Kings County Real Estate Partition Lawyer
Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Kings County are exceptionally experienced in California partition actions and have conducted over 450 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 court may order a partition of the property if the co-owners cannot agree on a division. The court may also order the sale of the property and the division of the proceeds among the co-owners. The partition statutes also provide that the court may award attorney’s fees and costs to the prevailing party in a partition action.
Our team of partition attorneys can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- Can a partition action be stopped? 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.
- What types of properties can be subject to a partition action in California? All co-owned real or personal property can be partitioned under California law. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 872.020.
- Can a partition action be filed for both real property and personal property in California? Yes, all co-owned real and personal property can be partitioned under California law. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 872.020.
- Can I be forced into selling a jointly owned house? Under California’s Partition of Real Property Act, a co-owner will have a right to buyout the property. However, absent a buy out at the appraised price, a plaintiff will likely be able to force the sale of a jointly owned house.
- 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.
Kings County is a county located in the Central Valley of California. It is bordered by Fresno County to the north, Tulare County to the east, Kern County to the south, and San Joaquin County to the west. The county seat is Hanford. The population of Kings County was 152,982 as of the 2010 census. The county is named for the Kings River, which was named in 1805 by Spanish explorer Gabriel Moraga for the biblical King Solomon. Kings County is home to a variety of agricultural products, including cotton, grapes, citrus, and dairy products. The county is also home to a number of military bases, including the Lemoore Naval Air Station and the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.
Speak to Our Kings County Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Kings County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (559) 777-5500 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
De Roulet v. Mitchel – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of De Roulet v. Mitchel, 70 Cal.App.2d 120 (1945), the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved a dispute between two co-owners of a parcel of real property. The plaintiff, De Roulet, sought to partition the property, while the defendant, Mitchel, argued that the property should not be partitioned. The court ultimately ruled in favor of De Roulet, finding that the property should be partitioned. The court noted that the parties had a right to partition the property, and that the partition should be done in a manner that would be fair and equitable to both parties. The court also noted that the partition should be done in a way that would not cause unnecessary hardship to either party.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Kings County
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Kings County?
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 Kings County?
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 Kings County, 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 Kings County?
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 Kings County, California
Our Kings County 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 (559) 777-5500 or contact us online today.
