Talkov Law’s attorneys serving San Bernardino 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 sale. The court will then order the division of the property in a way that is fair and equitable to all parties. The partition statutes also provide that any proceeds from the sale of the property must be divided among the co-owners in proportion to their respective interests in the property.
Our team of partition attorneys can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- Can heirs force the sale of property? Heirs can force the sale of real property in California once that property is distributed to them. However, sometimes, the property is still held in a trust where the trustee will sell the property. When there is no trust, the probate court may decide that the probate administrator will sell the property before it is distributed in fractional interests to the heirs.
- Are there ways to make my partition action less expensive? There are numerous ways to obtain a less expensive partition action in California. For example, having your documents organized can ensure you don’t have to pay your attorney to go through a disorganized mess to get the information they need.
- Can a Trust File a Partition? Yes, a trust can file a partition action as the co-owner of real property in California.
- What are my partition rights for inherited property? Co-owners of inherited property generally have the absolute right to force the sale of the property through a partition action.
- 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.
San Bernardino is a city located in the Inland Empire region of Southern California. It is the county seat of San Bernardino County and the 17th largest city in California. The city is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant economy. San Bernardino is home to a variety of attractions, including the San Bernardino National Forest, the San Bernardino Valley College, and the San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino. The city is also home to the world-famous Route 66, which runs through the city. San Bernardino is a great place to live, work, and play, and offers a variety of activities and amenities for its residents.
Speak to Our San Bernardino Partition Attorneys Today
Call our San Bernardino County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (909) 577-3300 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Capuccio v. Caire – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Capuccio v. Caire, 189 Cal. 514 (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 property. The plaintiff, Capuccio, sought to partition the property, while the defendant, Caire, argued that the property should not be partitioned. The court ultimately ruled in favor of Capuccio, finding that the property should be partitioned. The court held that the co-owners had a right to partition the property, and that the partition should be made in a manner that would be fair and equitable to both parties. The court also held that the partition should be made in a manner that would not cause unnecessary hardship to either party.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in San Bernardino
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in San Bernardino?
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 San Bernardino?
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 San Bernardino, 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 San Bernardino?
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 San Bernardino, County of San Bernardino, California
Our San Bernardino 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 (909) 577-3300 or contact us online today.
