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California Partition Lawyers

The Underwood Law Firm, P.C. is a boutique partition, real estate, and civil litigation firm with offices throughout California. At any given time, the firm is handling dozens of partition actions involving single-family homes, multi-million dollar apartment buildings, warehouses, vacant land, and farm land. Our attorneys have significant experience handling these cases in courts throughout the State, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, Stockton, and the East Bay. As a result, clients throughout California seek out the Firm for its one-of-a-kind experience.

You deserve an experienced counselor and aggressive attorney who is familiar with the right solutions to challenging real estate problems. Our attorneys are dedicated to providing these solutions, and our Firm’s founder has been appointed to the Executive Committee of the California Lawyers’ Association’s Real Property Section. The Underwood Law Firm P.C. exists to serve our clients and provide the highest possible value in Partition Law.

Our Focus—Partition Actions

The Underwood Law Firm, P.C. limits its practice only to those things that it does well. Frequently, the firm is handling dozens of partition actions throughout California. Where other law firms may have handled only one or two of these types of actions, the Firm is intimately familiarity with the intricacies that these types of cases present.

A partition action is a court supervised process for selling jointly-owned real estate in California. These actions are very common with real estate owned by (1) ex-boyfriends/ girlfriends, (2) brothers/ sisters, (3) parents/ children, and (4) co-investors/ developers. The firm has multiple clients in each of these categories, is familiar with the challenges that each type of partition case raises, and the procedures at each step of the way. As each of these types of cases present unique and challenging issues, it is important to have an attorney who understands the complications and opportunities that each type of case presents, and knows how to capitalize on the opportunities.

As a result, we can provide the highest possible value to our clients in litigating these cases as we have the knowledge of the issues and the complications at our finger-tips from our routine involvement in these types of matters. For example, our firm is familiar with issues involving:

When they refuse to sell, and you need to know what to do next, the attorneys at Underwood Law Firm, P.C. can help with your California partition action.

Our Focus—Business Disputes

While all partnerships are complicated, business relationships have the added complication of money. Frequently, these business relationships break-down due to issues with finances, management of the business, or certain shareholder rights. When these partnerships sour, our attorneys understand the intricacies of business law and vindicating each party’s rights. If you find yourself in partnership or shareholder dispute, Underwood Law Firm, P.C. is available to discuss the matter.

Firm Values—Dedicated

Our clients trust the firm with their problems because its practices are limited only to those things that we do well. When the firm takes on a client, it does so with the confidence that the pitfalls and traps are well known, and the client can be successfully guided to a positive outcome. For the California partition law firm of Underwood Law Firm, P.C., everything is done to make sure that each client’s trust is well placed.

As a result, the firm is very selective and limited in the clients and matters accepted. While some firms take on anything that comes in the door, the Underwood Law Firm, P.C. limits its practice to that which it can provide the highest possible value. You do not want to pay someone to learn how to practice law, or to re-invent the wheel. You deserve legal representation by someone who has been around the block, bought the t-shirt, and memorized the trail. This approach is reflected in our close attention to detail, and our zealous advocacy for our clients at every step of the way.

The partition law firm of Underwood Law Firm, P.C. assists clients when it matters most. Whether you need help with a lawsuit with everything on the line, or negotiating the best resolution to a pressing problem, our clients trust the firm to be there every step of the way.

Firm Values—Assertive

At the end of the day, results matter. You hire a lawyer to get things done so you can move on with your life, not so you can get a legal education or needlessly spin your wheels. The legal work has to be effective in meeting the client’s goals.

The firm builds trust with its clients through a diligent and constant focus on communication, sharing information, an honest assessment of the situation, and a careful consideration of the risks and rewards of the client’s situation. The firm ensures that you receive updates about your matter on a regular basis, and is available to address your concerns when issues arise. When our clients go to sleep at night, they can rest easy knowing that their law firm is worrying about their problems.

Ultimately, the firm seeks to provide the maximum possible value to our clients through our representation. Our goal is for our clients to feel that they could not have made a better choice in their representation, and that they received more value than the amount of money that they spent on the process.

While some firms needlessly drag out legal disputes through meandering approaches, the firm approaches each matter with the end in mind, and calculates how to get there as efficiently as possible. Time is money. The California partition law firm of Underwood Law Firm, P.C. does everything to make sure that your money is well spent towards accomplishing achievable goals.

Firm Values—Trusted

First, the firm strives to build long-term relationships with our clients. In order to build that relationship, the firm takes every step to provide the same value and advice given to our long-term, repeat clients. By taking the long view, each client gets the type of advice we would give to an uncle, cousin, or sister-in-law. Each client is viewed as someone the firm expects to see again and again. By putting the client first, the firm knows that your success will be our success.

This client-first approach means, most of all, listening to the clients about their needs, goals, and challenges. The best hammer in the world is useless when you need a wrench. The solution, and the tools used to achieve it, must be an outgrowth of a fundamental understanding of the definition of the problem.

