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26 Jan, 2021 by Bob & andi
We hired Joe for a specific issue in a divorce case. Joe explained our legal options and explained the process. He made us feel comfortable and answered all of our questions with patience. He answered emails and phone calls promptly. Our situation was resolved before the hearing on this particular issue. We appreciated Joes honesty and fairness. If we have any future legal issues in his area of expertise we will hire him again. Thanks for your prompt, fair & honest professionalism A+
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06 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Mr Bachand. He is very professional and knowledgeable. He takes the time to explain the process and the necessary steps. I hired Mr Bachand and he was able to get the DA to drop all charges. Excellent communication skills. Very happy with him and his office
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01 Nov, 2019 by Ray
Joe was always available and kept me appraised of any development in the matter he helped me with. He was diligent and caring. He did not shy away when it seemed to be a challenge. He put my mind at ease and made everything a breeze on my end.
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16 Jul, 2022 by Linh-da
I hired attorney Payne to take care of some legal matters for me. He was very professional and fought hard for my case in the court room and we got the results we wanted and won my case. I highly recommend attorney Payne he will fight for you and get the end results you wants. I can’t say enough about his work. Thank you attorney Justine Payne for you hard work.
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21 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I retained Mr. Payne to defend a foreclosure suit. I did not think that there was much hope for my defense, but he indicated otherwise. He successfully defended my suit and I have been able to keep my property. He and his staff greatly exceeded my expectations. Since then, I have hired him to handle other matters. He is one of the most brilliant people that I know. I highly recommend Mr. Payne.
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31 Mar, 2015 by Johnna
I would consider Justin Payne family. I have been with him since January 2007. I hold a mortgage that had to go into foreclosure. I was at my wits end. He explained the situation telling me what we had to do and now I have my mind back. He also took over dealing with the mortgage to reduce my stress. He always kept me informed of the new changes that has taken place. I would recommend Justin to any of my friends and family. He is genuine attorney who shows compassion to his clients.
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07 Nov, 2016 by Kimberli
I hired Jay to handle a real estate closing for me and he did a wonderful job! Jay and his staff kept me informed throughout the entire process and always responded to my emails promptly. Real estate closings can be stressful, but now I know they don't have to be. I plan on using Jay and his firm to handle all of my future real estate closings and I highly recommend him for all real estate transactions!
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04 Nov, 2016 by Shane smith
I hired Jay to handle the closing when I sold my home. Jay was in regular communication with me to keep me in the loop and to explain every line item on the closing documents. Jay and his firm certainly went above and beyond to assertively handle the matter with grace and professionalism. I highly recommend Jay for any real estate transactions!
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30 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Jay Thakkar represented me on a loan modification which was being handled by KEL attorney's who was doing nothing for me for 2 years but take my money and I was going into foreclusure. From the time I hired Jake he had my case in court and settled in thirty days! He was truly concerned for me and took the matter as if I was a family member. I had piece of mind as soon as I handed him my case as he went above an beyond to help me. I can't say enough of good things about him and how the great experience I had. If I could rate him higher then a ten I would.
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06 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Mike was very well planned and prepped for a closing on Real Estate. Made it easy for me to understand the logistics of the contract and what to expect during closing.
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05 Oct, 2014 by Steven
Mike helped me with due diligence and contract refinement when I recently invested in a documentary film. He has also helped with the due diligence on a kitchen appliance company. I would hesitate to move forward in any business investment without first asking Mike to look things over. I value his opinion as a lawyer and his advice as a businessman.
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03 Oct, 2014 by Jeff
Mr. Sjuggerud provided analysis to my construction firm regarding a cross border transaction with one of my clients. He identified some pitfalls and some risks as well as ways to mitigate such risks. As a result,my company was able to successfully conclude the contract with our foreign client.
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05 Jun, 2013 by Mark irby
I have worked with Mitch for the past 10+ years primarily representing me as bank counsel for real estate transactions. Over the years I've worked with many attorneys but none with the complete package of professionalism, knowledge/skillset, attention to detail and willingness to go that extra mile like Mitch. Over the time period we've worked together, he's helped me close over 100 deals that total in the hundreds of millions of dollars, with each one getting the same attention as the next, leaving both me and clients completely satisfied. I would recommend him to anyone, as he is the best real estate attorney I've encountered in my 17 years as a commercial banker.
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05 Jun, 2013 by Rebecca
Mitch is very professional, responsive and knowledgeable in his profession. He is a pleasure to work with and I will definitely use him again!
