Los Gatos Co-Ownership Disputes
Our team of partition attorneys in Santa Clara can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- What is California’s Partition of Real Property Act? Effective January 1, 2023, California’s new partition law allows defendants to buy out the interests of the plaintiff at an appraised value.
- 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.
- What are the tax implications of a partition action? It is best to seek the advice of a tax attorney or CPA about tax issues. However, the most common tax issues in partitions, like other sales, can involve capital gains taxes and the potential partial or full reassessment of property taxes.
- In a partition action, can I be reimbursed for paying more than my fair share of the down payment? Yes, partition actions allow for offsets whereby one co-owner claims excess payments for mortgage, taxes, insurance, improvements, repairs and other property expenses
- 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.

Our Los Gatos Partition Attorneys Know Santa Clara County
Los Gatos is a small town located in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. It is known for its quaint downtown area, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries. The town is also home to several wineries, and is a popular destination for wine tasting. Los Gatos is surrounded by beautiful redwood forests and is close to several state parks, making it a great spot for outdoor activities. The town is also home to several tech companies, including Netflix and Roku.
Los Gatos, California was founded in 1887 by Martin Murphy, Jr., a prominent Irish-American settler. Murphy purchased the land from the Mexican government and named the area after the Spanish phrase for “the cats,” referring to the mountain lions that roamed the area. The town quickly grew and became a popular destination for wealthy San Franciscans looking to escape the city. In the early 1900s, the town was known for its fruit orchards and wineries. In the 1950s, the town began to transition from an agricultural center to a suburban residential community. Today, Los Gatos is a thriving community known for its upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Solomon v. Redona – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Solomon v. Redona, 52 Cal.App. 300 (1921), the issue of partition was at the center of the dispute. The case involved a dispute between two siblings over the partition of a piece of real estate that had been inherited from their father. The siblings had agreed to divide the property into two equal parts, but the plaintiff, Solomon, argued that the defendant, Redona, had failed to comply with the agreement and had taken more than her fair share of the property. The court found that Redona had indeed taken more than her fair share of the property and ordered her to pay damages to Solomon. The court also ordered the partition of the property in accordance with the agreement between the siblings.
Contact an Experienced Partition Attorney in Los Gatos, California
If you want to end your co-ownership relationship, but your co-owner disagrees, a partition action is your only option. Our experienced partition lawyers serving Los Gatos have years of experience ending co-ownership disputes in California and can help you unlock the equity in your Santa Clara County property. For a free, 15-minute consultation with an experienced partition attorney at Partition Lawyer California, call (408) 777-6800 or fill out a contact form online.
Contact us Today for a Free Consultation with a Partition Attorney in Los Gatos, California
Our partition attorneys in Los Gatos also serve San Jose, Campbell, Saratoga, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Los Altos, Mountain View, Monte Sereno, and Santa Cruz