Case Law Affecting Homeowner Associations
HOA Case Law Defined. Over time, significant court decisions have impacted California's homeowners associations. Case law is created by judicial decisions in California’s appellate courts and the Supreme Court. Statutory law demands or prohibits certain acts. Case law interprets statutory law. Cases also explain how the justices reached their conclusions. If published, their rulings serve as precedent for later cases. Unpublished opinions are not binding precedents. However, they offer insight into how future courts might handle similar issues. The INDEX on the left lists published cases affecting California's community associations, condominium associations, and stock cooperatives.
Case Law Terminology
A bench trial is a court proceeding where a judge hears the evidence and decides the outcome of a case without a jury.
A decree is a judgment by a court of equity, admiralty, divorce, or probate granting relief to a party. A decree is also called a judgment.
A judgment is a court's final determination of the parties' rights and obligations.
An opinion is a court's statement of relevant facts, applicable points of law, and reasoning that led to the court's decision.
A ruling is the outcome of a court's decision on an issue (such as the admissibility of evidence) or on the case as a whole. A ruling may lead to an order.
An order is a court's direction requiring a person to do or not do something.
A jury delivers a verdict, deciding whether the evidence satisfies the elements of a claim.
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ADAMS|STIRLING is a full-service law firm specializing in representing common interest developments. Our services include:
· Enforcement of governing documents
· Amending & restating governing documents
· Interpretation of CC&Rs, Bylaws, and Rules
· Contract negotiations
· Disability accommodation
· Maintenance responsibility
· Insurance claims
· ADU compliance
· Alternative Dispute Resolution
· Litigation
· Delinquent assessment collections (Judicial)
ASSISTANCE: Associations needing legal assistance can contact us. To stay current with issues affecting community associations, subscribe to the Davis-Stirling Newsletter.