Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Marin County are exceptionally experienced in California partition actions and have conducted over 400 partitions for our satisfied clients. California partition actions provide a legal mechanism for co-owners of real property to divide the property among themselves. The partition statutes allow a co-owner to file a lawsuit in court to have the property divided, either physically or by sale. The court will then order the division of the property in a way that is fair and equitable to all parties. The partition statutes also provide that any proceeds from the sale of the property must be divided among the co-owners in proportion to their respective interests in the property.
Our team of partition attorneys can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- Do I need to go to court to win a partition action? While the partition action must be filed with the court, partition actions rarely involve a trial in which the co-owners appear at court. This means it is extremely unlikely that you will need to step foot in a courtroom. Most partition work is done by motion practice involving tentative rulings with little interaction between the court and the attorneys, let alone the co-owners.
- What types of properties can be subject to a partition action in California? All co-owned real or personal property can be partitioned under California law. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 872.020.
- 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.
- What are the different types of partition in California? Almost all partition actions are partition by sale, though partition in-kind allows the property to be divided, while a partition by appraisal allows the purchase by one-co-owner at an appraised value.
- What is a partition referee? A partition referee is a neutral third party, often times a lawyer or real estate broker, who completes the sale for the co-owners under court authority. The referee is then paid for their services either on an hourly, flat fee, or commission basis, and is relieved by the court of their duties in the case.
Novato is a city located in Marin County, California, about 30 miles north of San Francisco. It is the largest city in Marin County and is known for its small-town charm and beautiful scenery. Novato is home to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and kayaking. The city is also home to a number of wineries, breweries, and restaurants. Novato is a great place to live, work, and play, and is a popular destination for visitors from all over the world.
Speak to Our Novato Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Marin County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (415) 966-3300 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Miller v. Sharp – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Miller v. Sharp, 48 Cal. 394 (1874), the California Supreme Court was asked to decide whether a partition of land between two co-owners was valid. The court held that the partition was invalid because it was not made in good faith. The court found that the partition was made in order to benefit one of the co-owners, and not to fairly divide the land between the two parties. The court also found that the partition was not made in accordance with the law, as it did not take into account the rights of third parties who had an interest in the land. The court concluded that the partition was invalid and that the two co-owners must continue to hold the land as tenants in common.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Novato
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Novato?
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 Novato?
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 Novato, 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 Novato?
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 Novato, County of Marin, California
Our Novato 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 (415) 966-3300 or contact us online today.
Serving Areas Throughout California
San Rafael, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Napa, Sonoma, Hamilton, Ignacio, Bel Marin Keys, Black Point-Green Point, San Marin, and Indian Valley
