Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Humboldt 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 done 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:
- 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 I still file a partition if my co-owner has filed for bankruptcy? Yes, the partition action can generally be filed in the bankruptcy court or the bankruptcy court can apply state partition law to allow offsets when the co-owned property is sold by the bankruptcy trustee.
- 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.
- Who pays for a partition action? In California, 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 attorneys fees incurred or paid by a party for the common benefit. California Code of Civil Procedure 874.010(a).
- What is California’s Partition of Real Property Act? Effective January 1, 2023, California’s new partition law allows defendants to buy out the interests of the plaintiff at an appraised value.
Trinidad is a small coastal city located in Humboldt County, California. It is situated on the Pacific Ocean, just south of the Oregon border. The city is known for its stunning views of the ocean, its redwood forests, and its quaint downtown area. Trinidad is a popular destination for tourists, offering a variety of activities such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking. The city is also home to a number of art galleries, restaurants, and shops. Trinidad is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the California coast.
Speak to Our Trinidad Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Humboldt County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (707) 777-6600 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Reedy v. Bussell – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Reedy v. Bussell, 2010 WL 25053, D054569 (6-Jan-2010) , the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved a dispute between two siblings over the ownership of a family home. The siblings had inherited the home from their parents, and the siblings had agreed to partition the home, with one sibling taking the upstairs portion and the other taking the downstairs portion. However, the siblings had failed to execute a written agreement to formalize the partition, and the dispute arose when one of the siblings refused to vacate the home. The court ultimately ruled in favor of the plaintiff, finding that the partition agreement was valid and enforceable, and ordering the defendant to vacate the home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Trinidad
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Trinidad?
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 Trinidad?
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 Trinidad, 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 Trinidad?
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 Trinidad, County of Humboldt, California
Our Trinidad 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 (707) 777-6600 or contact us online today.