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01 Feb, 2013 by Lucy anders
In my rush to complete this review. I made a few mistakes in my typing. My overal report on Martin Ray Gabrielson, Attorney is Excellent in all matters. Please contact him and have a talk with him, if you need an Attorney that he specializes in. He is the best!!!! I have "No" sorries at all,
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21 Nov, 2023 by Matt badalamenti
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05 Feb, 2014 by Stephanie
My metaphor for law professionals has always been comparison to the guides that work taking people through the labyrinths and mazes in Morocco or Egypt. Blindly following someone in and hoping you make it out the other side. This was not my experience with Jason Buckingham. I was in a very vulnerable situation attempting to get a deed released from my home. In the middle of the process, my loan was sold to another company which essentially put me back at the starting line. I spent a year of phone calls and being given misinformation attempting to settle the matter myself. Jason was always available to consult with me, never shutting me down, never any attitude, and he was accessible. With his encouragement, Jason took over the matter, and within two weeks it was settled and finalized. I got my life back. As a nurse, one of our most important roles is education, support, and encouragement of patients to help them meet their goals. Jason provided all of these. He also showed strength and leadership to my concern about my adversary. My life was on hold for the past year. Without resolution to my problem, my life would have continued to be on hold surrounded with a lot of fear. I am very thankful to have such a great attorney here in Benicia. Professional, supportive, client driven for results, accessible, knowledgeable, and very straightforward. Integrity and a role model for his profession. It doesn't get any better than that.
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10 Jan, 2013 by A.l.
I want to express how patient, caring and professional Jason and his wife Samantha were in helping me and my family get through a bankruptcy I filed just over two years ago. I am a law enforcement officer and was very embarrassed to have to file bankruptcy. But like most other Americans during these last five years, I fell victim of a predatory loan and trying to live out the American dream but int the excitement we over extended ourselves. when I talked to Jason, he was very understanding and compassionate about my dilemma. Jason and Samantha were not judgmental. They were very welcoming and user friendly. Their fees were very reasonable and I would highly recommend them to anyone needing legal, financial advice. Thanks again Jason and Samantha for all your help. Respectfully, A.L
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30 May, 2012 by Joel
Mr. Buckingham helped my wife and I out when we were facing dire straits financially. Just from the consultation, he made our situation sound manageable and put our fears and anxieties to rest. He explained the laws of bankruptcy to us in language we can understand and he was very thorough as he examined our finances to determine the best course of action. The best part was, there was no pressure and he went over all our feasible options. Mr. Buckingham and his assistant/paralegal Samantha were absolutely professional, empathetic and most of all efficient in helping us with our bankruptcy. It has been a few years since our case and we are now financially back on our feet. If it weren't for him and his team, our financial future would not be looking so bright.
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19 Jan, 2022 by Wanda mack
Brent Seymour represented me at my worse . My Husband filed for divorce and hired his own Attorney. I was lost didn't know where to turn . I found Mr. Brent Seymour and he responded to me right away. Mr. Seymour set my mind at ease. Brent represented me in court based on the facts . I want to thank Brent Seymour for all the hard work , Dedication, and loyalty to me from beginning to end. I felt I've gained a lifetime friend . Whatever you're going through I recommend Brent Seymour Family Law Attorney. You won't regret it .He'll have your back until the end.
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28 Sep, 2021 by Q ye
Brent Seymour is not only an excellent lawyer, he is also a good listener who put me at ease during the long months of my children's abduction. My children's father abducted our children to California during a school break. I was completely lost, and absolutely powerless reagrding this international situation. I was fortunate enough to find Mr. Seymour, who specializes in family law but also in international law. Brent Seymour was able to find the right procedure for my particular situation so that I could get my children back. After 8 months of proceedings, an American judge ordered the return of my children. Brent Seymour is a rigorous, detail-oriented lawyer, who enabled me to get my children back.
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20 Dec, 2020 by Marco sacchi
Try to imagine the situation where you suddenly find out that your children who you thought were on a vacation like so many others, have been held on the other side of the world against your will by the person you thought you could trust. In that moment you know you have to do something, quickly, but what? In your head just confusion, bewilderment, chaos. In that moment you realize that you need help, lots of help. And it was at such a delicate moment that I was lucky enough to find Mr. Seymour. Brent not only proved to be an exceptional professional but also the person who led me by the hand in such a complicated moment of my life. He knew how to untangle all the complications of the issue at hand, not only those strictly related to the legal problem itself but also language problems, laws of different countries, further complications introduced by the pandemic that prevented from moving anywhere. In spite of all the difficulties, Brent was able to operate with extreme mastery of his profession, never forgetting that on the other side of the screen, on the other side of the world, there was a person fighting to have his rights recognized and to be reunited with his children, living in a state of mind easy to imagine. Always professional, always close, always available, Brent knew how to give me back my confidence and take me hand in hand, safely, towards the solution of the problem, promptly and brilliantly circumventing every obstacle. If I look back in time I think I could hardly have found another professional as prepared and skilled as Mr. Seymour, whom I thank once again.
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26 Nov, 2020 by Dlanor
Your "ethics" to your client VIOLATE the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 9th, 14th, CPC118, Ca Constitution Article 1 Sec 28(b) & the VAWA
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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:

  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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