Hayward Real Estate Partition Lawyer
Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Alameda County are exceptionally experienced in California partition actions and have conducted over 450 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:
- How to force the sale of jointly owned property? A partition action is the only statutory method to ensure the end of the co-ownership dispute.
- What is a partition referee? A partition referee is a neutral third party, often times a lawyer or real estate broker, who completes the sale for the co-owners under court authority. The referee is then paid for their services either on an hourly, flat fee, or commission basis, and is relieved by the court of their duties in the case.
- Will the plaintiff win a California partition action? The plaintiff almost always prevails in a partition. This is because the right to partition is absolute under California law. Most partition actions result in the Defendant agreeing to sell the property or buyout the plaintiff’s interest in the property, which is generally the plaintiff’s goal.
- Will there be a trial in a California partition action? Trials are extremely rare in partition actions because the interlocutory judgment procedure allows for a partition referee to be appointed by meeting just a few elements that rarely involve live testimony from witnesses. Even if a trial occurred, it would almost certainly relate only to the ownership interests or the distribution of proceeds, though most cases are decided on motion heard by the court based on the papers submitted by the parties.
- Are there ways to make my partition action less expensive? There are numerous ways to obtain a less expensive partition action in California. For example, having your documents organized can ensure you don’t have to pay your attorney to go through a disorganized mess to get the information they need.
Hayward is a city located in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area in Alameda County, California. It is the sixth-largest city in the Bay Area and the third-largest in Alameda County. Hayward is known for its many parks, its vibrant downtown, and its proximity to the San Francisco Bay. The city is home to California State University, East Bay, and is a major hub for the Bay Area’s transportation network. Hayward is also home to a variety of businesses, including several major corporations, and is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Speak to Our Hayward Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Alameda County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (510) 999-3300 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Cummings v. Dessel – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Cummings v. Dessel, 13 Cal.App.5th 589 (2017), the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved a dispute between two siblings over the ownership of a family home. The siblings had inherited the home from their parents, and the siblings had agreed to partition the home, with one sibling taking the upstairs portion and the other taking the downstairs portion. However, the siblings had not been able to agree on the terms of the partition, and the dispute had gone to court. The court had to decide whether the siblings had the right to partition the home, and if so, how the partition should be accomplished. The court also had to decide whether the siblings had the right to sell the home and divide the proceeds, or if the home should remain in the family. The court ultimately ruled that the siblings had the right to partition the home, and that the partition should be accomplished by a sale of the home and a division of the proceeds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Hayward
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Hayward?
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 Hayward?
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 Hayward, 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 Hayward?
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 Hayward, County of Alameda, California
Our Hayward 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 (510) 999-3300 or contact us online today.
Serving Areas Throughout California
San Leandro, Castro Valley, Union City, Fremont, Newark, and San Lorenzo
