
Talkov Law Partition Attorneys
500 Capitol Mall, Suite 2350
Sacramento, CA 95814
Sacramento’s historic charm, growing suburbs, and diverse real estate market make it a frequent setting for complex co-ownership disputes. From Craftsman homes in East Sacramento to multi-acre properties in Elk Grove and duplexes near Sacramento State, valuable properties often become the center of disagreement between co-owners.
When you can’t agree on whether to sell, stay, or buy each other out, a partition action offers a clear legal solution to protect your equity.
With eleven dedicated partition attorneys and over 470 partition actions handled across California, Talkov Law Partition Attorneys helps Sacramento co-owners resolve disputes efficiently and secure the best possible outcome—whether your property is in Midtown, Land Park, or the greater Sacramento County area.
Why Choose Talkov Law as Your Sacramento Partition Lawyer?
California’s Largest Partition Law Firm
Over 470 Partition Actions Successfully Resolved
Local Expertise in Sacramento Real Estate
Hundreds of Millions in Real Estate Sold or Refinanced
Availability for Free Consultations
Strategic Legal Solutions for Sacramentos’s High-Value Properties
Contact Talkov Law For Help
Contact Talkov Law Partition Attorneys today for a free consultation and let California’s largest and most trusted partition law firm guide you to a successful resolution.
What Types of Partition Cases Does Talkov Law Handle?
At Talkov Law, we handle a wide range of partition actions in Sacramento, each with its own legal and financial complexities. Our attorneys focus exclusively on partition law, allowing us to tailor strategies based on the unique circumstances of each case, including:
Inherited Properties
When heirs in Sacramento County can’t agree on whether to keep or sell inherited real estate, a partition action provides a powerful legal solution. Disputes often arise over historic family homes in East Sacramento, rural properties on the outskirts, or rental units passed down through generations. Our attorneys help families navigate these emotionally charged situations with clarity, sensitivity, and a focus on preserving both equity and relationships whenever possible.
Commercial Properties
Co-owned commercial real estate in Sacramento—such as retail spaces in Midtown, office buildings in Downtown, and warehouse properties in North Sacramento—often involves complex arrangements, including shared rental income, operating costs, and long-term lease agreements. Our partition attorneys work to resolve disputes efficiently while protecting the income, equity, and long-term value of your investment.
Intra-Family Disputes
Family members in Sacramento who co-own real estate—whether it’s a longtime home in Land Park or inherited rental property in East Sacramento—can easily find themselves in conflict over how to manage, use, or sell the property. Our partition attorneys have extensive experience navigating these emotionally charged disputes, working to resolve them through skilled negotiation or litigation while preserving family relationships whenever possible.
Multi-Property Partitions
When Sacramento co-owners hold multiple properties—such as a combination of duplexes in Midtown, rentals near Sacramento State, or mixed-use buildings in Downtown—dividing them fairly can get complicated fast. Our attorneys streamline the process by consolidating these properties into a single partition action, helping clients reduce legal costs and achieve an efficient, equitable outcome.
Ex-Boyfriend / Ex-Girlfriend Disputes
Unmarried couples in Sacramento who bought property together often lack the legal clarity that marriage provides. When relationships break down, disagreements over who stays, who sells, and who gets what are common. Partition actions provide a legal solution to separate interests and ensure each party receives their fair share—whether it’s a Midtown bungalow, a Natomas condo, or a shared home in East Sacramento.
High-Value Properties
Sacramento County’s rising home values and growing investment market make high-equity properties a common source of partition disputes. Whether it’s a custom home in Sierra Oaks or an investment duplex in East Sacramento, we handle complex reimbursement claims, appraisals, and negotiations to ensure your financial stake is protected every step of the way.
