Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Contra Costa 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 also provide a way for co-owners to resolve disputes over the division of the property. The partition statutes provide that the court may order a partition of the property if the co-owners cannot agree on a division. The court may also order the sale of the property and the division of the proceeds among the co-owners. The partition statutes also provide that the court may award attorney’s fees and costs to the prevailing party in a partition action.
Our team of partition attorneys can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- What is the average cost of a partition action? The usual cost for a partition action is about $8,000 to $12,000, depending on the complexity. Some cases settle quickly after the defendant receives the partition complaint, while others can drag on longer if there are more complex issues or delay tactics by the defendant.
- What are the tax implications of a partition action? It is best to seek the advice of a tax attorney or CPA about tax issues. However, the most common tax issues in partitions, like other sales, can involve capital gains taxes and the potential partial or full reassessment of property taxes.
- What are my partition rights for inherited property? Co-owners of inherited property generally have the absolute right to force the sale of the property through a partition action.
- 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.
- How much does a partition action cost? The cost of a partition action can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case. A typical partition action usually costs between $5,000 and $12,000, with about $8,000 being the most common cost. However, difficulty locating a defendant, the motion to appoint a partition referee, delay tactics by defendants, and other issues may raise the cost of your partition action. An experienced partition lawyer can mitigate costs and resolve your co-ownership dispute with maximum efficiency.
Walnut Creek is a city located in Contra Costa County, California. It is situated in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, about 16 miles east of the city of Oakland. The city is known for its excellent schools, parks, and recreational activities. It is also home to a vibrant downtown area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The city is also known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the nearby Mt. Diablo State Park and the Shell Ridge Open Space. Walnut Creek is a great place to live, work, and play.
Speak to Our Walnut Creek Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Contra Costa County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (925) 999-7700 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Krieg v. Crawford – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Krieg v. Crawford, 59 Cal.App. 309 (1922), the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved a dispute between two co-owners of a piece of real estate. The plaintiff, Krieg, sought to partition the property, while the defendant, Crawford, argued that the property should not be partitioned. The court ultimately ruled in favor of Krieg, finding that the property should be partitioned. The court held that the co-owners had a right to partition the property, and that the partition should be made in a manner that would be fair and equitable to both parties. The court also held that the partition should be made in a manner that would not cause unnecessary hardship to either party.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Walnut Creek
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Walnut Creek?
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 Walnut Creek?
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 Walnut Creek, 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 Walnut Creek?
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 Walnut Creek, County of Contra Costa, California
Our Walnut Creek 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 (925) 999-7700 or contact us online today.
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Concord, Pleasant Hill, Lafayette, Alamo, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, and Clayton