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01 Jul, 2022 by Chelcie bennett
If I could give a 100/100 I would. Attorney Raymond Waldo was on our two cases for a combined 3 years. Our step parent adoption for our child was handled with care and respect. It seemed uncomplicated at first and then was contested. He made us feel confident and comfortable through out the entire thing. Something as stressful as family court could be was handled with honesty and compassion. I can’t speak highly enough of this attorney’s hospitality and capability. One of the most knowledgeable men I’ve ever met. Highly spoke of by all whom he works with and those who know him in the community. Respectful of your time , your money and your case. Kind. Always answers or gives a call back. This man changed my family’s life , two cases back to back. And I mean that literally we shook hands and ended one case and began the next , that week. Our second case with him was the most complicated twisted mess you could possibly think of. . Around every turn was a road block. Every single thing that could go wrong felt like it was. My case was as drawn out as humanly possible in probate and Covid didn’t help. . But with the persistence of my attorney We did it. Mr. Waldo did everything he could to get our case done and that he did. Probate was not easy but it was resolved for us by him and I don’t think any other person could have made what he made happen .. happen. It took so much time and so much effort. If he didn’t know the answer he found it. He was professional and it goes without saying. . If you’re looking for an attorney you can depend on, someone experienced , knowledgeable on every level. . If you’re doing your research .. like I did. . This attorney did not disappoint and my life was put together with the help of Raymond Waldo. I will never forget this experience and I can without a doubt say it all worked out in the end. I’m grateful for someone like this. Highly recommended and trusted ! I will always recommend him to family and friends. We are forever grateful for his services truly Thank you. .
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26 Feb, 2020 by Jennifer blake
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23 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
I will use Andrew Colthurst for all of my personal legal matters. He provided me with sound and practical advice and made sure to protect my interests as well as my elderly mother's. He was very knowledgeable, understanding, and compassionate. I highly recommend him, and have and will refer my family and friends.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Brenda hendrickson
I would definitely recommend and/or refer family and friends to this Law Firm as my first contact with the office in regards to questions and concerns about Trusts and Wills were addressed and answered by Megan Jones, the OM and Paralegal with the Firm left a great first impression with me and I appreciated her patience with me.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Sara jones
I truly don't know what I would do without Sikorski Law Firm. Brittney was so patient and helpful, and Lukas immediately made me feel comfortable, was nonjudgmental of me, was understanding and supportive, and even funny. I can't thank you all enough for your help and support during a time of need!! They made the process simple, straight-forward, and easy, and were honest, helpful and supportive along the way. The best!!!
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19 Aug, 2024 by Hay g.
Great law firm. Lukas and Megan were very helpful. I certainly recommend using this firm.
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21 Jan, 2023 by Saad farooq
I wouldn't hesitate to suggest Abdul Hamid Khan as a lawyer to anyone if I had to. Abdul Hamid Khan was incredibly effective, meticulous, and highly professional, and we had a terrific working relationship. To anyone who is having immigration problems, I heartily suggest him. I've just reunited my entire family.
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21 Jan, 2023 by Awais saeed chaudhry
Had my naturalization application filled out. The process was smooth in terms of getting guidance and questions answered. Interview prep was also provided.
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19 Dec, 2022 by Muhammad suhaib farooq
Excellent services . Highly recommended .
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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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