Common Partition Disputes in Sacramento
Sacramento’s booming housing market, multigenerational households, and increasing investment activity often give rise to co-ownership disputes. Common partition cases in Sacramento involve disagreements over inherited homes in neighborhoods like Land Park or Curtis Park, jointly owned rental properties near Midtown and East Sacramento, and investment properties across Elk Grove and Natomas. When one co-owner refuses to sell, stops contributing to upkeep, or takes control of the property, a partition action provides the legal pathway to resolve the conflict and recover your rightful share.
Why Co-Owners Seek Partition Actions in Sacramento County
- Heirs inheriting homes in Land Park, Curtis Park, or East Sacramento who can’t agree on whether to sell or keep the property
- Business partners owning rental units in Midtown or Oak Park who no longer share the same investment vision
- Former couples who co-own homes in Natomas, Arden-Arcade, or Elk Grove and need to divide the property after a breakup
- High-equity properties across Sacramento where one owner wants to sell but another refuses to cooperate
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 872.210, any co-owner can file a partition action to force the sale or division of jointly owned real estate unless there’s a binding agreement that says otherwise. When co-owners can’t agree, a partition action is the legal tool to resolve the dispute and protect your financial interests.
How Partition Actions Work in Sacramento
Partition actions in Sacramento follow the same core process laid out under California law, allowing a co-owner to force the sale or division of a jointly owned property when there’s no mutual agreement on what to do next. The process begins by filing a complaint in Sacramento County Superior Court, outlining each party’s ownership interest and asking the court to order the sale or division.
After filing, all co-owners must be formally served and given an opportunity to respond. If early resolution isn’t possible, the court may appoint a neutral partition referee—often working with a local real estate agent—to oversee the sale. In most cases, the court orders a partition by sale, placing the property on the open market and dividing the proceeds based on ownership shares, adjusted for mortgage payments, improvements, or other credits.
Whether it’s a rental property in Midtown, an inherited home in Curtis Park, or an investment in East Sacramento, partition actions are designed to resolve co-ownership conflicts efficiently while ensuring each party receives their fair share. With Sacramento’s growing market and rising home values, the guidance of an experienced partition attorney can make all the difference.
Steps in a Sacramento Partition Action
Navigating a partition action on your own can be overwhelming, confusing, and full of legal pitfalls—but at Talkov Law Partition Attorneys, we guide you through every step of the process. From filing to final payout, our team handles the paperwork, court procedures, and negotiations so you don’t have to face it alone.
- We File the Case – Your partition action begins when our attorneys file a complaint in Sacramento County Superior Court to formally initiate the legal process.
- We Notify the Co-Owners – All co-owners are legally served, ensuring the case can move forward—even if someone refuses to cooperate or tries to stall.
- We Handle Disputes or Push for Settlement – If other co-owners contest the case or raise disputes, we manage the legal response. Many Sacramento cases resolve through settlement or mediation, saving time and expense.
- The Court Issues an Order – When no agreement is reached, the court typically orders a partition by sale and appoints a neutral referee to oversee the process.
- The Property Is Sold – The referee works with a local Sacramento real estate professional to list and sell the property. We coordinate the details to protect your interest.
- You Get Paid – After settling liens and reimbursement claims, the sale proceeds are distributed fairly—and you receive your share.
Don’t Handle a Partition Action Alone—Hire a Sacramento County Partition Attorney
Partition actions may seem simple—but in Sacramento’s fast-moving and high-equity real estate market, handling one without legal representation can be a costly mistake. Missteps in filing, valuation, or negotiation can jeopardize your time, equity, and rights.
Partition Laws and Court Procedures Are Complex
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 872.210, any co-owner can initiate a partition action—but the process involves detailed court filings, service requirements, hearings, and legal strategy. Without an experienced attorney, you risk delays, missed reimbursements, and procedural errors that weaken your case.
Co-Owners May Try to Undermine Your Rights
Disagreements over title, valuation, and reimbursements often arise. Co-owners may:
- Challenge the sale or valuation to reduce their buyout cost
- Delay proceedings through legal objections
- Assert false or exaggerated claims for financial credits
Without an experienced Sacramento partition lawyer, you could lose money or face unnecessary complications.
