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26 Apr, 2024 by Ryan ezell
What an incredible team at McCartha! From Jason explaining "legalese" in easy to understand ways, to Jennifer helping with some of the more delicate details, to Jenny making sure everything is accounted for properly and staying on track. You can't get better than this team for the estate planning/living will process.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Vaughn mccrary
Jason and Jennifer are fantastic to work with. We appreciated their straightforward approach.
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17 Apr, 2024 by Elizabeth ewald
Integrity, trustworthiness, expertise does exist, this practice is the proof!
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28 Jun, 2018 by Jp
Mac Martinson handled the sale of some property in another state. His office set up appointments without delay and documents were reviewed and executed within a day of receipt from the buyer and title company. Very professional service at a reasonable fee. I will continue to use this law firm for all my legal matters.
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22 Mar, 2017 by Christina heyland
My husband and I first hired Mr Martinson as our personal attorney. I later became a licensed realtor in the state of Al. As there are many real estate attorneys in Huntsville, I have many to choose from in the area. Mr Martinson and his assistant Alicia are second to none. Their attention to detail and competence is irreplaceable. I highly recommend Mr. Martinson for all real estate needs. He truly allows me, to give my clients, the best customer service possible
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15 Mar, 2016 by Hall bryant iii
As an attorney in Huntsville, I have had the pleasure of working with Mac Martinson and other members of his firm on a number of real estate, probate and business transactions. In all those matters, Mac was extremely responsive, conducted himself in a very professional manner, and provided practical solutions to complex issues.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Reuel
Fast, efficient, knowledgeable and totally reasonable. Second time here. Would recommend in a heart beat.
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01 May, 2024 by Marisha
I recently worked with Attorney Plyant on resolving a dispute regarding a real estate transaction. He did a superb job in answering all my questions within a timely manner and making sure I understood my choices. It was important to me to not feel rushed or pushed into making decisions too quickly. He showed great patience and care in representing me and working to resolve the issue at hand in a satisfactory manner. I am so impressed with him that I plan to go back for future estate planning services.
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17 Aug, 2020 by Kathy
I had the pleasure to work with attorney Will Pylant to handle an estate case for me. He did an outstanding job and I would highly recommend him and the firm he represents.
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19 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
We did not expect our situation could be resolved with just one appearance in court. But our lawyer, Thomas Jarvinen, made that happen to our utter surprise and relief. At that one and only court appearance we needed to be present for, we had no idea what to expect.
But a few minutes later, our lawyer told us the prosecuting attorney now wishes to drop all changes (against me) and strike all court records (so related to my case).
How in the world Mr. Jarvinen was able to persuade the prosecutor against me to do this (essentially throw in the towel), which would totally clear my name is still a mystery to us. Who would have thought what we felt to be a complicated issue that no doubt, or so we assumed, would involve discord and arguments my and God knows what all else, especially as our particular problem had us pitted against a U.S. corporate giant, that we had so little as even a snowballs chance being cleared of anything negative involving a corporate giant and just little old me, but the jaw dropping summation of it all for us was indeed legal victory. So yes sometimes even we common citizens prevail over the almighty power of the girded bastions of corporate advantage, whether it be political advantage, financial advantage, advantages related to corporate claims of equal rights under corporate personhood laws now enacted, or anything else. As a just published book on "Am***n" states : "The Rich Dont Always Win..."
Granted, our case was "small potatoes" in most other citizens' opinions, in comparison to many others, but even small victories add up. Too us, we find what's more important than "how" he won our case is "that" he won our case!
We, husband and self highly recommend this lawyer, whom even other lawyers have commented that he did a really good job for us, and we also recommend the Russ Crumbley Law Firm where he is an active legal professional along with Russ.
Russ used to be a coworker of my husband at the hospital where they were coworkers together. But quit some time back, while holding his full time radiology job along with my husband, Russ felt a call to learn and practice law, and boy is he good at it! As are the partners he's chosen, and just as he was as my husband's collegue in hospital radiology practice.
I give ten thumbs up for Russ, Thomas, and all members of the Russ Crumbley Law Firm
They have a well appointed, very nice two story red break colonial office building on the service road for Memorial Parkway South, set very close to that service road, with room for customer parking at the direct front of the building. They are located north of Parkway Place Mall and are easily accessible.
