A Court Appointed San Diego Partnership Dispute Receiver Is Here to Help

Partnership or LLC receivership appointments in California arise under California Code of Civil Procedure section 564. When appointed as an equity receiver—meaning the receiver takes possession of 100% of the receivership entities—the receiver steps into the role of management and makes operational and asset-related decisions pursuant to court order. The receiver’s authority and duties are defined in the court’s order appointing the receiver. In most cases, the receiver’s role is to preserve the status quo between the parties while the underlying litigation proceeds. As a neutral agent of the court, the receiver acts for the benefit of all interested parties, including creditors. Assets are held by the court through the receiver rather than by the disputing parties.

California Civil Code procedure section 664 identifies the statutory circumstances supporting the appointment of a receiver, including the following:

(b) A receiver may be appointed by the court in which an action or proceeding is pending, or by a judge of that court, in the following cases:

(1) In an action by a vendor to vacate a fraudulent purchase of property, or by a creditor to subject any property or fund to the creditor’s claim, or between partners or others jointly owning or interested in any property or fund, on the application of the plaintiff or any party whose right to or interest in the property or fund is probable, where it is shown that the property or fund is in danger of being lost, removed, or materially injured.

(2) In an action by a secured lender for the foreclosure of a deed of trust or mortgage and sale of property upon which there is a lien, where it appears that the property is in danger of being lost, removed, or materially injured, or that the condition of the deed of trust or mortgage has not been performed, and that the property is probably insufficient to discharge the secured debt.

(3) After judgment, to carry the judgment into effect.

(4) After judgment, to dispose of the property according to the judgment, or to preserve it during the pendency of an appeal, or pursuant to the Enforcement of Judgments Law (Title 9, commencing with Section 680.010), or after sale of real property pursuant to a decree of foreclosure during the redemption period, to collect, expend, and disburse rents as directed by the court or otherwise provided by law.

(5) Where a corporation has been dissolved, as provided in Section 565.

(6) Where a corporation is insolvent, in imminent danger of insolvency, or has forfeited its corporate rights.

(7) In an action of unlawful detainer.

(8) At the request of the Public Utilities Commission pursuant to Sections 1825 or 1826 of the Public Utilities Code.

(9) In all other cases where necessary to preserve the property or rights of any party.

(10) At the request of the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, or the Attorney General, pursuant to Section 129173 of the Health and Safety Code.

(11) In an action by a secured lender for specific performance of an assignment of rents provision in a deed of trust, mortgage, or separate assignment document. The appointment may continue after judgment for specific performance where appropriate to protect, operate, or maintain real property encumbered by a deed of trust or mortgage or to collect rents while a pending nonjudicial foreclosure is completed.

(12) In a case brought by an assignee under an assignment of leases, rents, issues, or profits pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 2938 of the Civil Code.

Subdivisions (b)(1) (claims between partners jointly owning property or funds) and (b)(9) (where necessary to preserve property or rights of any party) are most commonly invoked in San Diego partnership and LLC disputes.