Talkov Law’s attorneys serving San Diego 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:
- How will the property be divided if a partition action is successful? In most partition actions, the property will be sold, rather than being divided. If the property is eligible for partition in-kind, the court can appoint a referee to prepare a report on dividing the property in a manner that does not damage the value of the fractional interests.
- 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.
- 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.
- How does a partition action work in California?
- What are the tax implications of a partition action? It is best to seek the advice of a tax attorney or CPA about tax issues. However, the most common tax issues in partitions, like other sales, can involve capital gains taxes and the potential partial or full reassessment of property taxes.
San Diego is a coastal city in the U.S. state of California. It is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, approximately 120 miles south of Los Angeles and immediately adjacent to the border with Mexico. San Diego is the second-largest city in California and the eighth-largest city in the United States. It is known for its mild year-round climate, natural deep-water harbor, extensive beaches, long association with the U.S. Navy, and recent emergence as a healthcare and biotechnology development center. San Diego has been called “the birthplace of California”.
Speak to Our San Diego Partition Attorneys Today
Call our San Diego County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (858) 800-3300 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Anaheim Union Water Co. v. Ashcroft – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Anaheim Union Water Co. v. Ashcroft, 153 Cal. 152 (1908), the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved a dispute between Anaheim Union Water Company and the Ashcroft family over the ownership of a parcel of land. The Ashcroft family had purchased the land from the Anaheim Union Water Company, but the company had failed to properly partition the land, resulting in the Ashcroft family owning a portion of the land that was not legally theirs. The court ultimately ruled in favor of the Ashcroft family, finding that the Anaheim Union Water Company had failed to properly partition the land and that the Ashcroft family was entitled to the portion of the land that they had purchased.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in San Diego
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in San Diego?
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 Diego?
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 Diego, 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 Diego?
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 Diego, County of San Diego, California
Our San Diego 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 (858) 800-3300 or contact us online today.
Talkov Law San Diego Office
11622 El Camino Real Ste 100
San Diego, CA 92130
Phone: (858) 800-3300
