Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Stanislaus County are exceptionally experienced in California partition actions and have conducted over 450 partitions for our satisfied clients. California partition actions allows for the division of real property owned by two or more persons. This statute allows for the court to order the sale of the property and the division of the proceeds among the owners. The court may also order the property to be physically divided among the owners. The partition statutes also provide for the court to order the sale of the property and the division of the proceeds among the owners if the court finds that a physical division of the property would be impractical or inequitable. The partition statutes also provide for the court to order the sale of the property and the division of the proceeds among the owners if the owners cannot agree on a physical division of the property. The legal effect of the California partition statute is that it allows for the court to order the sale of the property and the division of the proceeds among the owners if the owners cannot agree on a physical division of the property.
Our team of partition attorneys can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- Can a minority owner force the sale of a property? There is no requirement for a majority vote for partition. Rather, an co-owner of any interest in property can force the sale.
- 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.
- Are there methods to resolve a partition situation without a court-ordered sale? The vast majority of partitions are solved without a court-ordered sale. Many times, the defendant will buy out the plaintiff’s interest. Other times, the parties will agree to a voluntary sale on the open market. However, the filing of the partition action is generally what forces the defendant to see the wisdom of settlement. Under California’s Partition of Real Property Act, a defendant can buy out the interest of the plaintiff at an appraised value, meaning that a court-ordered sale is only likely occur where the defendant simply can’t afford to buy the property but still won’t agree to sell.
- How long does a partition action take in California?” Most partition actions are complete in 3 to 6 months because most cases settle in either a buyout or agreed sale. However, some cases can drag on for 6 to 12 months.
- 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.
Oakdale is a small city located in the Central Valley of California, about 70 miles east of San Francisco. It is known for its rural atmosphere, small-town charm, and its proximity to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The city is home to a variety of businesses, including agriculture, manufacturing, and retail. Oakdale is also home to a number of parks, trails, and recreational areas, making it a great place to explore the outdoors. The city is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Oakdale Cowboy Festival and the Oakdale Chocolate Festival.
Speak to Our Oakdale Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Stanislaus County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (209) 600-7700 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Wernse v. Dorsey – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Wernse v. Dorsey, 2 Cal.2d 513 (1935), the issue was whether a partition of real property could be made without the consent of all the owners. The plaintiff, Wernse, owned a one-half interest in a parcel of real property with the defendant, Dorsey, owning the other half. Wernse sought to partition the property, but Dorsey refused to consent. The court held that a partition of real property could be made without the consent of all the owners, provided that the partition was made in good faith and in accordance with the law. The court also held that the partition should be made in such a way as to give each owner an equal share of the property.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Oakdale
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Oakdale?
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 Oakdale?
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 Oakdale, 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 Oakdale?
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 Oakdale, County of Stanislaus, California
Our Oakdale 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 (209) 600-7700 or contact us online today.
