Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Yolo County are exceptionally experienced in California partition actions and have conducted over 400 partitions for our satisfied clients. California partition actions provide a legal mechanism for co-owners of real property to divide the property among themselves. The partition statutes allow a co-owner to file a lawsuit in court to have the property divided, either physically or by awarding each co-owner a certain percentage of the property’s value. The court will then order the property to be divided according to the co-owners’ wishes. The partition statutes also provide that if the court finds that a physical division of the property is not feasible, it may order the property to be sold and the proceeds divided among the co-owners.
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.
- What to expect in a California partition action? Partition actions necessarily resolve the conflict between co-owners through an expedited statutory process. A capable partition attorney will assist in expediting the process and producing the most favorable outcome.
- How to force the sale of jointly owned property? A partition action is the only statutory method to ensure the end of the co-ownership dispute.
- Can I be forced into selling a jointly owned house? Under California’s Partition of Real Property Act, a co-owner will have a right to buyout the property. However, absent a buy out at the appraised price, a plaintiff will likely be able to force the sale of a jointly owned house.
- Are there methods to resolve a partition situation without a court-ordered sale? The vast majority of partitions are solved without a court-ordered sale. Many times, the defendant will buy out the plaintiff’s interest. Other times, the parties will agree to a voluntary sale on the open market. However, the filing of the partition action is generally what forces the defendant to see the wisdom of settlement. Under California’s Partition of Real Property Act, a defendant can buy out the interest of the plaintiff at an appraised value, meaning that a court-ordered sale is only likely occur where the defendant simply can’t afford to buy the property but still won’t agree to sell.
Woodland is a city located in Yolo County, California. It is located approximately 15 miles northwest of Sacramento and is part of the Sacramento–Arden-Arcade–Roseville Metropolitan Statistical Area. Woodland is known for its historic downtown, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and other businesses. The city is also home to a number of parks, including Woodland Community Park, which features a lake, a playground, and a skate park. Woodland is also home to a number of annual events, such as the Woodland Street Fair and the Woodland Tomato Festival.
Speak to Our Woodland Partition Attorneys Today
Call our Yolo County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
Call us at (530) 999-5588 or contact us below to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation
Martin v. Walker – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Martin v. Walker, 8 P.C.L.J. 280 (1881), the issue was whether a partition of land between two parties was valid. The court found that the partition was not valid because the parties had not agreed to the terms of the partition in writing. The court held that a partition of land must be in writing and signed by both parties in order to be valid. This case established the legal principle that a partition of land must be in writing and signed by both parties in order to be valid.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Woodland
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Woodland?
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 Woodland?
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 Woodland, 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 Woodland?
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 Woodland, County of Yolo, California
Our Woodland 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 (530) 999-5588 or contact us online today.
Serving Areas Throughout California
Davis, Sacramento, Dixon, Winters, Esparto, Yolo, Knights Landing, and Zamora
