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. 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.Hi this is text
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.
- What are the grounds for a partition action in California? A co-owner is “entitled to partition as a matter of absolute right,” meaning “he need not assign any reason for his demand; that it is sufficient if he demands a severance; and that when grounds for a sale are duly established it may be demanded as of right. To grant it is not a mere matter of grace.” De Roulet v. Mitchel (1945) 70 Cal.App.2d 120, 123-124.
- What is California’s Partition of Real Property Act? Effective January 1, 2023, California’s new partition law allows defendants to buy out the interests of the plaintiff at an appraised value.
- 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.
- Can you lose interest in a jointly owned home by moving out? Generally, co-owners maintain their ownership interests regardless of whether they live at the property. However, in rare cases, leaving the property for many years without paying taxes or other expenses may allow the co-owners in possession to argue that they have adversely possessed the property. Generally, these co-ownership disputes do not get easier with time, so it is important to act promptly.
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Speak to Our Los Angeles 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 (310) 496-3300 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Richmond v. Dofflemyer – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Richmond v. Dofflemyer, 105 Cal.App.3d 745 (1980), 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, Richmond, owned a one-half interest in the property, while the defendant, Dofflemyer, owned the other half. Richmond sought to partition the property, while Dofflemyer sought to prevent the partition. The court found that the parties had a right to partition the property, but that the partition must be made in a manner that is fair and equitable to both parties. The court noted that the partition must be made in a way that does not prejudice either party, and that the partition must be made in a way that is consistent with the interests of both parties. The court also noted that the partition must be made in a way that does not destroy the value of the property. The court noted that the partition must be made in a way that preserves the value of the property, and that the partition must be made in a way that does not cause either party to suffer an undue hardship. The court also noted that the partition must be made in a way that is consistent with the law. The court noted that the partition must be made in a way that is consistent with the law of partition, and that the partition must be made in a way that is consistent with the law of real property. Finally, the court noted that the partition must be made in a way that is consistent with the interests of the public. The court noted that the partition must be made in a way that is consistent with the public policy of preserving the value of real property, and that the partition must be made in a way that is consistent with the public policy of protecting the rights of co-owners.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Los Angeles
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Los Angeles?
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 Los Angeles?
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 Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles?
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 Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles, California
Our Los Angeles 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 (310) 496-3300 or contact us online today.
Talkov Law Los Angeles Office
10880 Wilshire Blvd Ste 1101
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Phone: (310) 496-3300
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