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02 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
I am very pleased with the excellent professionalism with Beth Walker when she assisted me with a problem I had been trying to resolve for over two years. She was prompt, caring and diligent to figure a way to help my situation. Her staff was also excellent, efficient and helpful to help me as, helping me with applications as well as completing forms for the Court. Thank you all so much.
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06 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
We have primarily relied on Beth for help every tax season but she has also been so helpful and knowledgeable when it comes to other questions that have arisen in our lives such as wills, LLCs and challenges with noncompete clauses. She has such a comforting and calm demeanor while also instilling so much confidence based on her knowledge. She will continue to be the attorney we place our trust in.
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15 Jan, 2024 by Duane
I consulted Kathleen to help me redo my will to a trust. Kathleen was very friendly. she asked me a bunch of questions over the phone and got all my information that she needed to prepare my trust. Marie, her assistant was very helpful. She sent me all the paperwork and told me what to do. She even put labels on every place. I needed to either date or sign and that was very helpful. The best thing is we did everything over the phone so I did not have to go anywhere to get it done. Both Kathleen and Marie were super nice and I would definitely recommend them to anybody that is looking for a lawyer.
Duane
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29 Sep, 2021 by Kristen
Brian has represented me for a custody modification, and is currently representing me for a divorce and custody battle with an estranged husband that clearly suffers from narcissistic personality disorder and/or antisocial behavior disorder. Brian has had to endure harrassment from my estranged husband via email, court affidavits referencing him and his family members, multiple psychotic phone calls and now bad reviews of his law firm for no other reason than the other party lost and is losing. The drama is never ending with the narcissistic ones when they are losing. It is comparable to a child's temper tantrum. Brian has had to take many, many emails and phone calls from me over the last 18+ months and was always responsive. While dealing with all of this, Brian has been successful in every court hearing we have filed and I believe it will be one more in the books after the upcoming trial is over with this miserable abuser of a soon to be ex husband.
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20 Jul, 2018 by Troy
Brian represented me in a small claims case. He was always on top of things and well prepared. This lawyer has great knowledge of Iowa laws.
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22 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Answered my questions and was very helpful and didn't charge me anything I would use him again and will be contacting him to do real-estate transaction for me.
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12 May, 2016 by Denise
She was thorough, friendly, and walked me through all of my questions. She was quick to respond to e-mails and phone calls and got my divorce done in a timely fashion.
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06 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Ms. Luetje to be my attorney in a very complex, alleged elder abuse and guardianship case. When other attorneys would not even return my call, she did. Ms. Luetje listened to my situation, and was willing to agree to assist me.
Elder abuse and guardianship cases are extremely difficult, and often the outcomes are not positive. Ms. Luetje helped me remove my loved one from a situation where they were not being protected. She then assisted me in getting my loved one moved to a facility that was more appropriate to meet the needs that my loved one has.
Ms. Luetje is honest, forthright, compassionate, professional, skilled, and passionate about bringing resolution to her clients' situations. I will not hesitate to reach out to her again, for any future needs that I would have with this particular situation, and I would highly recommend her to anyone facing a difficult elder or guardianship situation. She is nothing short of outstanding.
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11 Jan, 2019 by Michael doss
Laura was professional and quick about handling my case. Highly recommend going to her.
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10 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Laura has helped me with my Biennial Reporting to the State of Iowa for my small business and she has been great to work with. She is very knowledgeable and quick to help me if I need any assistance in regards to the law.
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25 Jul, 2023 by Bob m
10 Jun, 2023 by Bruce christensen
Larry is fine attorney, and a great human being also.
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17 Oct, 2022 by Matt danielson
26 Jun, 2024 by J r
Unfortunately, my experience has been profoundly negative, and I feel compelled to communicate the issues I encountered during his representation.
Initially, I sought Mr. JM's expertise with the expectation of professional and competent legal assistance. However, it became apparent that Mr. JM's handling of my case fell short of the professional standards one would expect. Notably, there was a significant lack of communication; my calls and emails went unanswered, leaving me without the necessary guidance and support. This lack of responsiveness was not only frustrating but also detrimental to the progress of my case.
Moreover, Mr. JM made unilateral decisions without my consent, including the submission of court documents. This action was taken without prior discussion or approval from me, which is unacceptable and violates the client-attorney trust. Additionally, his actions during my temporary hearing were mishandled, resulting in an outcome that was far from satisfactory and contrary to my interests.
The culmination of these issues led me to seek alternative legal representation, and I had no choice but to remove Mr. JM from my case. The experience was not only unprofessional but also a waste of time and resources, leaving me with regret for choosing his services.
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09 Apr, 2024 by Stacy zuck
09 Feb, 2024 by Michael thompson
Solid attorney very happy with service
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Real Estate Lawyer Can Do for You
A real estate lawyer provides legal assistance in transactions and disputes involving property, including residential and commercial real estate. Whether you're buying, selling, leasing, or developing property, a real estate attorney can help ensure that your transactions are legally sound and your rights are protected. They review contracts, perform due diligence, resolve disputes, and provide legal representation in negotiations and litigation involving property matters.
Real estate lawyers are crucial in safeguarding your investment by ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal real estate laws, as well as protecting you from potential legal pitfalls related to property ownership and transactions.
