Talkov Law’s attorneys serving San Diego 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:
- What are the different types of partition in California? Almost all partition actions are partition by sale, though partition in-kind allows the property to be divided, while a partition by appraisal allows the purchase by one-co-owner at an appraised value.
- 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.
- How much does a partition action cost? The cost of a partition action can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case. A typical partition action usually costs between $5,000 and $12,000, with about $8,000 being the most common cost. However, difficulty locating a defendant, the motion to appoint a partition referee, delay tactics by defendants, and other issues may raise the cost of your partition action. An experienced partition lawyer can mitigate costs and resolve your co-ownership dispute with maximum efficiency.
- 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.
- 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.
Imperial Beach is a coastal city located in San Diego County, California. It is the most southwesterly city in the continental United States, located just south of the U.S.-Mexico border. Imperial Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, surfing, and fishing. It is also home to the Imperial Beach Pier, which is the longest pier on the West Coast. The city is also home to the Tijuana Estuary, a National Estuarine Research Reserve, which is a protected wetland area. Imperial Beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a variety of activities and attractions.
Speak to Our Imperial Beach Partition Attorneys Today
Call our San Diego County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (858) 800-3300 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Superior Bedding Co. v. Erenberg – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Superior Bedding Co. v. Erenberg, 193 Cal.App.2d 86 (1961), the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved a dispute between two co-owners of a mattress manufacturing business. The plaintiff, Superior Bedding Co., was the majority owner of the business, while the defendant, Erenberg, was the minority owner. The dispute arose when Erenberg sought to partition the business, which would have resulted in the sale of the business and the division of the proceeds between the two parties. Superior Bedding Co. argued that partition was not appropriate in this case, as the business was a going concern and the sale of the business would have resulted in a significant loss of value. The court ultimately sided with Superior Bedding Co., finding that partition was not appropriate in this case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Imperial Beach
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Imperial Beach?
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 Imperial Beach?
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 Imperial Beach, 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 Imperial Beach?
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 Imperial Beach, County of San Diego, California
Our Imperial Beach 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 (858) 800-3300 or contact us online today.
Talkov Law San Diego Office
11622 El Camino Real Ste 100
San Diego, CA 92130
Phone: (858) 800-3300
Serving Areas Throughout California
San Diego, Chula Vista, National City, Coronado, Bonita, Otay Mesa, San Ysidro, Nestor, Palm City, and Egger Highlands
