Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Riverside 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 sale. The court will then order the division of the property in a way that is fair and equitable to all parties. The partition statutes also provide that any proceeds from the sale of the property must be divided among the co-owners in proportion to their respective interests in the property.
Our team of partition attorneys can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- 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.
- How long will it take to get the property partitioned and sold? Most commonly, 3 to 6 months is all that it takes for the defendant to agree to a sale or buyout the plaintiff’s interest in the property for a fair value. Some cases may take 6 to 12 months.
- 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.
- 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.
- Do I need to go to court to win a partition action? While the partition action must be filed with the court, partition actions rarely involve a trial in which the co-owners appear at court. This means it is extremely unlikely that you will need to step foot in a courtroom. Most partition work is done by motion practice involving tentative rulings with little interaction between the court and the attorneys, let alone the co-owners.
Lake Elsinore is a city located in Riverside County, California. It is situated at the northern end of the Santa Ana Mountains and is bordered by the Cleveland National Forest. The city is known for its beautiful lake, Lake Elsinore, which is the largest natural freshwater lake in Southern California. The lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities. The city is also home to a variety of attractions, including the Lake Elsinore Storm baseball team, the Lake Elsinore Outlets, and the Lake Elsinore Casino. The city is a great place to live, work, and play, and offers a variety of activities and amenities for its residents.
Speak to Our Lake Elsinore Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Riverside County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (951) 888-3300 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Lang v. Lang – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Lang v. Lang, 182 Cal. 765 (1920), the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved a dispute between two siblings over the partition of a piece of real estate that had been inherited from their father. The siblings had agreed to divide the property into two equal parts, but the sister argued that the brother had taken more than his fair share of the property. The court ultimately ruled in favor of the brother, finding that the partition had been made in good faith and that the sister had failed to prove that the brother had taken more than his fair share. The court also noted that the partition had been made in accordance with the wishes of the father, and that the sister had failed to provide any evidence to the contrary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Lake Elsinore
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Lake Elsinore?
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 Lake Elsinore?
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 Lake Elsinore, 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 Lake Elsinore?
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 Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside, California
Our Lake Elsinore 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 (951) 888-3300 or contact us online today.
Serving Areas Throughout California
Murrieta, Temecula, Wildomar, Menifee, Canyon Lake, and Canyon Hills