Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Los Angeles 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 also provide a way for co-owners to resolve disputes over the division of the property. The partition statutes provide that the court may order a partition of the property if the co-owners cannot agree on a division. The court may also order the sale of the property and the division of the proceeds among the co-owners. The partition statutes also provide that the court may award attorney’s fees and costs to the prevailing party in a partition action.
Our team of partition attorneys can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- Can a Trust File a Partition? Yes, a trust can file a partition action as the co-owner of real property in California.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- How will the court in a California partition action determine how much each co-owner will receive from the sales proceeds? Generally, each co-owner will receive their fractional interest in the proceeds of sale based on their ownership interests. However, this amount can be enhanced or diminished by partition offsets whereby one co-owner paid more than their fractional interest for property expenses.
Rancho Palos Verdes is a city located in Los Angeles County, California. It is situated on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The city is known for its beautiful views, rolling hills, and coastal bluffs. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, whales, and sea lions. The city is also home to a number of parks, trails, and beaches, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation. The city is also home to a number of upscale neighborhoods, shopping centers, and restaurants.
Speak to Our Rancho Palos Verdes Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Los Angeles County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (310) 496-3300 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Raisin Inv. Co. v. Magginetti – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Raisin Inv. Co. v. Magginetti, 109 Cal.App.2d 163 (1952), the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved a dispute between two co-owners of a parcel of real property. The plaintiff, Raisin Investment Company, owned a one-half interest in the property, while the defendant, Magginetti, owned the other half. The plaintiff sought to partition the property, arguing that it was not capable of being used in common by the two owners. The defendant argued that the property was capable of being used in common and that partition would be detrimental to both parties. The court ultimately found that the property was capable of being used in common and denied the plaintiff’s request for partition. The court also held that partition would be detrimental to both parties and that the plaintiff was not entitled to a partition of the property.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Rancho Palos Verdes
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Rancho Palos Verdes?
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 Rancho Palos Verdes?
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 Rancho Palos Verdes, 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 Rancho Palos Verdes?
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 Rancho Palos Verdes, County of Los Angeles, California
Our Rancho Palos Verdes 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 (310) 496-3300 or contact us online today.
Talkov Law Los Angeles Office
10880 Wilshire Blvd Ste 1101
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Phone: (310) 496-3300
