San Luis Obispo County Real Estate Partition Lawyer
Talkov Law’s attorneys serving San Luis Obispo County are exceptionally experienced in California partition actions and have conducted over 450 for our satisfied clients. California partition actions allows for the division of real property owned by two or more persons. This statute allows for the court to order the sale of the property and the division of the proceeds among the owners. The court may also order the property to be physically divided among the owners. The partition statutes also provide for the court to order the sale of the property and the division of the proceeds among the owners if the court finds that a physical division of the property would be impractical or inequitable. The partition statutes also provide for the court to order the sale of the property and the division of the proceeds among the owners if the owners cannot agree on a physical division of the property. The legal effect of the California partition statute is that it allows for the court to order the sale of the property and the division of the proceeds among the owners if the owners cannot agree on a physical division of the property.
Our team of partition attorneys can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- 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.
- 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.
- What is the timeline for a California partition action? Most partition actions are resolved in 3 to 6 months by way of settlement. Other cases can take 6 to 12 months to obtain an interlocutory judgment of partition, which generally appoints a referee to sell the property.
- 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.
- How long will it take to get the property partitioned and sold? Most commonly, 3 to 6 months is all that it takes for the defendant to agree to a sale or buyout the plaintiff’s interest in the property for a fair value. Some cases may take 6 to 12 months.
San Luis Obispo County is a county located on the Central Coast of California. It is bordered by Monterey County to the north, Kern County to the east, Santa Barbara County to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The county seat is San Luis Obispo. The county is known for its beautiful beaches, rolling hills, and vineyards. It is home to several state parks, including Montana de Oro State Park, Morro Bay State Park, and Pismo State Beach. The county is also home to several universities, including California Polytechnic State University, Cuesta College, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The county is a popular tourist destination, with attractions such as Hearst Castle, the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, and the historic downtown area of San Luis Obispo.
Speak to Our San Luis Obispo County Partition Attorneys Today
Call our San Luis Obispo County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (805) 880-8800 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Broome v. Broome – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Broome v. Broome, 179 Cal. 638 (1919), the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved a dispute between two siblings over the partition of their father’s estate. The siblings had inherited the estate upon their father’s death, and the court was tasked with determining how to divide the estate between them. The court had to consider the value of the estate, the rights of each sibling, and the best way to divide the estate in a fair and equitable manner. The court ultimately decided that the estate should be divided equally between the siblings, with each receiving an equal share of the estate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in San Luis Obispo County
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in San Luis Obispo County?
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 Luis Obispo County?
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 Luis Obispo County, 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 Luis Obispo County?
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 San Luis Obispo County, California
Our San Luis Obispo County 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 (805) 880-8800 or contact us online today.
Serving Areas Throughout California
San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Morro Bay, Templeton, and Cambria
