Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Sonoma 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 awarding each co-owner a certain percentage of the property’s value. The court will then order the property to be divided according to the co-owners’ wishes. The partition statutes also provide that if the court finds that a physical division of the property is not possible, it may order the property to be sold and the proceeds divided among the co-owners.
Our team of partition attorneys can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- 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.
- What are the grounds for a partition action in California? A co-owner is “entitled to partition as a matter of absolute right,” meaning “he need not assign any reason for his demand; that it is sufficient if he demands a severance; and that when grounds for a sale are duly established it may be demanded as of right. To grant it is not a mere matter of grace. De Roulet v. Mitchel (1945) 70 Cal.App.2d 120, 123-124.
- When is a partition action right for my dispute? Generally, parties who can reach their own resolution of a co-ownership dispute are not reading websites about partition law. If you are reading this article, chances are that your co-ownership dispute has reached a level where legal options are being considered. Filing a partition action will bring about a certain result to the co-ownership dispute, rather than letting it linger for years on end. However, if the parties are very close to a settlement, it may be wise to consider a resolution.
- 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.
Petaluma is a city in Sonoma County, California, located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. It is known for its historic downtown, Victorian architecture, and its proximity to the Petaluma River. The city is home to a variety of businesses, including wineries, breweries, and a variety of restaurants. Petaluma is also home to a number of parks and trails, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is also home to a number of annual festivals and events, including the Butter & Egg Days Parade and the Petaluma Music Festival.
Speak to Our Petaluma Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Sonoma County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (707) 777-6600 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Masayesva for and on Behalf of Hopi Indian Tribe v. Hale – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Masayesva for and on Behalf of Hopi Indian Tribe v. Hale, 118 F.3d 1371 (1997), the issue of partition arose when the Hopi Indian Tribe sought to partition a large area of land in Arizona that was jointly owned by the Hopi and Navajo tribes. The Hopi Tribe argued that the land should be divided into two separate parcels, one for each tribe, while the Navajo Tribe argued that the land should remain undivided. The court ultimately ruled in favor of the Hopi Tribe, finding that the land should be partitioned in order to protect the interests of both tribes. The court also noted that the partition would not be a permanent solution, as the two tribes would still need to negotiate a long-term agreement regarding the use of the land.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Petaluma
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Petaluma?
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 Petaluma?
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 Petaluma, 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 Petaluma?
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 Petaluma, County of Sonoma, California
Our Petaluma 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 (707) 777-6600 or contact us online today.
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Novato, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Sonoma, Napa Valley, Sebastopol, Cotati, and