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01 Oct, 2024 by Brieann sherlock
God puts the right people in your life when you need them, and Ryan was that person for me. I was involved in an auto accident and had to go through surgery and extensive PT. Ryan had my best interest from the first minute, and then some. He had my back. He is relentless, protective, thorough and honest. His team was very attentive and always quick to respond. I was able to focus on my recovery, while they dealt with the legal. 10/10 recommend
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16 Jul, 2024 by Duke godbey
Ryan Turner worked diligently over an extended period of time on a case for my wife and I. During this time, we found him to very through, always prepared and compassionate. He kept us well informed throughout all phases of the process. We had every confidence that we were always well represented. I would highly recommend him without reservation and would gladly rate him higher than 5 stars if possible.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Adriana hale
As usual worth the wait gets the best results everytime
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03 Oct, 2018 by Kimberly
I can't say enough great things about Mrs. Linda. She's very professional, efficient and values your time. I contacted her regarding my case, she looked into my situation and gave me straight forward answers. Will definitely recommend her to others. An attorney you can trust.
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26 May, 2016 by Gery
Linda did a great job in closing our real estate and she also handled our Mother's will. Linda is very fair and great to work with.
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26 May, 2016 by Ray uhlmansiek
Linda has helped me with several legal forms and issues over the last few years and I have been happy with her work.
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06 May, 2016 by Stacey
Nicholas advised us on different options for estate planning and helped us set up a will and trust for our children. He explained all of our options extremely well, gave us advice on what choices were available, and answered all questions we had in order to make the best decisions for our needs. We really struggled with deciding on one specific detail of our will, and Nicholas was very patient and understanding, never pushed us to make a decision and waited until we were ready to finalize everything. I highly recommend Nicholas, and would definitely seek his professional assistance again for future needs.
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11 Apr, 2016 by Kevin
My wife and I needed to set up a Will and Trust after having our kids and really had no idea what it was that we needed to do. Nicholas took the time to explain everything to us and made sure that we were fully educated so that we could make our own decisions. He was extremely responsive to any question that we had an was patient with us throughout the process. After completing the documentation and before letting us sign it he again went over everything and ensured that we were comfortable with what we were signing. I would HIGHLY recommend using Nicholas Kowalski for any legal need and know that he would always consider your best interests. I know we will call him again if we ever have another need.
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18 Jul, 2015 by Dianna
Mike is very knowledgeable. He truly cares about his clients. He is sincere. He has answered our questions and concerns in a timely manner. He has shown empathy and kindness to us in some very trying situations. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing an attorney.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Debra fryrear
Being involved in a law suit is always trying! I want to thank Becker Law firm for taking charge and taking care of me during my class act suit! They always answered or returned my call asap! They were easy to work with and explained each step of the way. I recommend Becker Law Firm who will work tirelessly on your case!
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28 Sep, 2024 by Jamie mann
Greg, Nancy and everyone on our team worked tirelessly on our case. They were always available to any answer any questions that I had. Very thankful to have them represent me.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Charle peck
WOW! I cannot believe the INCREDIBLE experience I had with Jason Atkins through this seemingly arduous process. He provided me with support, insight, and direction and always looked out for my best interest while honoring the mutual terms of my prospective partner to ensure the deal maintained integrity. His consultation was absolutely priceless, and I felt taken care of every step of the way. If you want a seamless process for your legal dealings, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Atkins Law! And, if you're wondering if seeking consultation from this firm would be beneficial and meet your needs, I say a resounding YES!
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11 May, 2009 by Anonymous
Attorney Cunningham has represented me on 1 apartment case, and 2 civil cases. One of the cases was against my employer, and in all the cases I have been victorious. She is currently representing me on a case against an apartment owner where I previously lived, who would not treat for roaches. I have every confidence I will be victorious in this case as well. I have known attorney Cunningham for years. She is intelligent, professional, sympathetic to her clients, and determined to win. I have referred numerous clients to her, and they have had successful outcomes as well. With each situation I present to her, she demonstrates competence, experience and wisdom. To anyone considering contacting her it is important to note; legal representation is not free. It costs to pursue any legal matter. If you have no knowledge of legal matters it is critical to have an attorney you can trust. It is also critical to approach your case with as few emotions as possible. I have learned these important tips from attorney Cunningham, and been victorious. She is the only attorney that I personally know who will not take advantage of you. I live in Ohio and cannot find an attorney who is as ethical, professional, and trustworthy as her. If you have an occasion to need an attorney, I strongly recommend her.
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31 Jan, 2009 by James
She charged me a $1000 to mail my legal documents to another lawyer to review that was supposedly an expert witness. She charged me an additional $1000 for the so called expert witness. Since she was not competent to analyze my paper work then how did she justify the $1000? I had to repeatedly demand an invoice and when I finally recieved one it stated that she burned up my entire retainer reading documents but when questioned she was not able to answer a single detail to prove that she actually had read them. In addition she encouraged me to file a complaint with the court on a pro se(no lawyer) basis to protect the statue. I am not a lawyer and this led to several filing mistakes which the defense used against me. After giving me legal advice on how to file pro se over the phone multiple times she lied and denied doing so. I sent her a wriiten request to have the Kentucky Bar mitigate our fee dispute but she did not respond. Tried to philibuster me with verbal crap when I complained.
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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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