When the firm accepts a client, it does so with the end in mind. At the end of the representation, the firm wants the client to feel grateful that he or she could not have found a better lawyer to help with the problem, and that their lawyer was with them every step of the way.

In representing our clients, the first thing is to understand them and their specific needs and challenges. For the partition law firm of Underwood Law Firm, P.C., our clients are more than just customers.

Our Approach

We listen. When talking is not working, we’re here to give you a plan of action, and see it to the end despite all the challenges. The firm is results-driven, and starts each case with a plan to achieve the client’s goal. Every tool is used to achieve the goal, and the firm intensely focuses on the details of every case because the facts and the truth matter. For the California partition law firm of Underwood Law Firm, P.C., our clients are of utmost importance to us.

We honor our commitments to our clients, and ensure that their goals are our priority. We hone our strategy by aligning our actions with our client’s needs and litigation directives. We provide a plan to achieve those goals, because “failing to plan is planning to fail.” The firm explains the plan to the client, ensures that the client agrees with the plan, and then relentlessly executes that plan to completion. Our firm takes care of its clients and ensures that everything is as seamless as possible.

The firm is not afraid of complex matters, and has successfully litigated multi-million dollar claims on numerous occasions in courts across California.

The Underwood Law Firm, P.C. assists clients in all walks of life with complex legal and factual issues. The firm’s clients are real estate developers, distinguished college professors, successful businesses, and everyday people who need relief from their legal problems.

When you’re in one of these situations, contact our firm. Call or complete the contact form to take the next steps in the process.

Our Promise

You are our focus. At the Underwood Law Firm, our promise is to litigate your case according to your goals. Generally, this means that we take every action to resolve it as quickly, aggressively, and efficiently as possible. The Firm prides itself on resolving the types of cases in our niche practice more quickly than almost any other lawyers in California. We want to get your results without delay or needless expense. Instead, all of our actions are calculated to achieve your objectives with the greatest amount of efficiency.

Meet the Firm
Elijah Underwood
Elijah Underwood

Elijah Underwood is the founder of Underwood Law Firm, P.C., where the firm's focus is partition actions, partnership disputes, and real estate law. Before founding the firm, Eli was a partner at another general practice firm, which he left to open this boutique partition firm.

Eli is a licensed real estate broker, real estate investor, and lawyer who has represented congressmen, won jury and bench trials, and whose efforts have already changed state law. Eli is a member of the Executive Committee for the California Lawyer’s Association Real Property Section, and the instructor on Partitions and Co-Ownership Relationships for the California Association of Realtors.

While in law school at the University of California in San Francisco, Eli was a board-member for the award-winning Negotiation Team where he competed at the highest levels of national and international negotiation competitions.

Christine Luu
Christine Luu

Christine Luu is a lawyer with the firm, where she assists the firm’s clients with partition actions, real estate matters, and civil litigation.

Christine graduated with a Juris Doctorate from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 2022. She was a member of the school’s Moot Court Honors Board where she competed at national moot court competitions and won awards. She was also a member of McGeorge’s Elder and Health Law Clinic where she assisted in pro bono representation to Sacramento’s underserved community members.

Abel Edens
Abel Edens

Abel Edens is a lawyer with the firm, where he assist the firm's clients with partition actions, real estate matters, and civil litigation.

Abel received his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. Prior to joining the firm, Abel externed for both the Honorable Judge Sean P. Dabel at the San Mateo Superior Court, and Associate Justice Jon B. Streeter at the California Court of Appeal in San Francisco.

Abel completed his bachelor's degree at the University of California, Berkeley where he undertook leadership positions in student organizations and the school's LEAD Center.

Sandy Sikavi
Sandy Sikavi

Sandy graduated with a Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School in 2022. She served on the board of the school’s Real Estate Law Society where she worked alongside classmates and attorneys to increase networking opportunities for law students. She also received a First Honors in Secured Transactions in Real Property.

Before joining the firm, Sandy worked as a law clerk at Law Advocate Group, LLP, a civil litigation firm based in Beverly Hills. She also volunteered at Bet Tzedek Legal Services, where she assisted in drafting legal FAQs to assist undocumented immigrants in opening small businesses.

Jackie Jenkins
Jackie Jenkins

Jackie Jenkins is the firm’s Administrator, working out of the Los Angeles location. She brings to the firm more than 30 years of law firm and corporate legal experience.

Before joining the firm, Jackie worked as an Associate Administrator at a large health care organization. Prior to that, she was the Administrator at an insurance defense litigation law firm.

In her role, Jackie works with the Firm’s Management to ensure the seamless operation of the firms’ business areas. Her responsibilities include managing all locations, employees, and all business management functions, including financial management, budgeting, employee engagement, and process improvement initiatives.

Allyson Ballou
Allyson Ballou

Allyson Ballou is the Director of Client Relations at the Underwood Law Firm. Allyson oversees client intake procedures and client relations, handles data analysis, and contributes to the firm’s networking and marketing efforts.