Maximizing Value in Sacramento’s Competitive Market
From historic homes in Land Park and East Sacramento to multi-family investments in Midtown or South Natomas, Sacramento properties often carry substantial equity. A skilled attorney ensures:
- The property is properly appraised and listed at market value
- Financial contributions are accurately accounted for
- You receive every penny you’re owed from a sale or buyout
With Talkov Law’s exclusive focus on partition actions, we help Sacramento co-owners resolve disputes efficiently—and maximize their recovery.
Sacramento properties—from historic neighborhoods like Land Park and East Sacramento to growing suburban areas like Elk Grove, Natomas, and Folsom—often carry significant equity. A skilled partition attorney ensures:
- The property is accurately valued and sold at market price
- Any financial contributions are fairly credited
- Buyouts or settlements reflect your best financial outcome
What is a Partition Action in Sacramento?
A partition action is a legal process that allows a co-owner of real property to ask the court to divide or sell the property when the other owners won’t cooperate. If you’re stuck in a dispute with a co-owner who refuses to sell, move out, or buy you out, a partition action can protect your financial interests and bring clarity to a difficult situation.
In Sacramento, partition actions often involve inherited homes, investment properties in neighborhoods like Midtown or Land Park, or real estate purchased by unmarried couples or business partners. When co-owners can’t agree, California law allows you to take legal action to force a fair outcome—typically by selling the property and dividing the proceeds.
At Talkov Law, we focus exclusively on partition actions across California, including Sacramento County, guiding clients through each step of the process to unlock their equity and end unwanted co-ownership.
Top Reasons Sacramento Residents Need A Partition Action
Co-owning property doesn’t always go as planned. In Sacramento, partition actions are often the only way to resolve deadlock when co-owners can’t agree on how to manage or sell a property. At Talkov Law, we’ve helped hundreds of clients take control of their financial future by filing partition lawsuits in situations like:
- Inherited properties where siblings or relatives disagree on whether to sell or keep the family home
- Former couples who purchased property together and need to divide assets after a breakup
- Real estate investors who no longer see eye-to-eye on how to manage or liquidate jointly owned properties
- Uncooperative co-owners who refuse to sell, won’t move out, or stop contributing to expenses
- Multi-owner homes in appreciating neighborhoods where one party wants to capitalize and another refuses
No matter how you became a co-owner, California law gives you the right to exit the arrangement—and we’re here to help you do it efficiently.
What Are the Different Types of Partition Actions in Sacramento?
When co-owners can’t agree on what to do with a shared property, California law allows the court to divide it using one of three methods. Each type of partition has different implications depending on the property and the nature of the dispute.
- Partition by Sale
This is the most common outcome in Sacramento. The court orders the property to be sold—often through a referee and real estate agent—and the proceeds are divided among the co-owners based on their ownership interest. This is ideal when the property can’t be physically divided, such as a single-family home or multi-unit investment. - Partition in Kind
In rare cases where the property can be fairly divided, the court may physically split the land. This is more common with rural or undeveloped property in Sacramento County. Each co-owner receives a portion of the land, ending the co-ownership without a sale. - Partition by Appraisal
If one co-owner wants to keep the property, the court may approve a buyout based on a fair appraisal. This avoids a public sale and allows the exiting party to receive their share of the equity.
At Talkov Law, we evaluate the facts of your case to determine the most strategic approach—protecting your equity while moving the case forward efficiently.
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Sacramento?
Partition actions in Sacramento typically involve a range of expenses, including attorney fees, court filing costs, appraisals, referee oversight, and other legal services. On average, these cases cost around $20,000. However, straightforward matters may be resolved for as little as $5,000, while more complex disputes—especially those involving high-value real estate or uncooperative co-owners—can be more expensive.
