Experienced Partition Attorneys Serving Santa Monica
Talkov Law’s attorneys serving Los Angeles County are exceptionally experienced in the area of California partition actions. 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 sale. The court will then order the division of the property in a way that is fair and equitable to all parties. The partition statutes also provide that any proceeds from the sale of the property must be divided among the co-owners in proportion to their respective interests in the property.
Our team of partition attorneys can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Can I recover my attorney’s fees in a partition action? Yes, you can recover your legal fees in a partition action through a motion for attorney’s fees. However, most partitions settle, and most settlements involve a walk-away of attorney’s fees, meaning it important to hire a partition attorney who will handle the matter efficiently since each party is likely to pay their own fees.
Speak to Our Santa Monica Partition Attorneys Today
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Partition Actions in Santa Monica
Partitions are quite common in Santa Monica. According to Zillow, the median home value in Santa Monica, California is $1,845,400 as of 2021. As of 2020, the population of the Santa Monica area of California is 93,817.
Santa Monica is a beachfront city in western Los Angeles County, California, United States. Situated on Santa Monica Bay, it is bordered on three sides by the city of Los Angeles – Pacific Palisades to the north, Brentwood on the northeast, West Los Angeles on the east, Mar Vista on the southeast, and Venice on the south. Santa Monica is home to many Hollywood celebrities and is a popular tourist destination, known for its mild year-round climate, its 3.5-mile (5.6 km) beachfront promenade, Palisades Park, and its world-famous Santa Monica Pier, which includes an amusement park and a historic carousel. The city also has a large number of art galleries, theaters, and other cultural attractions. Santa Monica is also home to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Santa Monica College.
Hecker v. Ross – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Hecker v. Ross, 183 Cal.App.2d 30 (1960), the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved a dispute between two siblings over the partition of a family home. The siblings had inherited the home from their parents, and the plaintiff, Hecker, wanted to partition the home so that each sibling could have their own separate residence. The defendant, Ross, argued that the home should not be partitioned, as it would be too costly and would destroy the value of the home. The court ultimately ruled in favor of Hecker, finding that partition was the only way to fairly divide the property between the siblings. The court also noted that partition would not necessarily destroy the value of the home, as it could be done in a way that would preserve the value of the property.
Contact our Team of Experienced Partition Lawyers Serving the City of Santa Monica in the County of Los Angeles, California.
Our partition litigation attorneys will work diligently to obtain a favorable outcome on your behalf, whether by negotiation or litigation. Call the experienced real estate partition attorneys at Talkov Law at (310) 496-3300 or contact us online for a free consultation about your co-ownership issues.
Our partition attorneys in Santa Monica, California serve Los Angeles County and surrounding areas including Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Venice, Marina del Rey, Culver City, Westwood, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood.
