Articles Posted in property ownership

Can Siblings Force the Sale of Inherited Property?
Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

Yes. In California siblings can force the sale of inherited property through a partition action. Partition actions allow siblings who co-own inherited property to request a court-ordered sale of property when it cannot be physically divided or the siblings cannot reach an agreement on the property’s management and disposal. Allowing siblings to force the sale…

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What happens when you pay someone else’s property taxes? 
Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

Under California law, paying someone’s property taxes does not automatically grant ownership of the property. In California, paying someone else’s taxes, even if done in good faith, is considered a gesture of goodwill or a means of avoiding a tax lien, but no matter the motive, payment does not transfer legal ownership.  If, however, individuals…

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What is a “Title Defect”?
Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

The purpose of this article is to explain about the legal concept of a title defect. Finding defects in the title of a property is important because it indicates there is a problem with the property’s ownership. Title defects can prevent sale and present additional costs to owners and buyers. What is a title defect?…

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Who is Responsible for Injuries on Jointly Owned Property? (Civ. Code § 1714)
Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

Generally, every owner of property is liable for injuries on their property when it is not in a reasonably safe condition. (Cody F. v. Falletti (2001) 92 Cal.App.4th 1232.) If a party was a co-owner and jointly in possession of the premises, they would be equally responsible for the condition of the premises and equally…

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How Does the Process of a Partition Sale differ from a Foreclosure Sale?
Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

Partitions sales and foreclosure sales are two different ways that a property can be sold. The main difference between the two is the purpose behind the two sales. For partition sales, the purpose is to divide the property and for the owners to get the proceeds in proportion to their ownership. The purpose of foreclosure…

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How Does a Partition Sale Differ From the Process of a Probate Sale?
Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

Partitions sales and probate sales are two different ways that a property can be sold. A main difference between the two is that a partition sale is ordered and overseen by the court, while a probate sale is generally overseen by a personal representative, and the court can have minimal involvement. There are also specific…

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Can a Co-Owner Take Out a Mortgage Without Your Consent?
Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

Yes. California law allows a co-owner to take out a mortgage without the other co-owners consent or knowledge. Co-owning property with other parties can be quite a responsibility that can be difficult to manage. One particularly stressful aspect of managing property is managing the debt that comes with financing the property. Some parties may even…

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How Does the Process of a Partition Sale Differ From a Divorce Sale?
Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

Partitions sales and divorce sales are two different ways that a property can be sold. One difference between the two is that in a partition sale, the court usually decides the proportion of ownership and how the proceeds are distributed among the owners, while in a divorce sale, the court generally must divide the property…

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Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) § 872.020—Partition Law Title
Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

California Code of Civil Procedure section 872.020 is under Title 10.5 Partition of Real and Personal Property. This statute details the scope, or in other words, the actions of partition that the title controls. The statute aims to clarify the property to which Partition Law actions may apply. Code of Civil Procedure section 872.020 states…

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How Does a Partition Sale Differ From the Process of a Trustee Sale? 
Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

Partitions sales and trustee sales are two different ways that a property can be sold. A main difference between the two is that a partition sale is ordered and overseen by the court, while a trustee sale is overseen by a third party in relation to foreclosure proceedings. While the third party is not beholden…

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