The court generally splits these costs among the co-owners according to their ownership interests. That said, a judge may assign a greater share of the expenses to a party who delays the case or acts unreasonably. By hiring a knowledgeable Sacramento partition lawyer, you can help control costs and ensure your equity is protected every step of the way.
Who Pays for a Partition Action in Sacramento?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 874.040, the costs of a partition action in Sacramento—including attorney’s fees, court costs, referee fees, and other litigation expenses—are typically divided among the co-owners based on their percentage of ownership in the property.
However, the court has discretion to shift a larger share of the costs to any party who causes unnecessary delays, refuses to cooperate, or acts in bad faith. For example, if one co-owner files meritless objections or drags out the process, the judge may require them to cover more of the total expenses.
Working with an experienced Sacramento partition attorney helps ensure that costs are allocated fairly and that you aren’t penalized for another co-owner’s unreasonable behavior.
How Long Does a Partition Action Take in Sacramento?
Partition actions in Sacramento handled by Talkov Law typically resolve in approximately 7 months, particularly when co-owners are cooperative and willing to agree on a buyout or court-ordered sale. However, the timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the dispute, such as the involvement of inherited property, business partnerships, or financial disagreements unrelated to the property itself.
Sacramento’s evolving real estate market—including neighborhoods like East Sacramento, Land Park, Arden-Arcade, and Midtown—can also impact timing. High-value properties, disputed valuations, or legal issues like title defects, liens, or outdated zoning regulations may add steps to the process. When co-owners are uncooperative or challenge key aspects of the case, the court may require additional time to resolve the dispute.
Even in more contentious situations, Talkov Law’s Sacramento partition attorneys have the local insight and experience to move cases forward efficiently, helping co-owners protect their equity and reach resolution with minimal delay.
Local Representation Across Sacramento’s Premier Communities
Talkov Law Partition Attorneys
500 Capitol Mall, Suite 2350
Sacramento, CA 95814
Talkov Law Partition Attorneys proudly serves property owners throughout the city of Sacramento, providing expert legal representation in partition actions involving high-equity and jointly owned real estate. Whether you’re facing an inheritance conflict, a stalled buyout negotiation, or an uncooperative co-owner, Talkov Law delivers the local knowledge and statewide experience to resolve your partition action with speed, strategy, and precision.
Talkov Law’s Sacramento Partition Attorneys
Bay Area Transplants, Sacramento Property Disputes
As home prices in the Bay Area continue to soar, Sacramento has become one of the top destinations for relocating Californians. In fact, according to the U.S. Census and regional migration reports, Sacramento was the #1 destination for Bay Area residents leaving the region for several years in a row. This influx of out-of-area buyers—many looking for affordable investment properties or second homes—has fueled a surge in co-ownership arrangements between locals and newcomers.
These partnerships often start with optimism but can quickly turn into conflict. Differing financial expectations, shifting market conditions, and lack of clear agreements can leave co-owners at odds—especially when one wants to sell and the other does not. As a result, partition actions have become an increasingly common solution for dissolving these strained relationships.
At Talkov Law, we’ve represented Sacramento property owners on both sides of this equation—from lifelong residents navigating sudden investor pressure, to Bay Area transplants dealing with uncooperative local co-owners. Our statewide experience and Sacramento-specific knowledge allow us to resolve these disputes efficiently while protecting your equity and long-term interests.
If your co-ownership is no longer working, we’ll help you take the next step. Contact Talkov Law to get expert guidance from California’s leading partition attorneys.
Getting Your Money Faster with Talkov Law Partition Lawyers
At Talkov Law, we understand that delays in resolving co-ownership disputes can leave your equity tied up, preventing you from accessing the financial resources you deserve. Our experienced Los Angeles partition lawyers are here to streamline the process, helping you resolve disputes efficiently and unlock your share of the property’s value faster.
By guiding you through the complexities of partition actions, we ensure that you can move forward without unnecessary delays. In Los Angeles’ high-value real estate market, our expertise ensures you get the maximum value for your property as quickly as possible.
