Sacramento Business & Real Estate Law Blog

Articles Posted in Partition Action

Does an equitable owner have a right to partition property?

Published on: November 24, 2021 | By Marcus | Underwood

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When a title owner sues to partition property, then the matter is relatively straightforward. On the other hand, when a person claims to be an owner of property but does not appear on the title, can they still sue to partition property?

Who can sue for partition?

A legal titleholder—as well as the holder of an equitable title to an undivided interest—may sue to establish his or her right, and to obtain a division of the common property. (Varni v. Devoto (1909) 10 Cal.App. 304.) Not all equitable titles, however, are created equal. Indeed, the partition statute explicitly lists the types of equitable interests that may have a right to seek recourse through partition.

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What Is a Partition Agreement?

Published on: November 21, 2021 | By Marcus | Underwood

Partition-Agreement
One reason partition actions are a good option is that there is generally an absolute right to partition, but every rule has exceptions. In a partition action, the main exception is when the parties have executed a partition agreement. Generally, the right to partition can be waived by an express—or implied—agreement between co-tenants. (CCP § 872.710; Penasquitos, Inc. v. Holladay (1972) 27 Cal.App.3d 356, 358.)

What is required for a partition agreement?

A partition agreement may be an express statement that the right to partition is waived. It may also be evidenced by a right of first refusal where one co-tenant is required to offer the property for sale to another co-tenant as a condition precedent to an action for partition. (Harrison v. Domergue (1969) 2724 Cal.App.2d 19, 21.)

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