Partition Actions in San Jose
San Jose is the largest city in Northern California and the 10th largest city in the United States. It is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the world’s leading hub for technology and innovation. San Jose is home to many of the world’s leading tech companies, including Apple, Google, and Adobe. The city is also known for its vibrant culture, diverse population, and beautiful scenery. San Jose is a great place to live, work, and play, with plenty of attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options.
According to Zillow, the median home value in San Jose, California is $1,072,400 as of 2021. As of 2020, the population of the San Jose area of California is 1,030,119.
Experienced Real Estate Partition Action Attorneys Serving San Jose
Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Santa Clara County are exceptionally experienced in the area of California partition actions. 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:
- What is a partition referee? A partition referee is a neutral third party, often times a lawyer or real estate broker, who completes the sale for the co-owners under court authority. The referee is then paid for their services either on an hourly, flat fee, or commission basis, and is relieved by the court of their duties in the case.
- What are the potential outcomes of a partition action? The most likely outcome in a partition action is that the plaintiff receives fair value for their interest in the property either through a sale to a third party or to the defendant. In rare cases, a property can be divided, through this is not applicable to single family residences with no surplus land.
- Can I recover my attorney’s fees in a partition action? Yes, you can recover your legal fees in a partition action through a motion for attorney’s fees. However, most partitions settle, and most settlements involve a walk-away of attorney’s fees, meaning it important to hire a partition attorney who will handle the matter efficiently since each party is likely to pay their own fees.
- What are the grounds for a partition action in California? A co-owner is “entitled to partition as a matter of absolute right,” meaning “he need not assign any reason for his demand; that it is sufficient if he demands a severance; and that when grounds for a sale are duly established it may be demanded as of right. To grant it is not a mere matter of grace.” De Roulet v. Mitchel (1945) 70 Cal.App.2d 120, 123-124.
- Can a partition action be stopped? 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.
Speak to Our San Jose Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Santa Clara County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (408) 777-6800 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation

Ashley v. Chinen – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Ashley v. Chinen, Not Reported in Cal.Rptr.2d (2002), the court was tasked with determining the validity of a partition agreement between two parties. The agreement was made between the plaintiff, Ashley, and the defendant, Chinen, and it stated that Ashley would receive a portion of the property in exchange for her relinquishing her interest in the remainder of the property. The court found that the agreement was invalid because it was not properly executed. Specifically, the court found that the agreement did not contain the signatures of both parties, and that it was not properly witnessed or notarized. Additionally, the court found that the agreement was not properly recorded in the county records, as required by law. As a result, the court held that the agreement was invalid and unenforceable.
Contact our Team of Experienced Partition Lawyers Serving the City of San Jose in the County of Santa Clara, California.
Our partition litigation attorneys will work diligently to obtain a favorable outcome on your behalf, whether by negotiation or litigation. Call the experienced real estate partition attorneys at Talkov Law at (408) 777-6800 or contact us online for a free consultation about your co-ownership issues.
Talkov Law San Jose Office
99 S. Almaden Blvd Suite 600
San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 777-6800