Kesselman Brantly Stockinger LLP
Kesselman Brantly Stockinger LLP
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The Firm That Clients Call For Complex, High-Stakes Cases

Real Estate Litigation

Real estate disputes can become ongoing personal, business and legal problems if they are not managed appropriately. The real estate litigation attorneys at Kesselman Brantly Stockinger have extensive experience in real estate-related lawsuits throughout California.

KBS can help you with lender and borrower actions and disputes between fractional owners, including tenants in common and members of limited liability companies or partnerships. KBS’s attorneys are frequently able to resolve disputes prior to litigation to achieve valuable results.

Our attorneys handle litigation arising out of:

  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Contracts/leases – both residential and commercial
  • Partnership disputes
  • Purchase/sale litigation
  • Property owner/lender disputes

Highlighted cases:

  • Defending a property owner in a federal fair housing and disability access lawsuit alleging architectural and communication barriers at a 47-unit apartment complex.
  • Represented a commercial borrower in a consolidated bench trial over DSCR-based loan default and foreclosure claims, obtaining a favorable trial ruling on all liability issues.

Common Causes Of Real Estate Disputes In California

Real estate disputes in California often begin with issues that seem manageable but quickly escalate into significant financial and legal conflicts. In Los Angeles, Orange County and throughout Southern California, disputes frequently involve both residential and commercial properties.

These issues often include:

  • Boundary and easement disagreements: Lot lines, access rights and encroachments
  • Breach of purchase or lease contracts: Failure to perform under sale agreements or lease terms
  • Title defects and ownership disputes: Liens, undisclosed interests or recording errors
  • Landlord-tenant conflicts: Lease defaults, repair obligations and wrongful eviction claims
  • Construction and property defect disputes: Structural issues, disclosure failures and contractor claims

Early attorney involvement can help contain these disputes before they grow more costly and may prevent disruption to ownership rights, financing and ongoing business operations.

What To Do If You Are Facing A Property Dispute

If a dispute arises, immediate documentation and legal review are critical. Important first steps include:

  • Review all contracts and title documents
  • Preserve emails, notices and communications
  • Photograph property conditions or disputed boundaries
  • Avoid informal agreements without attorney review
  • Consult a real estate lawyer promptly

Taking these steps early can strengthen your position, whether the matter settles or proceeds to litigation.

How Real Estate Disputes Are Resolved In California

Not every property dispute requires a courtroom battle. Many California real estate matters are resolved through early dispute resolution.

Common resolution methods include:

  • Negotiation: Direct attorney-to-attorney resolution
  • Mediation: Structured settlement discussions with a neutral third party
  • Arbitration: Binding resolution outside the court where contracts require it
  • Litigation: Formal court proceedings in state or federal court

A lawyer can help determine which path best protects your financial and property interests.

How Long Real Estate Litigation Can Take

The timeline for real estate litigation in California depends on the complexity of the dispute. Straightforward contract or landlord-tenant matters may resolve within several months, while partnership, title or lender disputes can extend well beyond a year.

Common timing factors include:

  • Complexity of legal and factual issues
  • Court scheduling in the county
  • Amount of documentary evidence
  • Number of parties involved
  • Likelihood of settlement

Strategic case management can often reduce delay and litigation expense. An experienced lawyer can help streamline discovery, manage motion practice and pursue early resolution opportunities that may shorten the timeline and reduce litigation costs.

Speak With A California Real Estate Litigation Lawyer

If you are facing a property dispute in California, contact Kesselman Brantly Stockinger LLP today through our online contact form or call 310-307-4555 to speak with a real estate litigation lawyer about protecting your rights and investment.