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 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:
- What happens to any debts or liens on the property during a partition action? Secured debts are paid from the sale of the property. Secured lenders named in a partition action are generally dismissed with an agreement to pay the mortgage at the time of the sale.
- When is a partition action right for my dispute? Generally, parties who can reach their own resolution of a co-ownership dispute are not reading websites about partition law. If you are reading this article, chances are that your co-ownership dispute has reached a level where legal options are being considered. Filing a partition action will bring about a certain result to the co-ownership dispute, rather than letting it linger for years on end. However, if the parties are very close to a settlement, it may be wise to consider a resolution.
- Will the plaintiff win a California partition action? The plaintiff almost always prevails in a partition. This is because the right to partition is absolute under California law. Most partition actions result in the Defendant agreeing to sell the property or buyout the plaintiff’s interest in the property, which is generally the plaintiff’s goal.
- 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.
- What are the tax implications of a partition action? It is best to seek the advice of a tax attorney or CPA about tax issues. However, the most common tax issues in partitions, like other sales, can involve capital gains taxes and the potential partial or full reassessment of property taxes.
Menifee is a city located in Riverside County, California. It is situated in the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, and is part of the Inland Empire metropolitan area. The city is known for its rural atmosphere and outdoor recreation opportunities. Menifee is home to a variety of parks, trails, and golf courses, as well as a number of shopping and dining options. The city is also home to a number of educational institutions, including Mt. San Jacinto College and California State University San Marcos.
Speak to Our Menifee 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
Harless v. Greene – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Harless v. Greene, 116 Cal.App.2d 911 (1953), 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, Harless, sought to partition the property, while the defendant, Greene, argued that partition was not appropriate. The court ultimately held that partition was not appropriate in this case, as the parties had agreed to a joint tenancy, and the court found that partition would be contrary to the parties’ agreement. The court also found that partition would be inequitable, as it would result in a disproportionate division of the property. The court also noted that partition would be impractical, as it would require the sale of the property, which would be difficult to accomplish in the current market.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Menifee
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Menifee?
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 Menifee?
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 Menifee, 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 Menifee?
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 Menifee, County of Riverside, California
Our Menifee 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, Lake Elsinore, Perris, Hemet, Wildomar, Sun City, and Canyon Lake
