Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Monterey County are exceptionally experienced in California partition actions and have conducted over 430 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 allow co-owners to divide the property either by agreement or by court order. If the co-owners cannot agree on how to divide the property, then the court will divide the property in a way that is fair and equitable to all parties. The partition statutes also provide that any partition of the property must be in accordance with the laws of the state of California. The legal effect of the partition statutes is that it provides a legal mechanism for co-owners to divide their property without having to go through the court system.
Our team of partition attorneys can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- Can a partition action be stopped? 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.
- How does a partition action work in California?
- 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.
- Who pays for a partition action? In California, 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).
- 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.
Monterey is a coastal city located in Monterey County, California. It is situated on the Monterey Bay along the Pacific coast, about 120 miles south of San Francisco. Monterey is known for its stunning natural beauty, with its rugged coastline, rolling hills, and lush forests. It is also home to a variety of attractions, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The city is also a popular destination for outdoor activities such as kayaking, whale watching, and hiking. Monterey is a great place to visit for its stunning scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture.
Speak to Our Monterey Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Monterey County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (831) 999-9900 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Sullivan v. Lumsden – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Sullivan v. Lumsden, 118 Cal. 664 (1897), the partition issues revolved around the division of a parcel of land owned by the parties. The court had to determine whether the land should be divided into two equal parts, or if the parties should be allowed to divide the land in a way that would be more beneficial to them. The court ultimately decided that the parties should be allowed to divide the land in a way that would be more beneficial to them, as long as it was done in a fair and equitable manner. The court also held that the parties should be allowed to make any necessary improvements to the land in order to make it more valuable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Monterey
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Monterey?
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 Monterey?
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 Monterey, 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 Monterey?
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 Monterey, County of Monterey, California
Our Monterey 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 (831) 999-9900 or contact us online today.
Serving Areas Throughout California
Carmel, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Marina, Pebble Beach, Big Sur, and Carmel-by-the-Sea
