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26 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Hurst for one thing and he represented me for another. He seemed very OCD and did not call you back when you call. I am not sure If I would fully recommend him. I would make sure that he is passionate about your case before you hire him. I sensed he may take cases on for the money and then not really want them. I parted with him on good terms but I paid him a lot of money and hired a new lawyer to do what I had hired him for. I would say Buyer beware! He could be good if he is interested but bad if he is not in your case.
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17 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
In 2015, I hired Dennis Hurst to defend a referee’s recommendation regarding support. The referee’s recommendation included a small amount of support to be paid by my ex and a stipulation that he could not use alcohol while in the presence of the two minor children involved. My ex objected to the referee’s recommended order and requested for my income to impute at an astronomical amount that I’ve never made and for the alcohol stipulation to be removed. Through, what I was thought to believe was my “representation” we filed an answer requesting for their objections to be thrown out because there was documented police reports and CPS reports showing that my ex’s home is violent, I’ve never made that much money, and they filed their objections on the 22nd day (1 day past the 21 day deadline). In closing, at the hearing, my attorney, Dennis Hurst didn’t base his statement off of what we had filed and agreed to, but said that my ex “did deserve a de novo hearing”. I honestly believe that it should have been an open and shut case and would have been if my attorney didn’t end with that closing comment.
Another hearing was scheduled. When I expressed my surprise at what he had said while we were walking out Mr. Hurst told me that he did that for a reason and because my ex was “the most difficult person he had ever dealt with” he was going to give me ½ off for the next hearing ($750). Red flags went up but I felt as if I was between a “rock and a hard place”. Mr. Hurst then gave me a gigantic list of things to get ready for the hearing; things like average wage and salary information, finding out what the FOC used, and even delivering exhibits to my ex’s attorney. Mr. Hurst had me omit things that I really thought were relevant to my case as well.
The judge did not end up making a decision at the hearing. A few weeks later, I asked Mr. Hurst if he had heard anything, he told me that the judge must not have gotten to it yet. This went on for over 3 months before I finally called the courthouse myself. That is when the courthouse informed me that the paperwork accidentally got put away and that the judge didn’t even have it on his list of things to do. In the long run, my-ex got his alcohol stipulation removed and my income imputed at a number that he pulled out of the sky.
I did end up firing Mr. Hurst. In the interim, I filed my own objections and at one of the hearings, Mr. Hurst approached my ex’s attorney right in front of me and said, “hey, (unmentioned name) did you get the client I sent you yesterday? I really feel as if Mr. Hurst always had his own agenda and what was best for him and his business at heart. I don’t believe that Mr. Hurst did one thing that helped me on my case and feel as if I paid him for extra counsel for my ex.
Also, I did file a grievance with the Attorney Grievance Commission and when Mr. Hurst sent his response, he of course mentioned the stuff he really did but also took credit for work that I had performed. The commission did not find that he did anything wrong.
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25 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
He does know what he is doing. My relative used him for a custody case. Her & the father agreed on terms. Dennis did not like it. Dennis wanted a fight. He was real mad there was no fight. The Fight has been mainly With Dennis. What a Nightmare. He seemed mainly interested in Racking Up The Bill. Protect your money if you use him.
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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:
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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.