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05 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Mitch is not only an outstanding real estate attorney, but he is an outstanding person as well. I have worked with Mitch for 14 years now, and have never had anything but a positive experience with every transaction we have worked together on, and we've worked on over 100 in that time frame. Mitch is incredibly responsive, understands exactly what is required, and works diligently to provide exceptional service with the utmost respect to all parties involved. Mitch has always been a highly valued partner, and will continue to be for years to come.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Cindy rhoton
Thanks to Jay Thakker's expertise, I had a favorable outcome. I highly recommend Jay and his team for anyone in need of a reliable and knowledgeable attorney.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Eric svenson
Very professional and took the time to answer all our questions.
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20 Aug, 2024 by April tucci
My sincere thanks to the well-established and experienced Minot Law Firm. They provided expert guidance helping me navigate the successful handling of an estate with multiple beneficiaries. Mr. Minot was recommended to me by a trusted friend and I was comfortable choosing him to represent me upon our initial meeting. He is an excellent communicator and easy to work with. The entire staff is professional and courteous. Mrs. Minot, Legal Assistant to Mr. Minot is outstanding. She is always responsive and helpful. Be assured your calls and e-mails will be answered and your concerns addressed promptly. I will choose this firm in the future, should the need arise, and I recommend them without reservation.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Cindy rhoton
Thanks to Jay Thakker's expertise, I had a favorable outcome. I highly recommend Jay and his team for anyone in need of a reliable and knowledgeable attorney.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Eric svenson
Very professional and took the time to answer all our questions.
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20 Aug, 2024 by April tucci
My sincere thanks to the well-established and experienced Minot Law Firm. They provided expert guidance helping me navigate the successful handling of an estate with multiple beneficiaries. Mr. Minot was recommended to me by a trusted friend and I was comfortable choosing him to represent me upon our initial meeting. He is an excellent communicator and easy to work with. The entire staff is professional and courteous. Mrs. Minot, Legal Assistant to Mr. Minot is outstanding. She is always responsive and helpful. Be assured your calls and e-mails will be answered and your concerns addressed promptly. I will choose this firm in the future, should the need arise, and I recommend them without reservation.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Andrea mazzone
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09 Jul, 2024 by Vijay kohli
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20 Jun, 2024 by John rowe
In early Jan 2023 I was scammed for a large sum of money. I filed a police report with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO). The report was forwarded to the BCSO Economic Crimes Task Force for investigation. The sheriff’s office located the money and initiated legal steps to seize the money. The BCSO sent me a letter stating they had seized the money and it may be eligible to be returned to me by filing a sworn petition IAW FL Statute 812.061 with the judge supporting Brevard County. I attempted to contact the Brevard Clerk of Courts to get information on filing a petition. They did not help at all and would not reply to my emails. At this point I decided I needed an attorney. My daughter recommended Attorney Nicholas A, Vidoni. I met with him and we discussed my case. He agreed to help me. He drafted a petition to present to the court and included words stating the scammers exploited me as a vulnerable adult. This would allow me to collect my attorney’s fees, court costs and such other relief as the court deems just and proper. The judge agreed. At this point Nick had to negotiate with BCSO to have my attorney’s fees, court costs and such other relief as the court deems just and proper awarded to me. Through Nick’s tenacity and knowledge of the law he recovered my money and the costs incurred by him. My lack of knowledge of the legal system was overcome by Attorney Vidoni and his knowledge of the law. He kept me informed of what was happening from the time I hired him to actually receiving my money back. I will use his services in the future for any legal help I require.
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30 Aug, 2022 by Kelli
Matt, is the worst attorney and will try and bleed you dry. Do not do business with him you will regret it.
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30 Aug, 2022 by Kelli
We hired Matthew John Monaghan, he did a few hrs work at $500 a hr. Billed us $4900 when I caught him in a lie on billing they said it was an error. Would not hire this guy. Takes advantage and everything a lawyer should not be. Please save yourself and your hard earned dollars. Total Rip Off. Please Run in the other direction.
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07 Sep, 2011 by Ccarunch
I contacted Mr. Monaghan to receive advice on several legal matters, and what I received was not only excellent legal assistance, but also outstanding customer service. Mr. Monaghan was extremely knowledgeable of his area of expertise, effectively communicating the technical language of the law into terms I easily understood. He was able to answer all my legal questions and concerns with confidence, providing my family and me peace of mind and assurance. Most important, Mr. Monaghan was prompt to respond to emails and phone calls, even on non-business hours, treating me like a valuable client.
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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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