Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Tulare County are exceptionally experienced in California partition actions and have conducted over 450 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:
- Will there be a trial in a California partition action? Trials are extremely rare in partition actions because the interlocutory judgment procedure allows for a partition referee to be appointed by meeting just a few elements that rarely involve live testimony from witnesses. Even if a trial occurred, it would almost certainly relate only to the ownership interests or the distribution of proceeds, though most cases are decided on motion heard by the court based on the papers submitted by the parties.
- 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 attorney’s fees incurred or paid by a party for the common benefit.” California Code of Civil Procedure 874.010(a).
- Can a Trust File a Partition? Yes, a trust can file a partition action as the co-owner of real property in California.
- How long does a partition action take in California?” Most partition actions are complete in 3 to 6 months because most cases settle in either a buyout or agreed sale. However, some cases can drag on for 6 to 12 months.
- What are the different types of partition in California? Almost all partition actions are partition by sale, though partition in-kind allows the property to be divided, while a partition by appraisal allows the purchase by one-co-owner at an appraised value.
Tulare County is a county located in the Central Valley of California. It is the second-largest county in the state by population, with a population of 442,179 as of the 2010 census. The county seat is Visalia. The county was formed in 1852 from parts of Mariposa, Fresno, and Kern counties. It is named for the Tulare Lake, once the largest freshwater lake west of the Great Lakes. The county is home to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park, two of the largest national parks in the United States. The county is also home to a variety of agricultural products, including citrus, cotton, dairy, grapes, nuts, and vegetables. The economy of Tulare County is largely based on agriculture, with tourism and government services also playing a role.
Speak to Our Tulare County Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Tulare County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (559) 777-5500 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Baumann v. Bedford – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Baumann v. Bedford, 18 Cal.2d 366 (1941), 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, Baumann, sought to partition the property, while the defendant, Bedford, argued that partition was not possible because the property was held in joint tenancy. The court ultimately held that partition was possible, but only if the joint tenancy was severed. The court reasoned that the joint tenancy was not an absolute bar to partition, and that the parties could agree to sever the joint tenancy and partition the property. The court also noted that the parties could agree to a partition in kind, or to a sale of the property and a division of the proceeds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Tulare County
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Tulare 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 Tulare 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 Tulare 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 Tulare 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 Tulare County, California
Our Tulare 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 (559) 777-5500 or contact us online today.
Serving Areas Throughout California
Visalia, Tulare, Porterville, Dinuba, Lindsay, Exeter, Farmersville, Woodlake, Cutler, Orosi, and Ivanhoe