Before joining our firm, Allyson worked as a crisis counselor in several settings, including schools, group homes, and teen rehab centers.

Allyson also ran her own practice as a Trauma Resolution Counselor before joining the firm.

Galina Gonzales
Galina Gonzales

Galina Gonzales is a paralegal with the firm. Galina was born and raised in Moldova and moved to the United States in 2011. She speaks three languages.

Mrs. Gonzales graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies from the International University of Moldova in 2011.

Mrs. Gonzales prepares and processes legal documents such as motions, complaints, summons, subpoenas, discovery, and schedules depositions.

Jennifer Brito
Jennifer Brito

Jennifer Brito, a native of Orange County, is a dedicated Paralegal at our firm. She plays an integral role in our team, working closely with attorneys and fellow paralegals to ensure that every client's case is meticulously prepared for presentation.

Brito's academic background is rooted in philosophy, having earned her bachelor's degree from the California State University Fullerton.

Prior to this achievement, she obtained her Paralegal Degree from the ABA-approved Paralegal program at Santa Ana College, laying a solid foundation for her career in law.

Roxanne Jones
Roxanne Jones

Roxanne Jones is the firm's Client Liaison and provides support beginning with the initial intake process, while also focusing on ensuring that each client's needs are met with respect, empathy, and the utmost confidentiality. Roxanne comes from an extensive customer service-based background at a large health care organization.

Prior to joining the firm, Roxanne worked as a social services representative and mental health counselor. Currently, Roxanne is pursuing her paralegal certification at National University and also holds a degree in social and behavioral sciences. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, going to the beach, and researching various topics.

Grace LeBlanc
Grace LeBlanc

Grace LeBlanc is a law clerk who supports the firm's attorneys in their partition cases.

Grace is in her third year at Chapman Dale E. Fowler School of Law, expects to graduate in May 2024, and will take the California Bar in July 2024. She serves on the Chapman Law Review as an Executive Article Submissions Editor and on Chapman's Moot Court Competition Board. She previously interned with the United States Department of Agriculture Office of the General Counsel, where she assisted in advising USDA agencies on matters involving state property law, federal agency tort immunity, and constitutional taking issues. She has also worked as a law clerk for Grochow Law, APC, an employment firm in Aliso Viejo.

Roxanne Jones
Abhilasha Pokharel

Abhilasha Pokharel is a lawyer with the firm, where she assists the firm’s clients with partition actions.

Abhi graduated with a Juris Doctorate from The University of California, Davis School of Law, where she was a Dean’s Merit Scholar. She volunteered at the school’s Immigration Law Clinic and served as a Senior Articles Editor for the school’s Environment Law Journal.

Before joining the firm, Abhi interned at Solano County Public Defender’s Office.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
“We were in need of a real estate attorney. Eli Underwood provided excellent legal advice and services. He explained everything well and followed through with all important issues that needed attention. We found him to be reliable, courteous, patient and extremely professional. We highly recommend Mr. Underwood without any reservations.” I.S.
★★★★★
"I own a real estate investment company that operates across multiple states (California, Washington, Oregon, Montana, and more), whenever I run into an issue that needs legal attention, Eli is my first call. I've been working with him for years. He is an amazing attorney and I highly recommend him." Thank you for your help Sir!" T.W.
★★★★★
"Mr. Underwood is a fantastic Lawyer with extraordinary ethics. He responds quickly, which is rare these days, and he is very knowledgeable in his craft. It was a pleasure working with him and we will definitely use his services in the future if needed. Thank you for your help Sir!" M.O.
★★★★★
"Eli took our case and controlled every hurdle put before us. I one time commented to him that he must love his job because it seemed that he was always available. When talking about my case to anyone I always bring up where, I believe, the other parties Lawyer tried to take advantage of my wife and me. Eli stopped him in his tracks. On top of it being easy to work with Eli, it was a pleasure to have had him represent us. We were in good hands." E.T
★★★★★
"We were in need of an attorney with considerable knowledge of real estate law and the legal issues related to property ownership. Eli Underwood went above and beyond our expectations. In keeping us abreast of our suit, his communication skills were outstanding. This talent was especially demonstrated when dealing with the apposing counsel. We feel this gave us a tremendous advantage over the opposing party that resulted in us reaching a successful outcome. I would highly recommend Eli Underwood as we found him to be an exceptional attorney." P.B.
★★★★★
"In our need for legal services we found Eli to be well informed and on top of our case and our needs. Our's was not an ordinary case as it was a case with many facets. It was a very convoluted case. There were multiple owners involved in a property dispute where one of the owners sued the rest of the owners with a Partition Suit. Needless to say Eli was instrumental in helping us resolve our differences and gained us a profitable sale all with good end results for all. If you hire Eli Underwood you will not be disappointed!" M.A.
California Partition Law Blog
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