Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Nevada 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 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:
- What is a partition action and when is it necessary?
- 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 costs associated with a partition action? The costs of a partition action generally involve the attorney’s fees, and court costs, but can involve referee fees and broker’s fees if the property is sold.
- What is the average cost of a partition action? The usual cost for a partition action is about $8,000 to $12,000, depending on the complexity. Some cases settle quickly after the defendant receives the partition complaint, while others can drag on longer if there are more complex issues or delay tactics by the defendant.
- Can a Trust File a Partition? Yes, a trust can file a partition action as the co-owner of real property in California.
Nevada City is a small city located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California. It is a popular tourist destination due to its historic downtown, which is filled with charming Victorian-era buildings, unique shops, and restaurants. The city is also known for its outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and rafting. Nevada City is home to a vibrant arts and music scene, and hosts several annual festivals, including the Nevada City Film Festival and the Nevada City Classic Bicycle Race. The city is also home to a number of wineries, breweries, and distilleries, making it a great destination for wine and beer lovers.
Speak to Our Nevada City Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Nevada County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (530) 999-5588 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Douglas v. Edwards – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Douglas v. Edwards, 2021 WL 2521565, D077042 (21-Jun-2021) , the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved a dispute between two siblings over the ownership of a family home. The siblings had inherited the home from their parents, and the siblings had agreed to partition the home, with each sibling receiving a portion of the home. However, the siblings had not been able to agree on the terms of the partition, and the dispute had gone to court. The court had to decide whether the siblings should be allowed to partition the home, and if so, how the partition should be done. The court also had to decide whether the siblings should be allowed to sell the home and divide the proceeds, or if the home should remain in the family. The court ultimately ruled in favor of the siblings, allowing them to partition the home and divide the proceeds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Nevada City
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Nevada City?
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 Nevada City?
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 Nevada City, 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 Nevada City?
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 Nevada City, County of Nevada, California
Our Nevada City 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 (530) 999-5588 or contact us online today.
Serving Areas Throughout California
Grass Valley, Penn Valley, Rough Ready, North San Juan, and Colfax