Ojai Real Estate Partition Lawyer
Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Ventura County are exceptionally experienced in California partition actions and have conducted over 470 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 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.
- 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 is the timeline for a California partition action? Most partition actions are resolved in 3 to 6 months by way of settlement. Other cases can take 6 to 12 months to obtain an interlocutory judgment of partition, which generally appoints a referee to sell the property.
- How long will it take for the plaintiff to receive his or her share of the sales proceeds? Usually, the property is marketed for sale or purchased by the defendant in 3 to 6 months. If a referee is appointed, that may take 6 to 9 months. With proper drafting of an interlocutory judgment of partition by sale, the referee can be required to disburse the proceeds promptly at the close of escrow or shortly thereafter.
- 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.
Ojai is a small city located in Ventura County, California. It is known for its beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and its laid-back atmosphere. Ojai is surrounded by the Topatopa Mountains and is home to the Ojai Valley, which is known for its lush green hills and oak trees. The city is also known for its art galleries, boutique shops, and its annual Ojai Music Festival. Ojai is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and camping.
Speak to Our Ojai Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Ventura County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (805) 880-8800 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Mohammed v. Mohammed – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Mohammed v. Mohammed, 2014 WL 1916624, B244755 (14-May-2014) , the issue was whether a partition of real property was proper. The plaintiff, Mr. Mohammed, owned a parcel of real property with his brother, Mr. Mohammed. The plaintiff sought to partition the property, but the defendant objected, arguing that the partition would be inequitable. The court found that the partition was proper, as the plaintiff had provided sufficient evidence that the partition would be equitable. The court also noted that the defendant had failed to provide any evidence to the contrary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Ojai
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Ojai?
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 Ojai?
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 Ojai, 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 Ojai?
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 Ojai, County of Ventura, California
Our Ojai 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 (805) 880-8800 or contact us online today.
Serving Areas Throughout California
Ventura, Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Oxnard, Camarillo, Meiners Oaks, Mira Monte, and Oak View