 million people. Fresno is known for its agricultural production, including grapes, cotton, and almonds, as well as its vibrant arts and entertainment scene. The city is home to several museums, galleries, and performing arts venues, as well as a variety of restaurants, bars, and nightlife spots. Fresno is also home to California State University, Fresno, and Fresno City College.
Speak to Our Fresno Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Fresno County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
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Barney v. City of Baltimore – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Barney v. City of Baltimore, 73 U.S. 280 (1867), the issue was whether the City of Baltimore had the right to partition a piece of land owned by the plaintiff, Barney. The City of Baltimore had passed an ordinance that allowed it to partition the land into two parts, with one part being used for a public street and the other part being sold to a private individual. The plaintiff argued that the City of Baltimore did not have the right to partition the land without his consent, and that the ordinance was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of the plaintiff, finding that the City of Baltimore did not have the right to partition the land without the consent of the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Fresno
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Fresno?
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 Fresno?
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 Fresno, 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 Fresno?
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 Fresno, County of Fresno, California
Our Fresno 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 (559) 777-5500 or contact us online today.