Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Shasta County are exceptionally experienced in California partition actions and have conducted over 400 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:
- 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.
- What type of relief can be granted by the court in a partition action? A partition action generally involves the sale or division of the property, along with an accounting of offsets.
- 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.
- 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.
- Are there methods to resolve a partition situation without a court-ordered sale? The vast majority of partitions are solved without a court-ordered sale. Many times, the defendant will buy out the plaintiff’s interest. Other times, the parties will agree to a voluntary sale on the open market. However, the filing of the partition action is generally what forces the defendant to see the wisdom of settlement. Under California’s Partition of Real Property Act, a defendant can buy out the interest of the plaintiff at an appraised value, meaning that a court-ordered sale is only likely occur where the defendant simply can’t afford to buy the property but still won’t agree to sell.
Shasta County is located in the northern part of California, in the Cascade Range and the Klamath Mountains. It is bordered by Siskiyou, Trinity, Tehama, and Lassen counties. The county seat is Redding, and the largest city is Redding. The county has a population of approximately 180,000 people. The county is home to Mount Shasta, the second highest peak in the Cascade Range. The county is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, camping, hiking, and skiing. The county is also home to several national forests, including the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, the Lassen National Forest, and the Klamath National Forest. The county is also home to several state parks, including Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, and Castle Crags State Park.
Speak to Our Shasta County Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Shasta County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
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Clough v. Compton-Delevan Irr. Dist. – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Clough v. Compton-Delevan Irr. Dist., 12 Cal.2d 385 (1938), the issue was whether a partition of a parcel of land was valid. The parcel of land was owned by two parties, Clough and Compton-Delevan Irrigation District. Clough wanted to partition the land, while Compton-Delevan Irrigation District argued that the partition was invalid because it would interfere with the district’s irrigation system. The court ultimately held that the partition was valid, but that the district was entitled to compensation for any damages caused by the partition. The court also held that the district was entitled to an injunction to prevent any further interference with its irrigation system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Shasta County
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Shasta 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 Shasta 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 Shasta 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 Shasta 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 Shasta County, California
Our Shasta 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 (530) 999-5588 or contact us online today.
Serving Areas Throughout California
Redding, Anderson, Shasta Lake, Burney, McArthur, Cottonwood, Palo Cedro, Bella Vista, Trinity County, and Shingletown