legal declarations

What is a lis pendens? (CCP § 405.21)

Published on: October 5, 2022 | By Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

Underwood-Blog-Images-1-300x300 A lis pendens – also called a notice of pendency of action – is a special type of legal document filed with a county recorder. Though its use is limited to lawsuits involving real property claims, its effect is powerful. Once recorded, it acts as “constructive notice” to all persons who would subsequently acquire an interest in the property at issue that a lawsuit is occurring.

In this way, a lis pendens protects title holders as they proceed through litigation and, more importantly, the appeals process. The attorneys at Underwood Law Firm have filed countless lis pendens notices and are more than familiar enough with their requirements to assist you in your real estate litigation.

When can you file a lis pendens?

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In Eminent Domain, what must be included in a pre-condemnation offer? (Gov. Code § 7267.1)

Published on: September 23, 2022 | By Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

Underwood-Blog-Images-1-2-300x300 A pre-condemnation offer is a formal offer based on an appraisal that the government needs to offer a property owner prior to filing a condemnation claim in court. Condemnation is the special word given to eminent domain actions and should not be confused with the condemnation that is associated with those actions taken by the government against properties that pose health risks and other hazards to the public.

The pre-condemnation offer is incredibly important, and the government’s failure to comply with the strict statutory guidelines in place can result in massive expenses during a condemnation hearing. The Underwood Law Firm is familiar with Eminent Domain disputes over property values and is more than capable of assisting you from the appraisal phase to a condemnation trial.

What is Eminent Domain?

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What are the rules for race-notice/recording in California? (Civ. Code § 1215)

Published on: September 21, 2022 | By Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

Underwood-Blog-Images-3-300x300 Sometimes, two or more persons claim to have an interest in the same piece of property. If these interests conflict, then the courts have to step in to adjudicate the dispute and decide whose title is true. But things can get messy when both parties appear to have valid deeds, free or forgery, or other impropriety.

It is for this reason that California (and most other states) enacted laws called “race-notice” statutes. As will be discussed below, these statutes are designed to give “priority” to competing property interests, making it much easier to settle disputes over the same piece of land.

Of course, there are many exceptions to the general rule that the first to record their interest gets the highest priority. Bona fide purchasers, for instance, are entitled to special benefits if they lack knowledge of competing claims. Underwood Law firm is more than familiar with real estate recording laws and has the experience and knowledge to assist you in these types of title disputes.

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Does RUPA apply to joint ventures? (Corp. Code § 16101)

Published on: July 27, 2022 | By Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

Underwood-Blog-Images-1-3-300x300 Yes. While joint ventures are a distinct type of business entity, they share many similarities with general partnerships in California. In fact, “the resemblance between a partnership and joint venture is so close that the rights as between adventurers are governed by practically the same rules that govern partners.” (Milton Kauffman, Inc. v. Superior Court (1949) 94 Cal.App.2d 8, 17.) That being said, there are some differences between the two. This post will address those differences and discuss the common issues that arise among them.

What is a joint venture?

Under California law, a joint venture “exists where there is an agreement between the parties under which they have a community of interest, that is, a joint interest, in a common business undertaking…” (County of Riverside v. Loma Linda Univ. (1981) 118 Cal.App.3d 300, 313.) In essence, “a joint venture is an undertaking by two or more persons to carry out a single business enterprise for profit.” (Unruh-Haxton v. Regents of University of California (2008) 162 Cal.App.4th 343, 370.)

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Is a litigation guarantee required in a Partition Action?

Published on: July 22, 2022 | By Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

Underwood-Blog-Images-2-1-300x300 While litigation guarantees are recommended in a lot of contested real estate issues in court, it is not required in a partition action. Read on to find out more about the nuances of litigation guarantees and their relationship with partition actions.

What is a partition action?

A partition action or a partition lawsuit is when one co-owner, or when one person with interest in the property wants to sell the property, but the other co-owners or others with interest in the property do not want to sell their ownership rights.

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