Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Madera 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:
- Who can file a partition action in California? Generally, any co-owner of real property can file a partition action.
- How much does a partition action cost? The cost of a partition action can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case. A typical partition action usually costs between $5,000 and $12,000, with about $8,000 being the most common cost. However, difficulty locating a defendant, the motion to appoint a partition referee, delay tactics by defendants, and other issues may raise the cost of your partition action. An experienced partition lawyer can mitigate costs and resolve your co-ownership dispute with maximum efficiency.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Madera is a city located in the Central Valley of California, about 40 miles north of Fresno. It is the county seat of Madera County. The city is known for its agricultural production, including grapes, almonds, and citrus fruits. It is also home to the Madera Speedway, a popular destination for auto racing enthusiasts. Madera is a great place to live, with a variety of outdoor activities, shopping, and dining options. The city is also home to a number of parks, including the Madera County Fairgrounds, which hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
Speak to Our Madera Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Madera 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
Livermore v. Webb – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Livermore v. Webb, 6 P.C.L.J. 914 (1880), the issue was whether a partition of land between two parties was valid. The court found that the partition was not valid because the parties had not agreed to the terms of the partition in writing. The court held that the partition was invalid because it was not in writing and did not meet the requirements of the Statute of Frauds. The court also held that the partition was invalid because it was not made in accordance with the rules of equity and good conscience. The court found that the partition was not valid because it was not made in a fair and equitable manner and did not provide for the interests of both parties. The court also held that the partition was invalid because it was not made in accordance with the rules of law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Madera
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Madera?
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 Madera?
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 Madera, 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 Madera?
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 Madera, County of Madera, California
Our Madera 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.
Serving Areas Throughout California
Fresno, Merced, Chowchilla, Oakhurst, Coarsegold, Yosemite Lakes, Kerman, Firebaugh, and Parkwood