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 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.
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.
Affirmative Defenses in Partition Actions If a co-owner can prove that the other party waived their right to partition, the court may dismiss the action.
These costs usually include legal fees and fees for a commissioner who will either divide or sell the property. The fees for a partition action can often exceed $20,000 and can become even greater depending on the level of complexity and whether or not the action is contested.
A California partition action happens when one co-owner of real property wants to sell but other co-owners do not want to sell their ownership rights. Partition means division. The opposing co-owners have the absolute right by law to divide the property and sell their portion with the legal remedy of “Partition”.
How Long Does It Take to Partition a Property? A partition action usually takes between six to nine months depending on the circumstances and the complexity of each case. The most significant factor is whether the partition is being handled by an attorney who practices only in partition law.
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.
Under Colorado law, a partition action is a legal proceeding used to divide or sell jointly owned real estate. When co-owners can't agree on how to manage, use, or sell their property, Colorado's partition statute provides a mechanism to separate their interests.