A long-standing family property dispute has reached the Superior Court of California, with multiple generations of a prominent family seeking to resolve title issues that have persisted for decades. On July 7, 2024, Lester R. Chan and other plaintiffs filed a complaint in the San Francisco County Superior Court against Chan Associates, aiming to quiet title on a historic property located at 1325 Mason St., San Francisco.
The property in question has been owned by successive generations of the Chan family since 1936. Initially purchased by Gumdock and Florence Chan, the property was later divided among their five sons and their spouses. Over time, however, discrepancies arose regarding the property's title due to various transfers between family members and trusts. The plaintiffs discovered these issues following the death of one of the widowed brothers in January 2021, which necessitated transferring a portion of the property to the third generation.
The primary issue revolves around two conflicting chains of title: one where the second-generation Chan family members transferred ownership to a partnership named "Chan Associates" in 1976, and another where they continued to hold individual tenant-in-common shares. This confusion was compounded by numerous interspousal transfers and trust arrangements over the years. A 2021 title guaranty revealed that both the partnership and individual trustees were listed as owners.
The plaintiffs are united in their request for the court to establish clear ownership as tenants-in-common among current trustees rather than under the partnership structure. They argue that this resolution aligns with historical practices and simplifies future management of the property. The complaint meticulously details each transfer since 1936, highlighting how each family member's share evolved over time.
Attorney Robert Rosborough represents Lester R. Chan and other plaintiffs in this case (Case No. CRG-24-618). The plaintiffs seek judgment from Judge [Name] to quiet title in favor of individual trustees while addressing any residual claims from unknown parties or erroneous deeds recorded against the property.