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15 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Jarvinen was adept at getting me through my legal situation every step of the way. He gave wise, knowledgeable counsel on getting through the state/county legal system. As complications arose, he seemed adept at keeping my best interest at the core of any actions or decisions.
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28 Feb, 2015 by Ryan
Mr Jarvinen was very knowledgeable and helped me throughout my entire legal proceedings. This was my first time requiring a lawyer so his advice and guidance was invaluable. He kept me informed throughout, ensuring that I was always up-to-date and explaining the process to me. In the end, he was able to completely settle my legal issue to my complete satisfaction. I would highly recommend Mr Jarvinen to my friends/family and would use him again should the need arise.
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12 Aug, 2022 by Amna
I had to use Tom for the one and (hopefully only) time I had to file a lawsuit against someone who badly deserved it. I am glad I did. While he is a man of few words, he delivers results. I have heard from numerous well respected people in the Huntsville/ Madison area upon learning I am using Tom as my lawyer that I made the right choice. He is highly respected for his work in Real Estate litigation. Highly recommended!
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09 Apr, 2019 by Misty
It is going to be difficult for me to find the words to express the level of heartfelt gratitude I have toward Mr. Thomas S. McGrath’s law firm. I am a single mother of 2 small children who was seeking to purchase a home and found herself being taken advantage of a Real Estate team out of Madison, Alabama. They were in the process of trying to manipulate me into buying a home that they had not repaired as promised and time was running for me with my apartment lease. I had to make a decision to stay in my apartment or take a chance on a house that may never be repaired as promised. I knew I could never afford to take on the repairs they were trying to leave behind. I was receiving threats of being taken to court for not wanting to purchase this home and with their disregard for my situation could have very well lead to the kids and I being homeless. They did not care no matter how much I tried to explain my situation. Needless to say I was scared and was losing hope quickly. I decided it was time to seek legal advice. I was able to speak with a few lawyers in the area but I only got very “broad” answers if you will, which didn’t give me any comfort or direction. Luckily, Mr. McGrath was recommended to me and within a few days his team had me scheduled for a consultation. The day of the consultation, Mr. McGrath’s demeanor was unmatched and his genuine concern for the situation was overwhelming. He is very direct and will tell you the truth about the severity of the situation and the projected outcome based on facts presented. His efforts are 100% the entire time. I had been dealing with this situation for weeks on my own and I finally felt like I had solid support. Mr. McGrath has been practicing law for 27 years or more and is well versed in Real Estate, among other things which is very comforting also. He went the extra mile to ensure I was secure and understood the plan of action he had. His skill and attention to detail helped me retrieve the mutual release and earnest money I had deposited within a few days even after the real estate company had denied my request of release several times. Mr. McGrath projected how they would respond and always had a plan of action in place at all times. The kids and I lost our opportunity to purchase a home this year but I can guarantee you I will be confident next year knowing I can call Mr. McGrath if another agency tries to corner me into a bad buy again. He is extremely knowledgeable and has high moral standards. You will not find a better person to support your legal needs. I hope Real Estate teams who tend to lean toward unfair practices are well aware that there is a lawyer in the area who won’t allow it and is very capable of discerning good and bad real estate practice. I thank the McGrath Law Firm from the bottom of my heart and will be forever grateful!
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30 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
I had a house build by a "so called" premier builder. What I thought was going to be my dream home turned into a nightmare. I was introduced to Mr. McGrath and all I can say is , he is my hero!! He is a caring, highly competent attorney that I will always be grateful to for fighting for me. I was given the run around until he took my case. When THEY hear his name , things start to happen!! Simply the best!!
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07 Feb, 2014 by Leslie
We had a problem when a government contractor failed to pay our invoice. All of our efforts to collect were met with stonewalling and deception. Todd was of great assistance in getting this situation resolved. Throughout the process he was responsive and answered all our questions as they arose. The final payment has been made and the issue resolved in a very reasonable time frame.
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04 Feb, 2014 by Cheryl
Mr Howard is very capable and did an excellent job for me when I was trying to purchase a home. He responded promptly to all of my calls and was always knowledgeable about what step I needed to take next. I would recommend Mr. Howard to any of my family or friends..
