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20 Oct, 2021 by Will
Chris has been an absolute blessing to work with. Hes is extremely knowledgeable and very professional. He has always been quick to reply or call back anytime I've sent or left a message. His knowledge and expertise is with divorce and custody is outstanding! I would HIGHLY recommend his serbice to anyone going through a divorce and/or custody case.
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20 Oct, 2021 by Nikesha
He explained the process and possible outcomes. Very professional and pleasant. Not money hungry and ethical. I had a great experience and we were able to get some of the money back which is better than none.
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18 May, 2021 by Ryan
I needed a lawyer to help with a business dispute and Chris was very helpful every step of the way. He made sure I understood what was going on and was constantly in contact throughout the process
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15 Mar, 2023 by David
Matt was retained to represent my father in two DUI cases. Having never been involved in the legal system, I knew nothing about what to expect. Matt held our hands and provided guidance every step of the way. There was never a time where I didn’t know where things stood or what was coming next. It was very comforting to have Matt by our side, and to know that he truly had my family’s best interest at heart. I can never think Matt enough for what he did to help us through this process. When it comes to dealing with such a situation , the level of trust in your attorney is paramount. This trust was established right from the start, and never wavered throughout. Matt did an absolutely fantastic job, and I will always be grateful for his services. My wife and I will be utilizing Matt to take care of some other family matters in the near future. my utmost recommendation to anyone else out there that may be looking for counsel that Matt should be your choice
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31 Oct, 2021 by Louis t. biesuz
An extremely sharp Lawer, but most important is the fact that he's a good human being ! Unlike most Lawers, he does what he says he will do and he does it when he says he will do it ! I Personly Highly Recommend this Man ! -- Louis T. Biesuz, Export Pa.
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23 Nov, 2020 by Andrew
I hired Matthew to represent me during the most stressful time of my life. The way he communicated and explained the situation to me was unparalleled. He made sure i understood exactly what the possible outcomes were and there was never any doubt,confusion or uncertainty heading into my arraignment. I have dealt with attorneys in the past who treat clients like cattle and explain the situation like a telemarketer reading a pre written script. Also thought i should mention that Matthew has the most soothing voice on gods green earth and i wish i could hire him to sing me to sleep every night. The man should have his own radio/TV/YouTube channel or release his own Christmas album and put Michael Buble out of business!
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05 Apr, 2017 by David
Tim has helped me in many cases and most including my last one he defiantly excelled and went above and beyond what i had expected and was looking at for charges. Got most of them dropped and thrown out with only being stuck with a few of my charges. He saved me from doing jail time which saved my job, my home, and my freedom. I highly recommend Tim Leonard to represent u when ur in a troubled situation. Hopefully not but if ever needed again i will definitely hire him to represent me again. Great job Tim and i thank u so very much for the excellent services u provided me with!
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28 Jan, 2016 by Kelly
Attorney Leonard went above and beyond my expectations! He had a game plan going in and the results were better than expected. He was upfront and honest about the whole situation and didn't promise anything that he knew he couldn't deliver. I can't thank him enough for what he did for my son!
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21 Jul, 2015 by Doreen
Recently I found myself in a situation that I needed an attorney. A colleague and I had to seek legal action something I never thought I'd have to do. Tim took a case probably most lawyers wouldn't have due to the small amount sought but he knew we were seeking justice and took the case. What I remember and appreciate the most about him was his professionalism and HONESTY throughout the entire process. He told us the risks and possible gains. He never "sugar coated" things and aided us in determining at what point the cost became more than the pursuit. Tim cared about us as people and looked out for our best interest while always keeping us informed. He was available at all times and provided some reassurance when we needed it because the court system doesn't always work quickly. I would recommend Tim to anyone looking for a honest lawyer who will guide you and have your best interest always in the forefront. Thanks Tim for fighting for two average people and exceeding the expected outcome. Justice was served.
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15 Jun, 2020 by Suzanne
Scott prepared our wills and powers of attorney quickly and for an affordable price. He came to the house and took care of everything for us. I highly recommend him!
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15 Jan, 2018 by Terri l. demelio
Attorney Pardis helped me with a law suit. She was honest, fair, very thorough and I felt confident in her hands. I was very pleased with the outcome and impressed with her knowledge and dedication she showed to my case.
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28 Sep, 2016 by Juliane n crawford
Mr. Sweeney has helped me on many occasions whether it was changing or fixing a sentencing from the judge, postponing a court date for me, explaining to me what the sentence was and what the next step should be or explaining to me what I can do to solve the issue myself. He always returns my phone calls promptly and he is very reasonably priced. I have hired Mr. Sweeney on multiple occasions and I have called him for advice. He once had my sentence changed from 1 to 12 months to parole after 30 days and I was able to leave the jail that day on parole. I would strongly recommend his services to anyone that ends up in a bind and needs a good time efficient lawyer. I call him if I ever have any issues and I know that my problems will immediately be handled.
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13 Mar, 2013 by Sandra
Eric Bononi helped set up an S-Corp for my new business a few months ago, and he helped make the entire process quick and easy. He did it for less than I had originally budgeted too. He took time to answer my questions. His experience allows him to provide consulting on many aspects of running a business. He is well worth the investment.
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25 May, 2014 by Anonymous
Office and stafff was very helpful. i have had attorneys in the past and it was always difficult to get calls returned. Not with Mr> Lucas, he was very responsive. He did a very good job of explaining things to me and I always felt prepared for all court proceedings.
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31 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Brian has handled many legal matters for me, my family, and friends. I refer anyone who ask me about legal help to Attorney Cavanaugh because I can trust he will give them professional and honest advice.
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29 Apr, 2024 by Vincent gatti
Eric was very professional and helpful.
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20 Apr, 2024 by Laura moranduzzo
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08 Apr, 2024 by Diane k
Fantastic team. Professional and patient.
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10 Feb, 2023 by Shell k
Due to unforeseen circumstances, I found myself in need of advise & help. I called Willis & Associates & they helped me with a situation by helping me in filing for bankruptcy. Everything was completed in a timely manner & I was able to quickly start rebuilding my life.
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10 Feb, 2023 by Mds sdm
Great communication, answered any and all questions I had with no hesitation,very easy to work with
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09 Feb, 2023 by Barbara poppa
Fast, easy, affordable, Attorney worked closely with me, explained everything very well and in no time I was debt free. Best decision I made.
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10 Feb, 2023 by Shell k
Due to unforeseen circumstances, I found myself in need of advise & help. I called Willis & Associates & they helped me with a situation by helping me in filing for bankruptcy. Everything was completed in a timely manner & I was able to quickly start rebuilding my life.
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10 Feb, 2023 by Mds sdm
Great communication, answered any and all questions I had with no hesitation,very easy to work with
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09 Feb, 2023 by Barbara poppa
Fast, easy, affordable, Attorney worked closely with me, explained everything very well and in no time I was debt free. Best decision I made.
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01 Apr, 2021 by Samantha
I would not recommend this attorney to anyone. He made me feel like I was bothering him every time I needed anything. If you want someone that is honest and hardworking, I would consider hiring someone else because you won't get that from this man. He was a total waste of time and money.
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12 Sep, 2014 by Todd munson/kelli doyle
We hired this guy and he only wrote one letter and filed attorney as record with court.I would have to call him and he would then return my call and charge us. He never filed a motion ,for bank accounts that were frozen,over a year as our attorney he calls and said he no longer wants to represent us.we are in az and its an estate .2900.00 bucks total and we haven't got a penny back yet.we,re filing complaint with pa supreme court .
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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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