Understanding Co-Ownership in Orange County
Our team of partition attorneys in Orange can assist co-owners with frequently asked questions about partitions, such as:
- What happens to any debts or liens on the property during a partition action? Secured debts are paid from the sale of the property. Secured lenders named in a partition action are generally dismissed with an agreement to pay the mortgage at the time of the sale.
- What is the average cost of a partition action? The usual cost for a partition action is about $8,000 to $12,000, depending on the complexity. Some cases settle quickly after the defendant receives the partition complaint, while others can drag on longer if there are more complex issues or delay tactics by the defendant.
- Can a partition action be filed for both real property and personal property in California? Yes, all co-owned real and personal property can be partitioned under California law. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 872.020.
- Can you lose interest in a jointly owned home by moving out? Generally, co-owners maintain their ownership interests regardless of whether they live at the property. However, in rare cases, leaving the property for many years without paying taxes or other expenses may allow the co-owners in possession to argue that they have adversely possessed the property. Generally, these co-ownership disputes do not get easier with time, so it is important to act promptly.
- 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.

Our Orange Partition Attorneys Know Orange County
Orange is a city located in Orange County, California. It is approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) north of the county seat, Santa Ana. Orange is known for its historic old town district, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The city is also home to Chapman University, a private university with a diverse student body. Orange is a great place to live, work, and play, with plenty of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and a vibrant nightlife.
Orange, California was founded in 1871 by Alfred Chapman and Andrew Glassell, two lawyers from Los Angeles. The city was originally named Richland, but was later changed to Orange in 1873. The city was incorporated in 1888 and was the first city in Orange County to be incorporated. The city was originally a center for citrus production, and the city’s name was chosen to reflect this. The city grew rapidly in the early 20th century, and by the 1950s, it had become a major suburban center. Today, Orange is a vibrant city with a population of over 140,000 people. It is home to Chapman University, a private university, and is a popular destination for tourists.
Dubois v. Hepburn – Partition Action Case Study
In the legal case of Dubois v. Hepburn, 35 U.S. 1 (1836), the Supreme Court of the United States was asked to decide a dispute over the partition of land. The dispute arose when two individuals, Dubois and Hepburn, owned a tract of land in common. Dubois wanted to partition the land, while Hepburn wanted to keep it as a single tract. The Court had to decide whether the partition should be allowed, and if so, how it should be done. The Court ultimately held that the partition should be allowed, but that it should be done in a way that would be fair to both parties. The Court also held that the partition should be done in a way that would not cause unnecessary hardship to either party.
Contact an Experienced Partition Attorney in Orange, California
If you want to end your co-ownership relationship, but your co-owner won’t agree, a partition action is your only option. Our experienced partition lawyers serving Orange have years of experience ending co-ownership disputes in California and can help you unlock the equity in your Orange County property. For a free, 15-minute consultation with a knowledgeable partition attorney at Partition Lawyer California, call (714) 888-7700 or fill out a contact form online.
Contact us Today for a Free Consultation with a Partition Attorney in Orange, California
Our partition attorneys in Orange also serve Anaheim, Santa Ana, Tustin, Irvine, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Villa Park, and Anaheim Hills