Rancho Santa Margarita Real Estate Partition Lawyer
Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Orange County are exceptionally experienced in California partition actions and have conducted over 470 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 partition must be done in a fair and equitable manner, and that the court must approve the partition before it can be enforced. The partition statutes also provide that the court may order the sale of the property if the co-owners cannot agree on a partition. The legal effect of the partition statutes is that it provides a legal mechanism for co-owners to divide their property without having to go through the court system.
Our team of partition attorneys can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- Can I still file a partition if my co-owner has filed for bankruptcy? Yes, the partition action can generally be filed in the bankruptcy court or the bankruptcy court can apply state partition law to allow offsets when the co-owned property is sold by the bankruptcy trustee.
- Can a partition action be filed for both real property and personal property in California? Yes, all co-owned real and personal property can be partitioned under California law. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 872.020.
- 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.
- What type of relief can be granted by the court in a partition action? A partition action generally involves the sale or division of the property, along with an accounting of offsets.
- How much does a partition action cost? The cost of a partition action can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case. A typical partition action usually costs between $5,000 and $12,000, with about $8,000 being the most common cost. However, difficulty locating a defendant, the motion to appoint a partition referee, delay tactics by defendants, and other issues may raise the cost of your partition action. An experienced partition lawyer can mitigate costs and resolve your co-ownership dispute with maximum efficiency.
Rancho Santa Margarita is a city located in Orange County, California. It is situated in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, and is bordered by the cities of Mission Viejo, Coto de Caza, and Las Flores. The city is known for its picturesque views, and its close proximity to the beach. It is home to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and golfing. The city also boasts a variety of shopping and dining options, as well as a vibrant nightlife. Rancho Santa Margarita is a great place to live, work, and play.
Speak to Our Rancho Santa Margarita Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Orange County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (949) 888-8800 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Parker v. Swett – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Parker v. Swett, 188 Cal. 474 (1922), the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved a dispute between two co-owners of a piece of real estate. The plaintiff, Parker, sought to partition the property, while the defendant, Swett, argued that the property could not be partitioned because it was a single, indivisible parcel. The court ultimately held that the property could not be partitioned, as it was a single, indivisible parcel. The court reasoned that the property was not capable of being divided into two or more parts without prejudice to the rights of the parties, and that the parties could not agree on a division of the property. The court also noted that the parties had not attempted to partition the property in the past, and that the property had been held as a single, indivisible parcel for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Rancho Santa Margarita
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Rancho Santa Margarita?
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 Santa Margarita?
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 Santa Margarita, 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 Santa Margarita?
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 Santa Margarita, County of Orange, California
Our Rancho Santa Margarita 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 (949) 888-8800 or contact us online today.
Talkov Law Orange County Office
4000 MacArthur Blvd Ste 655
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (949) 888-8800

Serving Areas Throughout California
Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Foothill Ranch, Trabuco Canyon, Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel, and Laguna Hills