Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Fresno County are exceptionally experienced in California partition actions and have conducted over 400 partitions 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:
- 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.
- What to expect in a California partition action? Partition actions necessarily resolve the conflict between co-owners through an expedited statutory process. A capable partition attorney will assist in expediting the process and producing the most favorable outcome.
- 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.
- Can I recover my attorney’s fees in a partition action? Yes, you can recover your legal fees in a partition action through a motion for attorney’s fees. However, most partitions settle, and most settlements involve a walk-away of attorney’s fees, meaning it important to hire a partition attorney who will handle the matter efficiently since each party is likely to pay their own fees.
- 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.
Kingsburg is a small city located in Fresno County, California. It is situated in the San Joaquin Valley, about 20 miles south of Fresno. The city has a population of around 11,000 people and is known for its agricultural production, particularly of raisins and almonds. Kingsburg is also home to a variety of small businesses, including restaurants, shops, and a historic downtown area. The city is known for its annual Swedish Festival, which celebrates the city’s Swedish heritage. Kingsburg is a great place to live, work, and play, with plenty of outdoor activities, a vibrant downtown, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Speak to Our Kingsburg Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Fresno 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
Pittman v. Vau – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Pittman v. Vau, 2018 WL 1981108, A148222 (27-Apr-2018) , 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 failed to execute a formal partition agreement, and the dispute arose when one of the siblings attempted to sell the entire home without the consent of the other. The court ultimately held that the siblings had an implied agreement to partition the home, and that the attempted sale of the entire home was a breach of that agreement. The court ordered the siblings to execute a formal partition agreement and to divide the home accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Kingsburg
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Kingsburg?
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 Kingsburg?
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 Kingsburg, 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 Kingsburg?
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 Kingsburg, County of Fresno, California
Our Kingsburg 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.
