American Canyon Co-Ownership Disputes
Our team of partition attorneys in Napa can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- 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.
- Will there be a trial in a California partition action? Trials are extremely rare in partition actions because the interlocutory judgment procedure allows for a partition referee to be appointed by meeting just a few elements that rarely involve live testimony from witnesses. Even if a trial occurred, it would almost certainly relate only to the ownership interests or the distribution of proceeds, though most cases are decided on motion heard by the court based on the papers submitted by the parties.
- Can a partition action be stopped or dismissed in California? The truth is that there are very few affirmative defenses in a partition action, and those defenses are rarely applied by courts in California.
- 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 attorney’s fees incurred or paid by a party for the common benefit.” California Code of Civil Procedure 874.010(a).
- What are the costs associated with a partition action? The costs of a partition action generally involve the attorney’s fees, and court costs, but can involve referee fees and broker’s fees if the property is sold.

Our American Canyon Partition Attorneys Know Napa County
American Canyon is a city located in Napa County, California. It is situated in the northern part of the San Francisco Bay Area, about 30 miles northeast of San Francisco. The city is home to approximately 19,000 people and is known for its scenic views of the Napa Valley and its proximity to the Napa Valley Wine Country. American Canyon is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. The city also offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
American Canyon is a city located in the Napa Valley region of California. It was first settled in the late 1800s by a group of settlers from the American Canyon Ranch. The area was originally used for cattle grazing and farming, but in the early 1900s, the area began to be developed for residential use. The city was officially incorporated in 1992 and has since grown to become a vibrant community with a population of over 20,000. The city is known for its diverse population, its proximity to the Napa Valley wine country, and its many outdoor recreational activities.
Kenco Investments, Inc. v. Marsh – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Kenco Investments, Inc. v. Marsh, 2020 WL 3444435, F077602 (24-Jun-2020) , the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The dispute arose when Kenco Investments, Inc. (Kenco) and Marsh, the owners of a jointly owned property, could not agree on how to divide the property. Kenco sought a court order to partition the property, while Marsh argued that the property should remain undivided. The court ultimately found that the property should be partitioned, and ordered that the property be divided into two separate parcels. The court also ordered that Marsh pay Kenco for the value of the portion of the property that was allocated to Kenco.
Contact an Experienced Partition Attorney in American Canyon, California
If you want to end your co-ownership relationship, but your co-owner refuses, a partition action is your only option. Our experienced partition lawyers serving American Canyon have years of experience ending co-ownership disputes in California and can help you unlock the equity in your Napa County property. For a free, 15-minute consultation with an experienced partition attorney at Partition Lawyer California, call (707) 777-6600 or fill out a contact form online.
Contact us Today for a Free Consultation with a Partition Attorney in American Canyon, California
Our partition attorneys in American Canyon also serve Vallejo, Napa, Fairfield, Benicia, and Vacaville