Talkov Law’s attorneys serving San Francisco County are exceptionally experienced in California partition actions and have conducted over 430 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 allow co-owners to divide the property either by agreement or by court order. If the co-owners cannot agree on how to divide the property, then the court will divide the property in a way that is fair and equitable to all parties. The partition statutes also provide that any partition of the property must be in accordance with the laws of the state of California. 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 be forced into selling a jointly owned house? Under California’s Partition of Real Property Act, a co-owner will have a right to buyout the property. However, absent a buy out at the appraised price, a plaintiff will likely be able to force the sale of a jointly owned house.
- What are the steps involved in a partition action in California? The first step is to file a partition complaint in California, which is followed by a request for the court to enter an interlocutory judgment of partition, thereby appointing a partition referee under the partition statutes.
- What is recoverable in a partition action? “In a suit for partition it is a general rule that all equities and conflicting claims existing between the parties and arising out of their relation to the property to be partitioned may be adjusted.” Demetris v. Demetris (1954) 125 Cal. App. 2d 440. This means that co-owners can assert offsets or recover payments of the mortgage, taxes, insurance, repairs and improvements in excess of their fractional interests.
- 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.
- What happens to any debts or liens on the property during a partition action? Secured debts are paid from the sale of the property. Secured lenders named in a partition action are generally dismissed with an agreement to pay the mortgage at the time of the sale.
San Francisco is a vibrant and diverse city located in Northern California. It is known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the cable cars. It is also home to a thriving tech industry, with many tech companies based in the city. San Francisco is a popular tourist destination, with its many attractions, restaurants, and cultural events. The city is also known for its progressive values, with a strong focus on social justice and environmental sustainability.
Speak to Our San Francisco Partition Attorneys Today
Call our San Francisco County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (415) 966-3300 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Baldwin v. Foster – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Baldwin v. Foster, 157 Cal. 643 (1910), the issue was whether a partition of a parcel of land was valid. The plaintiff, Baldwin, owned a parcel of land with his brother, Foster. The two brothers agreed to divide the land into two parts, with Baldwin taking the northern portion and Foster taking the southern portion. However, Foster then sold his portion of the land to a third party without Baldwin’s consent. Baldwin then sued Foster, arguing that the partition was invalid and that Foster had no right to sell his portion of the land without Baldwin’s consent. The court ultimately ruled in favor of Baldwin, finding that the partition was invalid and that Foster had no right to sell his portion of the land without Baldwin’s consent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in San Francisco
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in San Francisco?
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 Francisco?
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 Francisco, 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 Francisco?
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 Francisco, County of San Francisco, California
Our San Francisco 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 (415) 966-3300 or contact us online today.
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Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, Palo Alto, Marin County, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Daly City, San Mateo, Burlingame, Sausalito, and more
