Talkov Law’s attorneys serving San Bernardino 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 in accordance with the laws of the state of California. The legal effect is that these statutes provide 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:
- 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).
- How long will it take for the plaintiff to receive his or her share of the sales proceeds? Usually, the property is marketed for sale or purchased by the defendant in 3 to 6 months. If a referee is appointed, that may take 6 to 9 months. With proper drafting of an interlocutory judgment of partition by sale, the referee can be required to disburse the proceeds promptly at the close of escrow or shortly thereafter.
- What are the steps involved in a partition action in California? The first step is to file a partition complaint in California, which is followed by a request for the court to enter an interlocutory judgment of partition, thereby appointing a partition referee under the partition statutes.
- What is a partition referee? A partition referee is a neutral third party, often times a lawyer or real estate broker, who completes the sale for the co-owners under court authority. The referee is then paid for their services either on an hourly, flat fee, or commission basis, and is relieved by the court of their duties in the case.
- 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.
Yucaipa is a city located in San Bernardino County, California. It is located in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, about 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. The city is known for its rural atmosphere and small-town charm. Yucaipa is home to several parks, trails, and recreational areas, including Yucaipa Regional Park, which features a lake, picnic areas, and a playground. The city also has a vibrant downtown area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Yucaipa is a great place to live, work, and play.
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Call our San Bernardino County Partition Attorneys today to end your co-ownership dispute. You don’t pay until the house is sold!
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Morenhout v. Higuera – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Morenhout v. Higuera, 32 Cal. 289 (1867), the issue was whether a partition of land between two parties was valid. The court found that the partition was invalid because it was not made in good faith. The court held that a partition must be made in good faith and with the intention of dividing the land equally between the parties. The court also held that a partition must be made with the intention of creating a permanent division of the land, and not just a temporary division. The court found that the partition in this case was not made in good faith, and was not intended to be a permanent division of the land. Therefore, the court held that the partition was invalid.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partitions in Yucaipa
How Much Does a Partition Action Cost in Yucaipa?
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 Yucaipa?
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 Yucaipa, 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 Yucaipa?
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 Yucaipa, County of San Bernardino, California
Our Yucaipa 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 (909) 577-3300 or contact us online today.
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Redlands, Beaumont, Calimesa, Mentone, Cherry Valley, and Big Bear Lake