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[CA] [CA] I own my personal residence with my partner as joint tenancy with rights of survival. If we separate, what can I do to protect my rights?

I need to speak with a real estate attorney.

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Jessica B
Jessica B

29,480 satisfied customers

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If your partner refuses to sell the property, then you may file a Petition for Partition and obtain a court order that forces the sale of the jointly owned property. The procedures for such actions are governed by the California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP § 872.010–874.240).

A court-ordered sale of the property would result in the proceeds being divided according to ownership interests.

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I need to speak with a real estate attorney.

Lexi

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand you're looking to speak with a real estate attorney. Can you please tell me what specific issue or question you need assistance with?

I own my personal residence with my partner as Joint tenancy with rights of survival. If we separate, what can I do to protect my rights?

Lexi

Lexi, Chatbot

Are you facing any legal challenges related to a property purchase, sale, rental agreement, landlord-tenant dispute, or any other real estate matter?

Property ownership.

Lexi

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the Real Estate Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with property ownership.

No.

Jessica B

Jessica B

Thank you for choosing AskaLawyer! My name is Jessica, I am a licensed attorney that will be assisting you with your question.

I am so sorry you are separated. Are you looking to remove the joint tenancy rights and own your 50% in your sole name?

Hi Jessica, we are not separated yet but we might... I'm on the title as a 50% owner. Just not sure what I can do if my partner decides not to sell the house.

Jessica B

Jessica B

Is he willing to buy you out?

Nope.

If I leave the house, will I be liable for 50% maintenance, insurance, taxes...? Right now, he's paying for everything.

Jessica B

Jessica B

If your partner refuses to sell the property, then you may file a Petition for Partition and obtain a court order that forces the sale of the jointly owned property. The procedures for such actions are governed by the California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP § 872.010–874.240).

A court-ordered sale of the property would result in the proceeds being divided according to ownership interests.

Oh, great! Is it really possible?

Jessica B

Jessica B

Yes, it happens all the time.

How can I do that? I'm in CA.

Jessica B

Jessica B

The best is by hiring a civil attorney to prepare and file the lawsuit since the forms are not provided by the court.

What about the expenses?

Jessica B

Jessica B

You may ask the court to reimburse you for 50% you have paid since separating.

No, I didn't pay. He's been paying for everything. Can he charge me for 50%?

Jessica B

Jessica B

Yes.

How can I protect myself? He has agreed to pay for everything and has been doing it from the beginning. The house expenses are very expensive...

Jessica B

Jessica B

You need to file your Petition as soon as possible to begin the process.

Can he charge me for the past years that he was paying?

Jessica B

Jessica B

No, not if you have proof of an agreement.

No agreement in writing, just oral...

Jessica B

Jessica B

Usually the court goes from the date of separation.

OK, thank you so much.

Am I liable or not from the date of separation?

Jessica B

Jessica B

More than likely if there is no proof of an agreement then the court could hold you liable for 50% of the expenses since separation.

Thank you Jessica.

Jessica B

Jessica B

No problem. You may favorite my profile so that you may be directly connected to me with any future questions. Thank you!

How do I do that?

Jessica B

Jessica B

It will be in your email. Thank you.

Jessica B

Jessica B

29,480 satisfied customers

Jessica B
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