Don’t Wait: How Delaying a Partition Action Can Cost You
Delaying a partition action can have serious financial and legal consequences. Here’s why waiting can hurt you:
- Decreasing Property Value: Real estate markets fluctuate, and waiting could result in a decline in the property’s value. In a high-value market like Los Angeles, even a small dip can significantly impact your share of the proceeds.
- Mounting Expenses: As time passes, expenses like property taxes, maintenance costs, and mortgage payments continue to add up. If one co-owner is shouldering these costs alone, they might seek reimbursement from your share during the partition process.
- Conflict Escalation: Disputes between co-owners often worsen over time, making the resolution more complicated and potentially more expensive.
- Missed Opportunities: Your equity remains tied up in the property, limiting your ability to invest in other opportunities or address pressing financial needs.
- Legal Complexities: Prolonged disputes can lead to additional legal complications, such as liens or claims from creditors, which may reduce the net proceeds you receive after the partition action.
Acting promptly to file a partition action can help you avoid these pitfalls, preserve your equity, and minimize financial and emotional strain. A skilled partition lawyer, like those at Talkov Law, can help you resolve co-ownership disputes efficiently, ensuring you don’t lose out by waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Sacramento Partition Lawyers
How Long Does a Partition Action Take in Sacramento?
Most partition cases take several months, though the timeline can vary. Factors like court scheduling and cooperation from the other parties may affect the duration.
Can I Recover More Money If I Paid More for the Property?
Yes, California law allows a party to seek reimbursement for unequal contributions. This can include down payments, mortgage payments, or major repairs.
What Types of Co-Ownership Disputes Are Common in Sacramento?
We frequently see disputes involving inherited homes in East Sacramento, investment properties in Midtown, and rental houses near Sacramento State. These areas often involve multiple owners with differing goals or financial contributions.
Can a Partition Action Be Filed Against a Family Member in Sacramento?
Yes, many partition actions in Sacramento involve siblings or relatives who inherited property together. California law does not exempt family-owned properties from partition rights.
Results for Our Clients in California
$50 Million Recovered
$9 Million Recovered
$9 Million Recovered
$3 Million Recovered
Scott Talkov is the Founder and Managing Attorney of Talkov Law Partition Attorneys, California’s largest law firm dedicated exclusively to partition actions. With over a decade of experience in real estate litigation, Scott has successfully resolved more than 470 partition cases statewide, including Sacramento County, helping clients recover millions of dollars in equity from disputed co-owned properties. His unmatched knowledge of partition law and dedication to client success have positioned him as a leading authority in resolving complex co-ownership disputes involving high-value real estate.
As a trusted legal advocate, Scott brings a strategic mindset and results-oriented approach to every case. Under his leadership, Talkov Law has earned a statewide reputation as the premier firm for property owners seeking clarity, closure, and financial recovery through partition actions.
Sacramento Partition Case Study
Sacramento Partition Case Study – Butte Creek Island Ranch v. Crim (1982) 36 Cal.App.3d 360, 365
Case Summary
In Butte Creek Island Ranch v. Crim, a family partnership and an individual co-owner each held a 50% interest in over 220 acres of duck hunting and lodge property near Sacramento. When the partnership tried to buy out the other co-owner and was refused, it filed a partition action seeking to force a sale of the entire property.
Legal Issue
The main issue was whether a partition by sale was appropriate when one co-owner opposed selling and offered to physically divide the land instead. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 872.810, partition in kind is preferred unless it would be inequitable or impractical.
Outcome
The California Court of Appeal reversed the trial court’s forced sale order, holding that the property could be fairly divided. A court-appointed referee had found the land could be split into equally valuable portions, and the objecting co-owner even offered to let the partnership choose which half it wanted. The court ruled that ordering a sale under those circumstances was an abuse of discretion. This case reinforces California’s strong presumption in favor of physical division when feasible.