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29 Feb, 2012 by Leah
In selecting an attorney, my top priorities were accessibility, responsiveness and well-rounded perspective. Mr. Howard and his staff at the Rahmati Law Firm exceeded my expectations on every level. He has become a trusted advisor for my personal household matters as well as for my business needs.
My relationship with Mr. Howard began with real estate contracting. He provided comprehensive recommendations and thoughtful perspective on our individual matters. In every instance in which we worked together, Mr. Howard demonstrated a deep working knowledge of real estate law and how it applied to my individual contracts. He went above and beyond in terms of research for our individual questions. He is continues to be accessible for our current portfolio as well as for household matters.
What I enjoy most about working with Mr. Howard is his ability to put us at ease in any situation. He answers questions thoughtfully and thoroughly. He translates his applied legal knowledge into recommendations that are easy to understand, and most importantly, incredibly thorough.
I have referred both business clients as well as real estate contacts to him, and will continue to do so.
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29 Jun, 2015 by Dossie
Donald Christian has helped us with two legal issues. The firs involved an incident with a car that was loaned to someone and the car was wrecked. Don took my call on a Saturday and provided very clear and understandable direction on how to handle the situation. We followed his direction and resolved the situation without any further problems. Don not only provided sound direction but was a calm reassuring voice in a very stressful situation.
Don also prepared Wills for my wife and I. The Wills were prepared in a very professional and expedient manor via email. We did not have to go into his office except to sign the final Wills.
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24 Jun, 2015 by B.p.l.
I've been using Donald Christian for 20 plus years now. He's done a vast amount of work for me. He's done everything from creating a trust for me personally, to an LLC for my business, to debt collection, to giving me good sound legal advice. Donald has done all the things that I have mentioned and many other things in the past 20 plus years that I've been using him. He's very knowledgeable, professional, trustworthy and he's a man of the utmost integrity. I trust him for all of my legal work and highly recommend him.
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21 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Christian spent as much time as l needed on the phone. I would strongly recommend him, whether you are needing a lawyer or just an answer to an important question regarding a situation you may find yourself in. He spoke to me as though he knew me. He didn't hurry me off the phone, and didn't feel intimidating or make me feel uncomfortable.
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25 Mar, 2021 by Lm
Mr. Baxter has handled diverse personal and corporate legal work for me over a number of years. He is a rare blend of hard to find attorney attributes; he is honorable, impeccably reliable and decorous while executing sharp legal strategies that are both aggressive and effective. He has substantial, broad experience and is a long established member of the legal community, both of which are utilized to his client's benefit. In short, he has earned my confidence with hard work, dedication to my interest and with fair, detailed billing.
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25 Mar, 2021 by Larry
I am a homebuilder and Mr. Baxter handles all of our legal work which includes 20-25 loan closings per year, another 20 -25 construction loans per year, and 1 or 2 development loans which includes title work, clearing title, contracts to purchase land and lots and anything related. He has been and continues to be a trusted and very competent part of what it takes to make our business successful.
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22 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
My business is mostly real estate and real estate management. I have used Tom Baxter on a number of occasisons for legal matters ranging from evictions to condominium document development to HOA rules and regulations. I recommend him without reservation.
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26 Jun, 2017 by Allen
Geoffrey is an awesome attorney. Handled everything we needed. He explains everything and goes above and beyond making sure you understand and have all your questions answered. I will never use anyone else.
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07 Sep, 2016 by Gerrit
I've now hired Geoffrey twice, once to help my wife and I set up our Will and POAs, and then again to close the sale of our Huntsville home. Geoffrey handled both with the utmost professionalism, taking the time to answer my many questions thoroughly and sensitively. I would recommend Geoffrey to anyone, and will continue to hire him for future Estate Planning and Real Estate needs.
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02 Nov, 2023 by Pat
Mr. Montgomery and his staff have been amazing in helping me through my son's motorcycle accident. The were very up front and honest about the case and gave good and sound advice. I had an issue on a Saturday that I emailed him on and he took the time that day to call me to talk through it. To me that's amazing that a lawyer would do that on the weekend on his day off. His staff is as amazing. Quick responses and other communication reaching out to me to give updates and advice. The other lawyers in the firm have been equally as amazing in helping me through this very difficult process. My son was in a motorcycle accident that was not his fault 7 months ago and has TBI and is currently incapacitated. This firm has done an outstanding job representing my son and I. Highly recommended.
