How to File a Partition Lawsuit

Filing a Partition Action Suit in California

A partition action in California is the only court-ordered process to bring an end to co-ownership disputes by dividing real estate equitably among co-owners. California law allows for three manners of partition: partition in kind, partition by appraisal, and partition by sale. California partition statutes allow for all three methods, but partition by sale is by far the most common manner of partition. A partition by sale allows the court to force a sale of a jointly owned property and then distribute the proceeds of sale equitably among the co-owners.

Partition Action Lawsuit Process in California

While partition actions can involve other issues that may add complexity, the basic outline of a partition action is as follows:

1. File a partition complaint in the county courthouse where the property is located. While we provide a partition complaint online, we recommend that you consult with an experienced partition attorney before filing as mistakes can cause delays and may even damage your case since pleadings can be considered as evidence, even if you seek to amend your complaint. For property in Los Angeles County, learn more about bringing a partition action in Los Angeles.
2. If your co-owner doesn’t respond, file a request for entry of default and ask the court to set a hearing on a default judgment prove-up to enter the interlocutory judgment of partition by sale.
3. If your co-owner responds, they usually file an answer. Many of these answers set forth the required elements for partition. Often times, it is best to consult a partition referee to ask how to seek to their appointment to sell the property.
4. Upon motion, a partition referee can be appointed by the court to market and sell the property.^[1]California Code of Civil Procedure section 872.820 (CCP 872.820) The referee is in charge of ensuring that the sale of the property is carried out with the best interests of all parties.
5. If needed, conduct discovery on the issue of partition offsets, which are claims by each of the co-owners to being owed more than their fractional share of the proceeds of sale. For example, one co-owner may claim to have paid the mortgage or made improvements at the property.
6. After the property is sold by the referee, the court will set a trial on the distribution of proceeds of sale. At this trial, each party will be able to present evidence of payments made in excess of their fractional interest in the property, for example. Note that most partition actions settle before this final hearing. Also, a skilled attorney may be able to resolve the partition without this second phase of an accounting trial through a judgment approving the sale of the property that orders payments of offsets.

How to find the right partition attorney?

It is important to find the right attorney to represent you in a partition action. Indeed, co-owners in a partition action almost universally want the same thing: The best result in the least amount of time with the lowest attorney’s fees. To achieve these goals, look for the following signals that you’ve found the right partition attorney:

• Experience in partition actions will save you money and headaches by solving the dispute faster. Our 12 dedicated partition attorneys have handled over 650 partition actions, allowing us to resolve your dispute quickly.
• Experience in real estate litigation will ensure that your attorney can solve all of the real estate related issues that arise in a partition sale including quiet title issues, escrow problems, subpoenas to banks, real estate accounting for damage calculations, and more.
• Reasonable fees are critical to your success. There are attorneys whose cases drag on for years and generate fees that benefit only the attorney. Our reviews make clear that we know how to resolve these disputes promptly.
• Success in settlement and negotiation. Many attorneys boast of their trial experience, even though about 98% of partitions are settled before a trial. This saves clients considerable amounts in attorney’s fees and ensures a resolution that is agreeable to them. Look for an attorney who can calculate the probable financial outcomes of the case to aid in a reasonable settlement.
• A winning strategy to end the dispute and win your partition action. During your consultation, be sure to ask the attorney how they plan to litigate the case. If their strategy is to file the complaint and just see what happens, run- don’t walk! Our attorneys implement an appropriate plan to solve the disputes in the case and determine the appropriate values for any offsets. This is why most of our partitions are over in a matter of a few months, not years.
• Satisfied client reviews reflecting a track record of success. With dozens upon dozens of satisfied client reviews on Google and elsewhere, all related to partition actions, our client-focused firm will hope to add you to our lengthy list of clients who found the right attorney.

As to whether you need an attorney in a partition action, the law does not require an attorney so long as you own the property individually. However, if your interest in the property is held by an LLC or corporation, you must use an attorney as these are entities are legally differently from you. Accordingly, if you filed the action on behalf of an LLC or corporation, you would be practicing law, which of course required a license.

