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09 Oct, 2024 by Erin ramsdell
I couldn’t recommend the Geiger Legal Group more! From start to finish they were wonderful in helping me with my case!
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08 Oct, 2024 by Patricia jansen
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08 Oct, 2024 by Jessica bulman
Working with Geiger Legal has been a great experience. Lisa and Ashley handled every detail of my case exceptionally. They were very attentive to my needs and took care of any concerns I had. I was very happy with my settlement. I would highly recommend Geiger Legal for any of your personal injury needs.
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07 Aug, 2018 by Liz
I needed to consult regarding some real estate information. Derek was very efficient, knowledgeable and helpful. His years of experience show. I will certainly retain him when the project moves forward to that stage.
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13 May, 2015 by Dennis
In addition to Derek giving A+ law services he is a very nice person and I felt more like a friend was handling my loan closing as he has on previous work he has done for me.
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13 May, 2015 by Arty
Derek Poarch ,with Bray and Johnson Attorneys in Canton Ga, has been handling my real estate closings for several years and he has always been very knowledgeable and helpful with any issues that have come up. Derek and his staff go the extra mile to try and make every closing as smooth and painless as possible. That goes a long way in my business, I am a real estate investor and Realtor.
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13 Mar, 2015 by Bob
Richard has handled a number of residential real estate transactions for me over the years. He and his staff provide exemplary professional service on a timely and personal basis. Closings are a pleasant experience for all parties. I'm pleased to recommend the office Richard T. Fagan without reservation.
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11 Oct, 2017 by Yasmin
It was such a pleasure working with Chris and his team on a closing for my clients' home purchase. They were very responsive with the details of our transaction, and always available to answer questions. At the closing table, Chris was knowledgeable, efficient and flexible with changes. After explaining every document, and entertaining us, we were out the door in around an hour! I highly recommend him and will definitely use his services again.
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22 Aug, 2013 by John
Mr. Flint helped me and my family defend our property from the government who tried to take our land away without a good reason. He was ferocious in our defense and never backed down.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Gabriela vazquez
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14 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Very good lawyer. She did everything that she said she would do for me. Very timely. Very knowledgeable. This was a criminal case.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Dana
Amanda and Scarlett have been complete rockstars for my case. Amanda is a true realist of this is how the law works. It was unfortunately a long, drawn out process due to my ex, but Amanda and Scarlett gave me peace of mind to stay grounded and know the truth always unfolds itself and justice will be served. Thank you to the two greatest women to have on your side when going through such a difficult time!
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04 Sep, 2024 by Shwanna
I needed a lawyer on very short notice, ( 2 weeks.) I called him, I met with him, and I paid him. He showed up for court and everything was smooth sailing from that point. Case dismissed. Mr. Kesler treats you with respect. He listens, gives great advice, and is very knowledgeable. I doubt any other lawyer would give money back. While I don’t plan on needing a criminal lawyer again, I can wholeheartedly refer him to anyone looking for an exceptional lawyer who would represent them!!! Thank You!!!!
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11 Feb, 2024 by My 3 plus me family love in real reality
Barry Bishop is absolutely the best there is. He actually cares about his clients and wants the best outcome for them. He makes you feel like you are the most important client. I am extremely blessed that he was my lawyer. Also his secretary was always kind and went outside of the norm for me when she didn’t have to. I’m Aquisha Smith and recommend using Mr. Barry!!
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14 Nov, 2023 by Sade cox
If you are of color, please do not allow Angela Trethway to represent you. She will let you sit in jail and not communicate at all with you . She doesn't return calls to parents because she said she's not obligated to. I was totally outdone as a grandparent when she called me back only because I kept calling her and said I was obnoxious. What has this world come to. Pleased find another attorney because Angela Trethway made it real clear that she doesn't deal with people if color. I even recorded it. SHAMEFUL !!!
