Attorney fees for even the most simple of partition actions could exceed $5,000. Even if the partition lawsuit is uncontested, there are many steps and lots of paperwork, which requires a significant amount of attorney time. And if the matter is contested or complicated, costs can exceed $15,000 or even $20,000.
A Partition is generally a no-fault proceeding, meaning there are generally no defenses that an owner can raise. One exception is if the owners have waived their right to Partition. A waiver may be verbal, implied, or written. A Partition action should be filed with the assistance of an experienced attorney.
The right to partition can be waived if the correct agreement is executed. Whether to have such an agreement…the pros and cons…can only be grasped by understanding the basics of the right to partition property in California.
A partition lawsuit is a legal action that allows co-owners of a property to seek a court order to divide or sell the property when they cannot reach an agreement. Partition actions are typically used in cases of joint tenancy, tenancy in common, or other forms of co-ownership.
On the death of one of 2 joint tenants, the survivor becomes the sole owner; on the death of one of 3 or more joint tenants, the survivors are joint tenants of the entire interest.
The owner who no longer wants ownership of the property can ask the court to force a sale in lieu of partition. Rather than continuing to co-own the property, the court can force the owners to put the house up for sale.
In Wisconsin, every co-owner who no longer wishes to own their interest in the real estate has a right to partition their interest in the property, no matter what ownership percentage of the property they own. Chapter 842 of the Wisconsin Statutes governs the partition of real estate in Wisconsin.
In short, to force the sale of jointly owned property, you must first confirm title, then attempt a voluntary sale or buyout, file and serve a partition lawsuit, get an appraisal, sell the property, and finally divide the sale proceeds fairly.
Partition by Sale: Partition by sale occurs when the entire property is sold, and the proceeds of that sale are split between the owners ing to their proportional interest in the property. So, if co-owner A owns a 20% interest in the property, he or she should get 20% of the net proceeds.
§12–401. (a) A party in a civil case may appeal from a final judgment entered in the District Court. (ii) Granting a motion to dismiss, or quashing or dismissing a charging document.