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. 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 awarding each co-owner a certain percentage of the property’s value. The court will then order the property to be divided according to the co-owners’ wishes. The partition statutes also provide that if the court finds that a physical division of the property is not possible, it may order the property to be sold and the proceeds divided among the co-owners.
Our team of partition attorneys can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- Can heirs force the sale of property? Heirs can force the sale of real property in California once that property is distributed to them. However, sometimes, the property is still held in a trust where the trustee will sell the property. When there is no trust, the probate court may decide that the probate administrator will sell the property before it is distributed in fractional interests to the heirs.
- Can a minority owner force the sale of a property? There is no requirement for a majority vote for partition. Rather, an co-owner of any interest in property can force the sale.
- How long will it take for the plaintiff to receive his or her share of the sales proceeds? Usually, the property is marketed for sale or purchased by the defendant in 3 to 6 months. If a referee is appointed, that may take 6 to 9 months. With proper drafting of an interlocutory judgment of partition by sale, the referee can be required to disburse the proceeds promptly at the close of escrow or shortly thereafter.
- Can a partition action be stopped or dismissed in California? The truth is that there are very few affirmative defenses in a partition action, and those defenses are rarely applied by courts in California.
- What is California’s Partition of Real Property Act? Effective January 1, 2023, California’s new partition law allows defendants to buy out the interests of the plaintiff at an appraised value.
Huntington Park is a city located in the southeastern region of Los Angeles County, California. It is bordered by the cities of South Gate, Bell, and Vernon. The city is known for its diverse population and vibrant culture. The city is home to a variety of businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Huntington Park is also home to several parks and recreational facilities, including a public library, a community center, and a skate park. The city is served by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Speak to Our Huntington Park 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!
Call us at (562) 600-3300 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Middlecoff v. Cronise – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Middlecoff v. Cronise, 155 Cal. 185 (1909), the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved two parties, Middlecoff and Cronise, who had inherited a piece of real estate from their father. The two parties had agreed to divide the property into two equal parts, but Cronise had failed to do so. Middlecoff then filed a lawsuit against Cronise, seeking a court order to compel him to partition the property. The court ultimately ruled in favor of Middlecoff, ordering Cronise to partition the property as agreed. The case serves as an example of the importance of properly partitioning inherited property in order to avoid potential legal disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Huntington Park
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Huntington Park?
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 Huntington Park?
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 Huntington Park, 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 Huntington Park?
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 Huntington Park, County of Los Angeles, California
Our Huntington Park 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 (562) 600-3300 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
East Los Angeles, South Gate, Bell, Maywood, Vernon, Commerce, Bell Gardens, Cudahy, Florence-Graham, and Boyle Heights