Real Estate Litigation

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For most types of jointly held real estate, any one joint owner can file a complaint seeking that the court forces the sale of the property and divide the sale proceeds between the joint owners. This is known as a partition by sale. The court has the discretion to grant the requested relief during real estate litigation. If the court orders partition by sale, the court will appoint a trustee to take control of the property for purposes of the sale and to manage and supervise the sale.

While in some cases a partition by sale suits the best interests of all affected parties, these arrangements are often complex and may not be the best option for personal, financial, or tax purposes. Other times, the arrangement may lead to future legal disputes. All persons with interests in the property, not just the owners of the property, but also any banks or secured parties with an interest in the property, must be named in the lawsuit. Additionally, to the extent one joint owner has contributed more of the carrying costs of the property, that joint owner may have a claim for reimbursement (contribution) of these costs against his joint-owner(s). And, of course, there are tax consequences to all transactions, including partition by sale of the jointly held real estate.

If you are a joint owner considering filing a complaint for partition by sale, the experienced estate lawyers at JDKatz can meet with you to determine if this is the best course of action for your case. Real estate litigation involves numerous factors that must be considered, including the equity you hold in the real estate, the number of individuals or entities who would be parties to the lawsuit, and the tax consequences of the transaction.

On the other hand, if you are defending a complaint for partition by sale, we will assist you in ensuring your interests and stake are protected in court. Our knowledgeable real estate lawyers can assist in negotiating buyouts. We also both litigate and negotiate issues of contribution. From office buildings to specialty properties, real estate litigation can include a complex mixture of contracts and regulations throughout the process. Each client has their own unique goals and case. Our legal counsel and representation are always personally tailored to the goal of delivering value to our clients while minimizing their costs and exposure to risk.

Contact a Real Estate Litigation Attorney

Real estate matters are some of the biggest financial transactions that a person will make throughout the course of their life. With so much on the line, it is understandable to want to fight when something goes awry. Therefore, it is essential to retain the services of an experienced real estate litigation attorney who can represent your interests effectively. If you are considering a partition by sale or are defending one, call our experienced JDKatz real estate attorneys.