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07 May, 2016 by Michael
Martha’s in-depth knowledge of environmental law and issues and her skills as a litigator saved our organization on several fronts. In conflicts with municipal and State agencies over environmental pollution claims, she was adroit in developing defenses that resolved those issues as well as forestalling future claims. She was equally adept in the court room, securing a solid win for us when litigants attempted to shut down our entire operation. She then guided us through the arduous process of obtaining local, State, and Federal permits for site improvements in State and Federal wetlands. She is skillful in her field of law, and pleasant to work with…a winning combination.
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29 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
I am one of the officers of the Metacon Gun Club in Simsbury, CT. Several years ago the club was subjected to an intense attack by some of our neighbors who used every avenue possible to shut us down, including lawsuits at both the state and federal level on environmental grounds. The club retained Martha to represent us and after a long and exasperating battle we prevailed in both cases and are still operating to this day. The suit in federal court was even appealed and we survived that also. Martha's firm was able to tie our case to a recently-won Supreme Court victory in the environmental field and the group that had won that case took the lead in defending our case also, which saved us a lot of money. Without the services of a very knowledgeable and energetic attorney our club would surely have been shut down. We had to deal with local, state and federal agencies on matters of safety, design, operations, and environmental stewardship and Martha was invaluable in helping us navigate the difficult and sometimes exasperating path through all the requirements and regulations that are in effect these days. She was able to guide a bunch of laymen through a very difficult battle and kept us on the path to victory with grace and humor, which helped a lot.
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23 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
We are owners of two properties that were once used as gas stations; we never owned or operated the stations. Both properties have/had environmental issues relative to the past uses. Martha Dean assisted us as we navigated the issues regarding our rights as innocent parties and our responsibilities under state and Federal regulations. Martha is an expert in her field and I highly recommend her for someone who needs assistance navigating the very complex issues involving environmental law.
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11 Mar, 2015 by Colleen
Atty Lawrence is top-notch, honest, and trustworthy. He is one of the good guys. I only wish he did Family Law, we could use more honest lawyers in this world. He is the best choice I could have used at an unfortunate time in my life. Nobody wants to obtain a lawyer, but if you have to this is the lawyer of choice.
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01 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
We had occasion to seek Attorney Peter Lawrence's opinion concerning our unfortunate need to declare bankruptcy and then seeking a Deed in Lieu for our home from a major bank—a bank that sought to confuse, delay and bully us. Although we were in a financial situation we would have never anticipated, Peter was kind, understanding and compassionate when explaining our options. We found him to be patient with us even when he had to re-explain aspects of the legal process we were confused about, especially with the Deed in Lieu negotiation. It seemed the bank's tactic was to send conflicting communications and it seemed that one department of the bank did not communicate with other parts, often time conflicting with previous communications and statements. Peter was able to put us at ease with his knowledge of the process and his assurance that there would a satisfactory outcome. His calm demeanor, his understanding of our embarrassment being in these difficult situation and his ability to not “talk over us”, but explain in language we could understand, made resolving our problems more endurable. We would not hesitate to refer friends and family to Attorney Lawrence!
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13 Sep, 2017 by Benita
Gregory DeManche is an outstanding attorney. He is very thorough, very informative, and very kind. He cares about the welfare of his clients. I give him my highest recommendation and will defer to him for future legal matters. I was impressed with the amount of time he spent researching my situation which was more involved than it sounded over the phone. He was prompt in getting back to me, and very generous with his time and thought. He will not disappoint.
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15 Dec, 2010 by Gregory
Greg has handled numerous real estate/banking matters for me over the years and has been professional, courteous, expert and very fair regarding his fees. He has always been easy to communicate with him and he is prompt in returning calls and emails. He handles matters throughout Connecticut.
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26 Jul, 2008 by Anonymous
My wife and I recently sold a house in AVon, CT. Mr. Case was our lawyer. The details of the closing were somewhat complicated. Mr. Case performed superbly at all levels and at all times. He has excellent contaacts and excellent credibility.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Debbie boucher
I work office underneath. Known those attorneys for over 8 years. Very very nice attorneys and staff is so friendly. Specializein elder law. Would recommend them to anyone. Chris Drew is friendly and knowledgeable. Kind people
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08 Jul, 2024 by Oleksii katulevych
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08 Jul, 2024 by Trevor mello
Perfect for all your legal needs.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Jenn lec
Called and spoke to 2 different employees. Had to pour out my entire and incredibly difficult situation only to not even get a call back. Totally unprofessional. Total loss of time during the process of finding representation
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13 Aug, 2024 by Rachael boido
I also was taken advantage of by attorney Babbitt. She went through $5000 in 2 1/2 months couldn’t return phone calls. She would brief me 10 minutes before court had no clue if she was coming or going and absolutely was a total embarrassment. also after realizing that I could represent myself I asking for the $2000 worth of research that she did, so I could use it for the next court date….. she has not replied, or given me what I paid for. I even was hung up by one of her office workers when I asked for a time frame of when I would be contacted back by Miss Babbitt. That should’ve been my first sign to ask for a refund immediately. Her professionalism was terrible. So bad that I am contacting the Better Business Bureau steer clear. Also, two of her five star reviews are left by her employees. Lol.
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14 Jun, 2024 by Ach1ll3us
I wanted to share my experience working with Beth, Matt and Drea at Klein & Babbitt. From the very beginning, they were willing to speak to me and answer all of my questions. They were all very helpful and significantly reduced the stress going through a divorce. I am very grateful to have had them get me through this process and I am confident that if anyone looks for this Team to help you through, they will make it happen. I will recommend them to anyone needing legal assistance. Thank you!
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30 Sep, 2020 by John
Attorney Babbitt and her team worked with me in a very fair and transparent manner. I was distraught as a result of my recent divorce and in a difficult spot financially. I needed to access money from a 401K and could not do so until my ex-wife completed the necessary administrative paperwork. Despite several attempts to contact my ex-wife and her attorney directly, pleading with them to complete the paperwork, she ultimately refused my request. My only option was to sue for contempt and I really wanted to avoid the courtroom. Attorney Babbitt was able to work with my ex-wife's attorney and arrange for the paperwork to be completed quickly and without a lot of drama. The team at Klein and Babbitt was patient and understanding during this period and I truly appreciated that most of all. I would highly recommend this law firm. Thank you for your help.
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15 Jan, 2020 by Tim
Hired Attorney Babbitt for my divorce. Never once received counsel. Mostly got forwarded emails from my wife's attorney with "thoughts?" at the bottom. Never responded to numerous calls or emails. In the end I fired her and she charged me $75 for a copy of my file which ended up being just numerous copies of my financial affidavit. Cannot emphasize enough to look elsewhere.
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20 Jun, 2018 by Dave
I hired Beth to help get my children back when their mother took off with them. Beth and her team have been incredible, keeping me informed about the state of my case. They have handled my situation with a great deal of attention and care. Beth is always concerned with getting the best possible outcome for my children and myself. I cannot thank her and her team enough.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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