Partition Archives

Can a Co-Owner Trespass on Jointly Owned Property?

Co-owners who disagree about how to use co-owned property often find themselves in toxic co-ownership relationships. Ending the co-ownership relationship via a partition action, or the forced sale of jointly owned property, can benefit all co-owners in the long run. However, while the property remains co-owned, it’s not uncommon for issues to arise regarding who … Read More

Ariana Madix vs. Tom Sandoval – Partition Lawyer Analysis

On Janaury 5, 2024, news broke that reality star Ariana Madix had filed a complaint for partition by sale against long-term (ex) boyfriend Tom Sandoval. The Vanderpump Rules couple owns a Los Angeles house together, but split in 2023 when it was revealed that Tom had been having an affair with their castmate Raquel Leviss. … Read More

What is Real Property?

Real property, in the realm of real estate law, constitutes the foundation of partition actions and other countless legal disputes and litigation. Understanding the intricacies of real property is crucial for anyone involved in real estate, whether as property owners, buyers, sellers, or lenders. Defining Real Property Real property, often referred to simply as “real … Read More

Should I Tell My Co-owner That I Am Suing Them for Partition?

Generally, no, it is not best to informally notify your co-owner that you have hired an attorney to file a lawsuit for partition of the co-owned real property. The general reason that co-owners ask if they should inform their co-owners that they are filing for partition is some perceived moral obligation to provide informal notice … Read More

What is the Scope of a Partition Action?

The leading treatise on California real estate law, Miller & Starr, explains that: “All conflicting claims existing between the parties and arising out of their relationship as cotenants can be adjudicated in the partition action.” Miller & Starr, 4 Cal. Real Est. (4th ed.) § 11:18. California Jurisprudence provides that: “In a suit for partition, … Read More

Can One Co-Owner Take Out a Loan on a Jointly Owned Property?

Co-ownership disagreements can easily boil over when multiple parties own real property, especially when one party has taken out loans without the consent of their co-owner(s). The remaining co-owners want to be sure that their equity in the property is still available to them even if their co-owner has encumbrances on the property, including mortgages, … Read More

How Long Does a Partition Action Take?

How Long Does It Take to Partition a Property? A partition action usually takes between six to nine months depending on the circumstances and the complexity of each case. The most significant factor is whether the partition is being handled by an attorney who practices only in partition law. Other factors include whether court involvement … Read More

Who Pays for a Partition Action?

California law allows the party filing a partition action to request that the court award their attorney’s fees and costs from the other co-owners. Attorneys fees are most likely to be granted against an uncooperative defendant. These fees are generally paid from the proceeds of sale of the property. In fact, the recovery is not … Read More

Partition Action Eligibility Checklist

There are countless reasons that a co-ownership relationship may be coming to end. Perhaps a romantic relationship between co-owners has ended, but both parties are still on title. Maybe siblings have inherited a family home but one wants to stay on the property and the other wants their share of their inheritance. Or maybe years … Read More

Probate Code 9823 – Partition Actions (Personal Representatives)

California Probate Code § 9823 is the California partition statute that addresses the relation between partition actions and probate matters. The statute provides that: (a) If the decedent leaves an undivided interest in any property, an action for partition of the property may be brought against the personal representative. (b) The personal representative may bring … Read More