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22 Feb, 2020 by Patricia
For many years, as a bank manager, I had contact with Tom Curtis on mainly probate matters. After I retired, my father passed away and I needed to help my mom navigate through getting the estate settled. My mom is 88 and I wanted someone that would explain everything in simple language to her so she would feel comfortable. I remembered all the many attorneys I had dealt with in my 41 years of banking and my first choice was to reach out to Mr. Curtis. He had always treated me with respect and was very professional always. My mom and I met with him and hired him to navigate what turned out to be a a very complex will to process. Mr. Curtis had to prepare many documents in order to present sufficient information for the judge to grant my mom as executor. The Judge even thanked Mr. Curtis during the proceeding for his total preparation of the case to make her decision a quick, confident and just decision. We could not be more pleased with is services. I will return within months to have my 12 year old will reviewed and revised if needed. We trust him completely and highly recommend his services.
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30 Jan, 2018 by Rebecca
I highly recommend Mr Curtis he has helped us with our will. He has gone above and beyond to help us. He is a very nice and caring attorney and very patient. He explains everything to you. I would definitely hire him again!
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04 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
He is an exceptional attorney. But beyond that, he is a good person. He cared, listened, and gave me great advice at a difficult time in an extremely challenging situation.
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02 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
Had a good plan of attack representing my interest in regards to a property tax hearing. His knowlegde in real estate matters made the appraisal district representatives look silly. His rates were reasonable, especially considering the amount of tax dollars he saved me.
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16 Aug, 2023 by Edgar
My Sister is in need for a Lawyer and she wants to talk to you about her situation if you have a number to call would be appreciated.
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26 Dec, 2016 by Fred
Armando is a very professional in his duties as a court represenative. I would recomend him to anyone. I have utilized his services and he always does great work. Most attorneys who know him have great things to say about him.
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18 Apr, 2014 by Fernando
Mr. Sheline was a great help in a very difficult and stressful situation. Had hoped for a friendly uncontested divorce, unfortunately my ex-spouse s attorney was a real pain and she only made things worse. Mr. Sheline understood what was going on and helped stand up to what I was facing and to navigate through the very treacherous waters I faced. He always got back to me, when I tried to reach him and was able to answer my questions and explain what we could expect.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Victor mena
Totally recommend Arthur to friends and family he was very helpful through the process!
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16 Sep, 2024 by Ricky rodriguez
Great customer service 💯
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19 Aug, 2024 by Luis rodriguez
I had a great experience with the help of Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers in dealing with my personal injury case. They helped me get maxmum recovery for my injury. I am speechless with their services. Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers are the BEST CAR CRASH LAWYERS in Harlingen, Texas!
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19 Aug, 2024 by Maria herrera
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29 Jun, 2024 by Jaime hernandez
Mr. Gallaga is resourceful, reliable, and remarkable to say the least. He helped with my child custody case every step of the way. His performance and attention to detail is impressive. I could never thank him enough. If someone out there is need of a phenomenal lawyer, call him now. You won't regret it. I'd also like to thank his office assistant. She is polite, professional, and follows through with your call back requests (within reason, I'm sure). I couldn't be happier with their performance. Mr. Gallaga, and staff, thank you again.
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12 Jun, 2024 by Julie gonzalez
Mr. Gallaga was an Ad Litem for my grandson whom we were applying to adopt. He was very professional in every step of the way and spoke up in court on behalf of my grandson and we acquired the results we were asking for. Adoption granted.Thank you Mr. Gallaga. Highly recommend him.
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16 Dec, 2023 by Wts scales & systems voreis
Has represented me personally and my company for the last 7 years. Honest, fair and reasonable, he wont let you chase shadows. I know it's hard to believe, but trust his advice but believe in your cause. Good man, God built him that way.
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18 Nov, 2023 by Miguel garcia
Mr. Caquias and his team do an amazing job. We were able to get what we deserved with no problems. Thank you Tomas. God bless
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17 Nov, 2023 by P san
Attorney Tomas Caquias was there for my slip n fall case, I'm very satisfied with this case being resolved and how it was handled. Happy also that was resolved by the holidays and black Friday!!! They are very good in helping and kind I'm very satisfied with them. Happy and Excited. You will be too. Amen
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23 Jun, 2014 by Harold bibby
Randall W. Friebele has represented me both personally and professionally for nearly 26 years. I have found him to be an outstanding individual who is not only hard working and dedicated, but also honest, reliable and very passionate about producing the most favorable results for those he serves. Mr. Friebele has represented my transportation company in a variety of cases over the years, and through his representation and leadership, we have prevailed at the Circuit Court level, the Appellate level and in Federal Court. It is without hesitation that I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Friebele.
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09 Mar, 2013 by Lance
Mr. Friebele was the attorney we used for a real estate transaction. I wish we would have done more research prior to hiring Mr. Friebele. After leaving three voice messages over a week and a half period, along with two emails, we finally received an email in return. Unfortunately the tone of Mr. Friebele's response was unprofessional, condescending, and border line rude. Quite the surprise response from an "educated" man. If you are considering hiring Mr. Friebele I would think twice.
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04 Jun, 2021 by Angel estrada
He only accepts cash because he screws the IRS. So he quotes you on price for cash and another for check. If you fail to pay by just one day, he will withdraw. I have never seen such a miserable machismo man in my life. His years of practice mean nothing when you can't win and no ADA will work with you. This is a sad attorney.
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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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