★★★★★

I cannot recommend Greg Brown and the team at Talkov Law highly enough. I was involved in a complicated partition action that ultimately resulted in the sale of a jointly owned property in San Diego. Throughout the entire process, Greg was knowledgeable, responsive, patient, and incredibly professional. One of the biggest challenges was that I was living in Taiwan while the case was being handled in California. Despite the 12-hour time difference, Greg kept me informed every step of the way, answered all of my questions promptly, and made sure I understood every aspect of the legal process. What impressed me most was his attention to detail, honesty, and willingness to take the time to explain things clearly. Property disputes can be stressful and emotionally draining, but Greg’s guidance gave me confidence that my interests were being protected throughout the case. Thanks to Greg and the Talkov Law team, the partition action was successfully resolved, the property was sold, and the case is now being closed. I am extremely grateful for their hard work, dedication, and professionalism. If you need an attorney for a partition action or real estate dispute, I would highly recommend Greg Brown and Talkov Law.

Sara Chau

Client review

★★★★★

Put the basic information about my case into their chatbot on the website at about 3pm and they called back the next day. They know their niche in fine detail! They were able to offer insight into aspects that my divorce attorney had been completely unaware of and offered a quick solution. I'm extremely impressed with the easy solution they laid out. Really wish they had been my first call!!

Chris Patterson

Client review

★★★★★

I cannot recommend Talkov Law highly enough, especially for anyone facing a partition action with a difficult co-owner. Elaine and her entire team went above and beyond to handle my case with professionalism, care, and speed. From the very start, they understood the gravity of the situation and immediately got to work, pushing through each challenge that presented itself. My co-owner was stubborn and refused any reasonable resolution, but thanks to the incredible expertise and strategic approach from Talkov Law, we were able to broker a favorable agreement. What stands out most to me is how they managed to facilitate a buyout option that allowed me to retain my low interest rate, a crucial factor in making this a win for me. Beyond just the legal tactics, Elaine and her team provided me with insightful advice at every turn, which made me feel not only well-informed but also strongly represented throughout the entire process. They took the time to listen to my concerns, explained everything in clear terms, and helped me navigate the complexities with confidence. If you find yourself in a similar situation, I would wholeheartedly recommend Talkov Law. Their expertise in partition actions is second to none, and they will fight for your best interests every step of the way. Thank you, Elaine, for your outstanding support and for helping me achieve the best possible outcome!

Matt Montano

Client review

Close review

Talkov Law has nearly 100 active partition actions currently underway throughout California. This is because co-owners continue to put their trust in Talkov Law’s experienced and effective partition attorneys. Our dedicated partition attorneys are available to assist you by phone or online to end your co-ownership dispute for good.

Hire an experienced partition attorney at Talkov Law in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, Riverside, San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento, and Surrounding Areas in California

Would you willingly hire your co-owner to manage your property? Would you voluntarily choose to own a property with this person? Every day that your unhealthy co-ownership relationship continues, you’re choosing your co-owner as a real estate partner. Letting your co-owner remain a partial owner of your shared property allows that co-owner to manage your property indefinitely. Ending this unhealthy relationship for good by filing a partition action allows you to finally to receive the full benefit of your California real estate.

Inaction becomes a problem and will not solve your co-ownership dispute. Filing a partition action will allow you to put co-ownership drama behind you once and for all. The sooner you start the partition process, the sooner it will be over. Don’t take a chance trying to handle this on your own. Here at Talkov Law, our knowledgeable partition real estate attorneys are veterans in partition action matters, having had handled countless cases in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, Riverside, San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento, and Surrounding Areas in California. Our partition action attorneys regularly represent co-owners in partition actions to ensure their rights and interests are protected.

If you are looking to end your co-ownership real estate relationship, speak to an experienced and creative real estate partition action lawyer. Call Talkov Law today at (877) PARTITION (727-8484) or contact us online for a free analysis of your situation!

Talkov Law's Partition Attorneys Can Help

If your co-owner won’t agree to sell or buy you out, a partition action ends the co-ownership for good. Talkov Law can help. With 12 full-time partition attorneys and experience in over 650 partition actions throughout California, Talkov Law is California’s #1 partition law firm. Our team handles every step of the process, from filing the partition action through the sale or buyout and the final division of the proceeds. Not a single court has denied our clients the right to partition.

Call (877) PARTITION (727-8484) today or contact us online for a free consultation with a partition attorney.