Experienced Partition Attorneys Serving Humboldt County

Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Humboldt County are exceptionally experienced in the area of California partition actions. California partition actions allows for the division of real property owned by two or more persons. This statute allows for the court to order the sale of the property and the division of the proceeds among the owners. The court may also order the property to be physically divided among the owners. The partition statutes also provide for the court to order the sale of the property and the division of the proceeds among the owners if the court finds that a physical division of the property would be impractical or inequitable. The partition statutes also provide for the court to order the sale of the property and the division of the proceeds among the owners if the owners cannot agree on a physical division of the property. The legal effect of the California partition statute is that it allows for the court to order the sale of the property and the division of the proceeds among the owners if the owners cannot agree on a physical division of the property.

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.
• 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 attorney’s fees incurred or paid by a party for the common benefit.” California Code of Civil Procedure 874.010(a).
• 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.
• 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.