Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Ventura County are exceptionally experienced in California partition actions and have conducted over 400 partitions for our satisfied clients. California partition actions allows for the division of real property among co-owners. This statute provides a legal mechanism for co-owners to divide their real property into separate interests. The partition statutes allow for the court to order a partition of the property, either by physically dividing the property or by selling the property and dividing the proceeds among the co-owners. The partition statutes also provide for the court to award damages to any co-owner who has been wrongfully excluded from the property. The partition statutes also allows for the court to award attorney’s fees and costs to the prevailing party.
Our team of partition attorneys can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- 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 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 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.
- Can heirs force the sale of property? Heirs can force the sale of real property in California once that property is distributed to them. However, sometimes, the property is still held in a trust where the trustee will sell the property. When there is no trust, the probate court may decide that the probate administrator will sell the property before it is distributed in fractional interests to the heirs.
- When is a partition action right for my dispute? Generally, parties who can reach their own resolution of a co-ownership dispute are not reading websites about partition law. If you are reading this article, chances are that your co-ownership dispute has reached a level where legal options are being considered. Filing a partition action will bring about a certain result to the co-ownership dispute, rather than letting it linger for years on end. However, if the parties are very close to a settlement, it may be wise to consider a resolution.
Thousand Oaks is a city located in Ventura County, California. It is part of the Greater Los Angeles Area and is located approximately 40 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Thousand Oaks is known for its beautiful scenery, excellent schools, and low crime rate. The city is home to many parks, trails, and open spaces, making it a great place for outdoor activities. Thousand Oaks is also home to a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The city is known for its high quality of life and is a popular destination for families and retirees.
Speak to Our Thousand Oaks Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Ventura 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
Elbert, Limited, v. Nolan – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Elbert, Limited, v. Nolan, 32 Cal.2d 610 (1948), the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved a dispute between two co-owners of a parcel of real property. The plaintiff, Elbert, Limited, sought to partition the property, while the defendant, Nolan, argued that the property should not be partitioned. The court ultimately held that the property should be partitioned, finding that the plaintiff had a right to partition the property under California law. The court also held that the defendant had no right to prevent the partition, as the plaintiff had a vested interest in the property. The court also noted that the defendant had failed to show any legal or equitable grounds for denying the partition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Thousand Oaks
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Thousand Oaks?
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 Thousand Oaks?
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 Thousand Oaks, 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 Thousand Oaks?
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 Thousand Oaks, County of Ventura, California
Our Thousand Oaks 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.
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Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Camarillo, Simi Valley, and Calabasas