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31 Oct, 2023 by Christie
The staff at Martinson & Beason were very professional, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable. Their assistance in my legal matters was greatly appreciated and their professionalism and skill unmatched. Erin Stewart and Carter Montgomery's expertise was clear and they were happy to answer all my questions. My options were well presented and thoroughly explained. I am extremely satisfied with the service that they provided and highly recommend this practice for any legal needs.
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28 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Anderson worked with us to set up a life trust and living will. He gave us his email address if we had questions, which he responded to. He followed up with us after we had paid him making sure we had done everything we were suppose to on our trust. He was great. Very pleasant.
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15 Feb, 2022 by Dale
My wife and I have putting off getting our wills done for a while. After the holidays, we finally decided to get it done. Mr. Anderson asked us many questions, listened to our concerns, and drew up the paperwork to get it done. It was surprisingly painless. I would highly recommend Zach Anderson.
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01 Jun, 2022 by Martella tyler
28 Jan, 2022 by Joshua gauntt
This is the law firm we used to close on our new home and compared to when we bought our first home this lawyer was amazing. Explained all the papers very well was organized and fast we were in and out in about 45 minutes I highly recommend for your next closing.
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10 Oct, 2016 by Scott
We have had the opportunity to adopt again in our home state since using Mr. Brodowski years ago in a previous adoption. Our middle child was adopted out of Alabama and our most recent Tennessee. We hired Mr. Brodowski after our Alabama adoption was contested 16 years ago. He was compassionate, extremely accessible all hours. Very thourough and professional. We owe the privilege of having been able to raise our 16 year old to these people. Our current experience in Tennessee is still ongoing, but the experience is no where close. If you want to adopt a child, you cannot go wrong with Micheal and his legal staff.
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25 Apr, 2015 by Jay
My company and I have used Jim Philips as an attorney for many years. He is prompt, knowledgeable and effective in relation to the matters he handles. He has represented us in construction and commercial contract, employment, personal injury, immigration, corporate and other matters. He is an innovative and skilled negotiator. He is always prepared and, when appropriate, does not back down. His keen instincts contribute to delivering predictable and optimal results in every situation.
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30 Oct, 2021 by Vince
Although I asked Adam to assist in a matter that he usually does not cover, he was very helpful and handled the case in a very timely manner. His demeanor is always kind and he cares about his clients.
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28 Feb, 2014 by Wanda
After the sale of a building my business had been renting for a year, the new owner decided to sue me for almost 1/3 of the ENTIRE purchase price of the building and property with it.
Despite the fact that the building was over 25 years old and had sat vacant for almost 5 years, I was forced to defend a lawsuit that accused myself, my business and my employees of "allowing considerable waste" to the property. Because I am not a resident of the state of Alabama, I began to investigate the possibility of hiring local representation.
I was previously acquainted with Mr. Gunther through some other business dealings in previous years. Because he was the only lawyer I knew in Alabama, I asked him for his professional opinion on the basis of the lawsuit. After reviewing the facts of the case, he not only agreed that we were not at fault, but offered to represent me in defending the suit.
Little occurred at first. One side filed for discovery, the other side replied. Despite the tedium of these filings, Mr. Gunther not only kept me informed, but assisted me in preparing well in advance for what the next move of the opposing council would be.
When the case was finally heard in court, Mr. Gunther not only stood by my side, but did an extraordinary job of disproving the accusations against me and my business. The case was decided in my favor with a total payment to the new owner of the building of ZERO Dollars.
Throughout the process, I was comforted by Mr. Gunther's easy manner and attention to detail. His confidence in the unjust nature of the case filed against me boosted mine dramatically.
In the end, I was tremendously pleased with his handling of the case as well as his ability to limit the out of pocket expenses I may have had to dedicate toward handling the situation had I hired lessor quality representation.
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03 Mar, 2023 by Owen
Staff went above and beyond looking into my case. Taggart unfortunately was not a good fit for it, but I am appreciative.