When Should I Hire a Real Estate Lawyer?
Hiring a real estate lawyer is beneficial in various scenarios, including:
- Buying or selling property: When navigating complex real estate contracts, it’s advisable to have a lawyer review and ensure that the terms are favorable and legal.
- Commercial property transactions: For leasing, purchasing, or selling commercial properties, a lawyer can help manage the intricate legal aspects of such transactions.
- Zoning or land use issues: If you're planning to develop property or change its use, a real estate lawyer can guide you through zoning laws and land use regulations.
- Resolving property disputes: For boundary disputes, title issues, or disagreements over property rights, a lawyer can help mediate or litigate the matter.
- Foreclosures or evictions: If you're dealing with foreclosure or managing a tenant eviction, legal representation ensures that the process adheres to local laws and protects your interests.
- Title and deed issues: Lawyers can help clear title disputes, ensure the legitimacy of property deeds, and handle transfers of ownership.
What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?
A real estate lawyer provides a range of services to help with property transactions and disputes, including:
- Contract drafting and review: Ensuring that purchase agreements, leases, and other contracts are legally binding, fair, and protect your interests.
- Title search and clearance: Conducting a thorough title search to ensure that the property has no legal claims or liens that could affect ownership.
- Facilitate closing: Managing the closing process in real estate transactions, including reviewing final documents and ensuring that everything is in order before the transfer of ownership.
- Resolve disputes: Handling legal disputes related to property ownership, boundaries, zoning, or tenants.
- Assist in financing: Reviewing loan agreements and mortgage documents to ensure the terms are fair and legally sound.
- Zoning and land use advice: Guiding clients through the complexities of zoning laws and building regulations for property development or renovation projects.
How Are Real Estate Lawyers Paid?
Real estate lawyers typically charge for their services in the following ways:
- Flat fee: Many real estate transactions, such as reviewing a sales contract or assisting with a closing, are charged on a flat-fee basis.
- Hourly rates: If a lawyer is handling complex disputes or litigation, they may charge by the hour. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Contingency fees: In rare cases, such as property disputes or claims for damages, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win or settle the case.
- Retainer: For ongoing legal support, some clients may pay a retainer, which is an upfront fee used as a deposit for future legal services.
It's important to clarify the fee structure with your attorney before hiring them to avoid any surprises.
How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a real estate lawyer varies based on the complexity of the matter, the location of the property, and the lawyer’s experience. Key factors that affect pricing include:
- Type of transaction or issue: Simple tasks, like contract reviews, typically cost less than handling a complex property dispute or litigation.
- Experience and location: More experienced lawyers or those in high-demand areas, like urban centers, often charge higher rates.
- Billing structure: Lawyers may charge a flat fee for basic services like document review or hourly for more time-intensive work such as disputes or litigation.
Flat fees for straightforward services like closing assistance may range from $500 to $1,500.
Hourly rates can range from $150 to $400 or more, depending on the attorney’s experience and location.
Always discuss fees upfront to understand the overall cost of the legal service you're receiving.
Top Questions to Ask a Real Estate Lawyer
Before hiring a real estate lawyer, ask the following questions to ensure they are the right fit for your legal needs:
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What experience do you have with real estate law?
Ensure the lawyer has experience in the type of real estate transaction or dispute you’re facing, whether residential, commercial, or development-related. -
What is your fee structure?
Ask how the lawyer charges for services - whether it's a flat fee, hourly rate, or retainer - so there are no surprises later on. -
How long will the process take?
Especially important for real estate transactions or disputes with deadlines, ask for a general estimate of how long the process will last. -
Have you handled cases similar to mine?
Experience with similar transactions or disputes can give you confidence that the lawyer knows how to handle your case. -
Will you handle my case personally, or will it be passed to another attorney?
Confirm who will be handling the bulk of your case work, especially in larger firms where junior lawyers may take on some responsibilities. -
Can you provide references?
Speaking with past clients can give you insight into the lawyer's experience and how they handle cases.
How to Check the Credibility of a Real Estate Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable real estate lawyer, take these steps:
- Check with the state bar association: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with no disciplinary actions on their record.
- Read online reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on legal directories and platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should have past clients willing to share their experiences.
- Review their track record and expertise: Look at the lawyer’s website or LinkedIn profile for information about their experience in real estate law and any relevant cases they’ve handled.
- Membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of respected legal or real estate organizations, like the American Bar Association’s Real Property Division, often signal credibility and expertise.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make your first meeting with a real estate lawyer productive, you should prepare the following materials:
- Relevant property documents: Bring purchase agreements, lease contracts, mortgage documents, zoning permits, or any other paperwork related to your case.
- A summary of the issue or transaction: Be ready to explain the situation, whether it's a property dispute, contract negotiation, or development issue.
- Questions about the legal process: Prepare a list of questions about how the lawyer will handle your case and what steps are involved.
- Financial documents or loan agreements: If the case involves financing or a mortgage, bring any related documents for the lawyer to review.
- Your goals and timeline: Be clear about what outcome you're hoping for, and if there are any deadlines that need to be considered, such as closing dates or legal filings.
By coming prepared, you can ensure that your consultation is efficient and informative, allowing you to assess whether the lawyer is the right fit for your real estate needs.
