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 also provide a way for co-owners to resolve disputes over the division of the property. The partition statutes provide that the partition must be done in a fair and equitable manner, and that the court must approve the partition before it can be enforced. The partition statutes also provide that the court may order the sale of the property if the co-owners cannot agree on a partition. 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:
- Are there methods to resolve a partition situation without a court-ordered sale? The vast majority of partitions are solved without a court-ordered sale. Many times, the defendant will buy out the plaintiff’s interest. Other times, the parties will agree to a voluntary sale on the open market. However, the filing of the partition action is generally what forces the defendant to see the wisdom of settlement. Under California’s Partition of Real Property Act, a defendant can buy out the interest of the plaintiff at an appraised value, meaning that a court-ordered sale is only likely occur where the defendant simply can’t afford to buy the property but still won’t agree to sell.
- 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 the potential outcomes of a partition action? The most likely outcome in a partition action is that the plaintiff receives fair value for their interest in the property either through a sale to a third party or to the defendant. In rare cases, a property can be divided, through this is not applicable to single family residences with no surplus land.
- How do I file a partition action? Partition actions must be filed in the county where some or all of the co-owned real property is located by way of a partition complaint. While filing the complaint is relatively easy, reaching the end of the partition as quickly and efficiently as possible requires the skill of an experienced partition attorney.
- Can a Trust File a Partition? Yes, a trust can file a partition action as the co-owner of real property in California.
Gardena is a city located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, California. It is bordered by the cities of Torrance, Hawthorne, Lawndale, and Redondo Beach. The city is known for its strong sense of community and its commitment to providing quality services to its residents. Gardena is home to a variety of businesses, including automotive, manufacturing, and retail. The city is also home to several parks, including the Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve, which is a popular destination for bird watching and other outdoor activities. Gardena is a great place to live, work, and play.
Speak to Our Gardena 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!
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McCabe v. Ford – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of McCabe v. Ford, Not Reported in Cal.Rptr.2d (2003), the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The plaintiff, McCabe, owned a parcel of land with the defendant, Ford. The two parties had a disagreement over the partition of the land, with McCabe wanting to divide the land into two separate parcels and Ford wanting to keep the land as one parcel. The court ultimately ruled in favor of McCabe, finding that the partition was necessary to protect the interests of both parties. The court also found that the partition would not cause any undue hardship to either party.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Gardena
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Gardena?
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 Gardena?
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 Gardena, 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 Gardena?
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 Gardena, County of Los Angeles, California
Our Gardena 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 (310) 496-3300 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
Torrance, Hawthorne, Lawndale, Carson, Compton, Inglewood, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, and Los Angeles