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07 May, 2024 by Jeff
Thank you so much! Craig was absolutely amazing and listened to my concerns and provided me great advice. I highly recommend Dirigo Law and Craig.
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23 Apr, 2024 by Patrick
Consulted with Craig for Estate Planning , Power of Attorney and Health Care Directives for my wife and I. Very prompt and courteous , answered all of our questions and had everything wrapped up in a timely fashion and at a reasonable fee . Would recommend to others .
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06 Mar, 2024 by Les
I recently worked with Craig setting up an estate plan for my wife and I. We agreed on a flat-fee payment which I felt was very reasonable and included everything we needed to avoid probate including a Trust for our property, Last Wills, financial powers of attorney and health care directives. Very knowledgeable, friendly, and fair.
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05 Aug, 2024 by Robin frost
Very knowledgeable about all aspects of estate planning. Reasonable fees. Very prompt when preparing and filing documents. Excellent communication. Personable...made this overwhelming task easy. Thank you Erin.
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29 Jul, 2024 by Kevin carroll
Erin helped my partner and I to develop our trusts. From the moment we met her we knew we would enjoy working together. She helped us explore our options and took our specific needs into account. She was upfront with pricing and there were no surprises. She was great to work with and we have everything we need in place now. Thank you Erin
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26 Jun, 2024 by Dawn markowitz
Erin was a tremendous help to me. She handled my affairs with calm efficiency, professionalism and above all kindness and caring. I highly recommend her to all needing legal estate services.
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05 Aug, 2024 by Bob weir
Enda ngers OPs. Doesn't respect opposing party signing confidentiality affidavits at the court. Will thre aten OP for confidential information and hold their property against them if they don't give it to them. Willing to des troy your property if you do not give them everything they want, even if they're the opposing party and the court redacted your information to protect you against your abuser. Play games like children, i.e. holds your vehicle title then tells you to never contact the office again. Then tells the po lice you can contact them anytime with your private, court redacted information they have no permission to have! If you want an attorney who is willing to be unethical and not care about conflicts of interest at all, this is for you! If you want an attorney that is trying to not get you su ed, you should probably run away! If you want an attorney who is willing to put your literal life on the line and risk your well-being, sign right up! This one is willing to get you put in the hospital
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19 Jun, 2024 by Julian beach
"I recently sought legal advice from Hansen Law Offices and was thoroughly impressed with the level of professionalism and expertise provided. From the initial consultation to the resolution of my case, Al Hansen demonstrated a deep understanding of the law and a genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me. Throughout the process, Al maintained clear and open communication, ensuring I was informed and involved every step of the way because there was so much that I didn't know. His attention to detail and strategic approach gave me confidence in his abilities, he was extremely flexible and I felt supported and well-represented at all times. I would highly recommend Al Hansen and Hansen Law Offices to anyone seeking legal assistance.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Kevin dolan
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24 May, 2023 by Paul taddonio
Jens represented me in divorce and child custody with favorable results. He has incredible integrity and gave me honest advice throughout my ordeal. I enthusiasticly recommend him. He is the best.
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21 May, 2022 by Vivian lancaster
Jens took advantage of me when i was going throug a bad divorse and was valnurable and then hrlp to distroy my life. Birn in hell jens
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09 Jul, 2020 by Wendy churchill
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28 Sep, 2017 by Wall
Long-time clients. Her focus wasn't with us. Sloppy work (i.e. power of attorneys listing the wrong person) and unresponsive (i.e. unanswered emails). When we switched attorneys she seemingly wanted our business back but behavior didn't change.
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21 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
I retained Mr Parkinson to advise and represent our interests in an immediate impending zone change as well as a proposed "residential conversion" project that we were opposed to. He was no help on the zone change - it quickly passed. Even with 3 months to prep for the planning board, over the process of two lengthy meetings, we lost there too. At the ZBA, his arguments were so completely ignored we didn't get 5 minutes of debate. Denied. And still I believed. I trusted that at court we would prevail, knowing municipal committees to be largely untrained volunteers, not sophisticated in nuanced land use laws. I still thought I had the finest land use lawyer in the area, dismissing our losses as expected under the circumstances. He continuously reassured me that we had "many fine points of law" to work with... I believed in his skill and professionalism right up to the moment , without provocation or adequate explanation, after 14 months and $30K, with one complaint filed and one on the horizon, the clock ticking away towards our 80B brief deadline, he demanded to quit. I was dumbfounded.
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24 Jun, 2017 by Leslee
I was referred to Scott by my realtor. I reached out initially by email and then followed up a few days later by telephone. I provided all of the pertinent details needed in order to obtain a quote for services. A message was taken by his assistant and I have not heard back from either one. Conversely when I sent an email to a title company, I had a response and a quote back within the hour.
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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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