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28 Jan, 2024 by David thompson
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03 Oct, 2023 by David byers
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29 Mar, 2023 by Jenny matthews
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19 Mar, 2021 by Jessica
I talked to Nate in 2/2020 because I had contempt filed against me within weeks of having a baby and I had no income at the time. We set up a payment plan and I was able to pay him, as per our contract. I kept constant communication. I got notice from the other party in 1/2021 that Nate was not responding. Nate lacked in responses anyway, so I reached out to others I knew, and Nate, and finally got a response but decided to fire Nate, as it had almost been a full year and I STILL hadn't received a statement. I retained another attorney in 1/2021 and informed Nate I wanted a full itemized bill AND a refund from my retainer. It is now 3/19/2021 and I've sent multiple emails and left multiple messages with Ann, his receptionist. She doesn't even have access to where the money goes to send me a receipt. I feel he prayed on my situation and took advantage of the fact that I desperately wanted an attorney and would do any kind of payment plan. I waited two months for a refund. Anything. DON'T USE HIM. I believe he is immoral and unethical.
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21 Jan, 2021 by Amy
I hire Mr.Cochran for a case. He promised to call the following week to have me sign the filing. He did not call. I waited 3 weeks with no contact. I emailed several times and tried to reach him via phone. He did not respond until I told him I wanted my retainer back. He agreed to refund the unused portion that week. It’s been 6 weeks and I have not heard from him or received the refund as promised. I’ve tried to reach him via email and phone with no luck. His receptionist actually giggles when I call now asking to speak with him.
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16 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
Showed up to court an hour late. Wore sneakers on court date. Did not prepare properly for my case. Refused to ask relevant questions of defense as requested. Stated he would return my personal property (as he did not prepare pleadings etc. from copies provided) and has failed to do (return) so. After losing the case, quickly sent a quote soliciting for another 3.5k for an appeals process. I cannot recommend this individual.
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18 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
I was told in February 2019 that my case (foreclosing on buyer) would take six (6) months to complete. I made sure that I ask the question.......what if the buyer sends the funds to catch up and the lawyer stated that, at that point, it didn’t matter since they were already in default. The buyer was twelve months behind. The buyer sent checks through my attorney and I was told to open up an account and deposit checks, which I did. A few days later, I called to see when the foreclosure would take place and the lawyer stated that since they were all caught up I could not legally foreclose. In September 2020, (one year and seven months and over $2800 later, I decided to notify the lawyer and tell her that I no longer need her service. Now I’m most likely going to have to start over with more expense.
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28 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired this firm on two separate occasions. The attorney's lack of knowledge and failure to follow through as promised wasted critical time and did nothing to clarify my understanding of my legal position. Needless to say, I do not recommend them.
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05 Nov, 2013 by Joseph
Let me start off by saying I am in the customer service line of work and have never done a negative review because I know what it's like to work with the public and sometimes people just like to complain. In this case I can't let this slip by. Run don't walk from Kim if you need a closing attorney. My real estate agent did an awesome job in listing, helping prep and selling my home but the buyer picked this closing office. I'm not going to bore you with the back and forth but it was like dealing with a bunch of teenagers and just not telling you the whole truth. It was a simple closing and we the sellers were out of state and could not, nor did we have to, attend the closing. If we could have been there they would have disbursed our proceeds on the spot. However, because we were not present it developed into the biggest trail of lies of omission and unprofessional courtesy including an unethical social media posting (see below). The closing occurred on 10/22/13 and we were told our check was cut on the 23rd but mailed on the 24th. After not receiving the check a week later we called and emailed requesting confirmation of where the check was mailed fearing it went to the house we sold, yet they would not reply. After our agent got involved and threw a well deserved fit, Kim's office agreed to put a stop payment on the original check and mail us a new one. This occurred on 10/31. Meanwhile at least two staff members told us the delay was our fault because we should have asked them to wire the money and pay an additional $25 though we had already paid a $75 "post closing fee". Low and behold both checks arrived on 11/01 which is when we discovered that the original check was dated 10/29/13 and postmarked the same day. This is a full 7 days past the date of closing.
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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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