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05 Jul, 2024 by Ximena guajardo
02 May, 2023 by Roser customs
Mr. Bellamy is a very tough, honest and humble individual. He is always clear and concise with any legal advice given. I have used Mr. Bellamy for many, many years for different business matters and he has always taken great care of us. Thank you!
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02 Feb, 2020 by Redwoods custom
I want to warn everyone out there that is looking for a lawyer to beware of Phil Bellamy. He did not take my case seriously, missed crucial deadlines and made major mistakes along the way. After almost 4 years of pleading with him to do his job and hoping he would not just quit he did just that (1) day before my mediation and just a few weeks before my trial date in my civil suit.
I had to go to mediation and represent myself because he withdrew as my council. He is unresponsive, lackluster, unprepared and is easily overwhelmed. He took $15,000.00 of my hard-earned money in advance as his retainer and then just walked away. I would not recommend this attorney for any legal advice of any kind on any matter. He does not respond to calls, emails or messages for sometimes 7-12 days I regret the day I met and retained him it was a big mistake.
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19 Jan, 2025 by Tito garcia
Es una basura de abogado nomás se la pasa cobrando y no soluciona nada ,si quieren perder su dinero venga a consultar con el
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24 Oct, 2024 by Marco moreno
He worked 2 years on my case didn’t resolved anything at all he never answers calls or anything we had agreed on 15k for my case then one month before my trial he decided to increased 10k more just cause he wanted. Just loose money with him I DO NOT recommend him
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20 Sep, 2024 by Victoria gibbs
I guess Richard saw and didn't like my previous review from last year even though I gave him 5 stars on Avvo. Lupita his paralegal is still a fast talker. She is condescending and will try and confuse you. I went in there yesterday to talk about getting my background handled like I said I would and he stuck me with her to discuss things. I think this was his way of trying to get back at me over the review. He had no time for me and was very different then I had described him in my previous review last year. Even though we had a mutual understanding before something had changed. Was a waste of time and energy. I'll be going to someone else. They pretend they will help you. If you are desperate I guess it works but they won't want you to actually succeed in life or possibly get ahead of them in some way.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
She really sucked and it seemed like she deliberately took money from an innocent girl and never intended to fight her case. Worthless attorney
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26 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Ella me insulto siendo ciudadana , dicendome que me fuera a Mexico si no hablaba inglés !! Encerio !! Y la tengo grabada !!
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31 Aug, 2021 by Maria r.
Mrs. Cornejo López represented me in a family case. She is so intelligent and firm. She won for me & my children. Everything I asked for and then some. She is so good at what she does! I will forever recommend her to all my family and colleagues. Thank you!
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17 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
My case and experience sound very similar to the 2 reviews done previously. I hired Quintanilla after him assuring me numerous times I had a strong case.
I missed the initial hearing because of him. I then was very disappointed how he represented me during mediation. His response to specific outcomes were "it could've been worse."
Not only did I lose primary residence with my child, I did NOT get 50-50 and now pay child support. Hiring and trusting Quintanilla backfired since I was the petitioner in the case. He was NOT able to accomplish anything for me.
Would I recommend Victor Quintanilla to represent a single parent in a custody case? No, I do not.
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30 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
He won't care about you or do any real work for you. He represented my ex and his lawyer...not me. He went to mediation and LIED about what I would agree to and gave my ex and his lawyer everything they wanted leaving me and my son in a terrible predicament and financial constraints. He refused to remedy any of the problems he caused me either and LIED to ME his supposed client about what I agreed to saying I changed my mind, which I never did....you can't trust him at all! Again, he won't care about you or go to any real work for you and he will betray you.
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04 Feb, 2012 by Anonymous
This guy here is worthless. He put his own personal issues ahead of my issues. But I hired him he didn't hire me. He doesn't return phone calls. He screwed my case up severely. He was thoroughly unprepared when we went to court. He was more concerned with getting praise from the judge instead of opening his mouth and challenging the opposing lawyer. He did not show at hearings which angered the judge. Try paying a lawyer to do nothing for you whatsoever and then just walking away and disappearing. Stay away from this guy.
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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:
-
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.