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23 Mar, 2022 by Brenda
Mr. Forton listened to me and was great help. He and all the people at Legal Services are great help.
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26 Jan, 2022 by Zach anderson
Pat Sebesta did a terrific job on the matter we worked together on. He is uniquely qualified to represent businesses in all aspects of litigation. He is responsive, detail-oriented, and friendly. A+ grade from me!
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08 Sep, 2020 by Matthew whisenant
I highly recommend using Patrick. He has the great gift to be able to explain all the legal matters in one conversation. He is very thorough, as well as prompt. You will not be confused or waiting on him and his services. My family will continue to go to him for all of our needs.
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26 Jan, 2022 by Zach anderson
Pat Sebesta did a terrific job on the matter we worked together on. He is uniquely qualified to represent businesses in all aspects of litigation. He is responsive, detail-oriented, and friendly. A+ grade from me!
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08 Sep, 2020 by Matthew whisenant
I highly recommend using Patrick. He has the great gift to be able to explain all the legal matters in one conversation. He is very thorough, as well as prompt. You will not be confused or waiting on him and his services. My family will continue to go to him for all of our needs.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Sandra
I have tried calling I'm go over 6 months to find out on my case. He want answer calls nor emails. I don't recommend him for any case. My case was never filed. This is 3 years ago
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22 Sep, 2024 by Beth crosslin
11 Sep, 2024 by Cb brown
I am so glad I found this law firm! They went above and beyond to help me....I literally didn't know what to do after a serious car accident. Thank you Clint Maze for referring me to Martin and Helms. Tara you were simply outstanding! As well as your top notch staff... I totally 100% recommend this law firm..please do not try to negotiate on your own!
A very thankful client,
CB Brown
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10 Sep, 2023 by William holmes
Great attorney.
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07 Mar, 2021 by Wendy g
Utilized Mr Hoopers services 2 weeks ago and he was very helpful. Absolutely professional and no nonsense. I appreciated his honesty and straightforward approach.
His assistant Gail was also amazing- very thoughtful, thorough and polite.
I would definitely recommend and use again.
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06 Nov, 2020 by Peaches caudle
This office was very helpful.
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18 Sep, 2024 by D. edwards
I spoke with Attorney Hodges and our first conversation I was thoroughly impress by his knowledge and grateful for his patience. I look forward to working with the Hodges Trial Lawyers.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Phil snyder
Mr. Hodges spoke with me in an informed and open manner about a concern and pointed me in a direction that better fit my needs. I will not hesitate to call on his services in the future!
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23 Aug, 2024 by Donna powell
I appreciated the honestly that I received. Mr. Hodges was kind and caring about my case and very helpful in understanding. I will definitely use him for any legal needs I might have in the future.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Adrian delaney
She is so nice and professional
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23 Apr, 2024 by Alex robinson
Mr. Bowman guided us with his experience and expertise through an IRS audit to a very successful conclusion.
His ability to counter every IRS statement or question resulted in the IRS closing the case and us owing nothing. The initial charge against us would’ve cost us thousands of dollars otherwise.
My wife and I consider ourselves very fortunate to have had Gene Bowman’s assistance and recommend him highly to anyone who needs help with any legal or tax-related matters.
Alex and Marianne
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06 Nov, 2023 by Honey tatum-phillips
Best attorney in my life
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04 Dec, 2023 by Kendra jones
16 Feb, 2023 by Bellamy gibbs
I went to my Obgyn ! They are in the same building! Very nice and clean. Parking a little difficult. Can see from main highway!
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06 Sep, 2022 by Tammy moore
29 Apr, 2024 by E. ferguson (dindrane)
07 Jan, 2023 by Mark tillman
Highly experienced and detailed. We appreciate the services Ray has provided to our family.
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02 Aug, 2022 by Stephanie ulrich
Ray Uhrig is top notch. I’ve used his office for business real estate transactions. He’s always quick to respond and his knowledge of the law is great. I know I’m in good hands with any legal need when I call Ray.
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20 May, 2022 by Aaron lussi
The most experienced lawyer I've ever met. Specializing in real estate and estate planning.
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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:
-
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.
