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 allows for the division of real property among co-owners. This statute provides a legal mechanism for co-owners to divide their real property into separate interests. The partition statutes allow for the court to order a partition of the property, either by physically dividing the property or by selling the property and dividing the proceeds among the co-owners. The partition statutes also provide for the court to award damages to any co-owner who has been wrongfully excluded from the property. The partition statutes also allows for the court to award attorney’s fees and costs to the prevailing party.
Our team of partition attorneys can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- Are there methods to resolve a partition situation without a court-ordered sale? The vast majority of partitions are solved without a court-ordered sale. Many times, the defendant will buy out the plaintiff’s interest. Other times, the parties will agree to a voluntary sale on the open market. However, the filing of the partition action is generally what forces the defendant to see the wisdom of settlement. Under California’s Partition of Real Property Act, a defendant can buy out the interest of the plaintiff at an appraised value, meaning that a court-ordered sale is only likely occur where the defendant simply can’t afford to buy the property but still won’t agree to sell.
- 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.
- 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.
- How will the court in a California partition action determine how much each co-owner will receive from the sales proceeds? Generally, each co-owner will receive their fractional interest in the proceeds of sale based on their ownership interests. However, this amount can be enhanced or diminished by partition offsets whereby one co-owner paid more than their fractional interest for property expenses.
- How does a partition action work in California?
Lakewood is a city located in Los Angeles County, California. It is bordered by Long Beach to the west, Bellflower to the north, Cerritos to the east, and Cypress to the south. The city is known for its diverse population and vibrant culture. The city is home to many parks, shopping centers, and recreational facilities, making it a great place to live and visit. Lakewood is also home to many restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
Speak to Our Lakewood 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
Jacquemart v. Jacquemart – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Jacquemart v. Jacquemart, 142 Cal.App.2d 794 (1956), the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved a dispute between two siblings over the partition of their father’s estate. The siblings had inherited the estate upon their father’s death, and the court was tasked with determining how to divide the estate between them. The court ultimately determined that the estate should be divided into two equal parts, with each sibling receiving one half. The court also determined that the siblings should be allowed to choose which half of the estate they would receive. This decision was based on the fact that the siblings had different needs and interests, and thus it would be unfair to force them to accept a partition that did not take into account their individual needs and interests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Lakewood
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Lakewood?
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 Lakewood?
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 Lakewood, 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 Lakewood?
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 Lakewood, County of Los Angeles, California
Our Lakewood 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
