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:
- Who pays for a partition action? In California, 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 attorneys fees incurred or paid by a party for the common benefit. California Code of Civil Procedure 874.010(a).
- In a partition action, can I be reimbursed for paying more than my fair share of the down payment? Yes, partition actions allow for offsets whereby one co-owner claims excess payments for mortgage, taxes, insurance, improvements, repairs and other property expenses
- 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 is the timeline for a California partition action? Most partition actions are resolved in 3 to 6 months by way of settlement. Other cases can take 6 to 12 months to obtain an interlocutory judgment of partition, which generally appoints a referee to sell the property.
- 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.
Garden Grove is a city located in Orange County, California. It is located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area and is bordered by the cities of Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Westminster. Garden Grove is known for its diverse population, its many parks and recreation areas, and its vibrant downtown area. The city is home to a variety of attractions, including the Crystal Cathedral, the Great Wolf Lodge, and the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival. Garden Grove is also home to a number of educational institutions, including the University of California, Irvine, and Chapman University.
Speak to Our Garden Grove 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
Cosler v. Norwood – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Cosler v. Norwood, 97 Cal.App.2d 665 (1950), the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved a dispute between two co-owners of a parcel of real property. The plaintiff, Cosler, sought to partition the property, while the defendant, Norwood, argued that partition was not appropriate. The court ultimately held that partition was not appropriate in this case, as the property was not capable of being divided into two distinct parcels without causing substantial injury to either party. The court also noted that the parties had agreed to a joint tenancy, which meant that neither party had the right to partition the property without the consent of the other.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Garden Grove
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Garden Grove?
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 Garden Grove?
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 Garden Grove, 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 Garden Grove?
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 Garden Grove, County of Orange, California
Our Garden Grove 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
