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01 Jun, 2023 by Reed
I retained Ms. Clapper for a custody/divorce case and tasked her with the unenviable chore of attempting to get myself, the father of the child, primary guardianship. She was successful in this endeavor and I was granted all that I asked for. HIGHLY recommend.
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15 Jan, 2025 by Yabo liu
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06 Jan, 2025 by Seeinside youre
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02 Jan, 2025 by Epic gamer
The office initially gave me the wrong time for a court appearance (very crucial) due to their computer calendar having the wrong time zone on it. Thankfully I caught it the day before, it could have been a disaster for me. Then they billed me for a large amount that I already paid and they had to remove it. Overall not very impressed Mr. Pritchard. Then the lawyer that handled my case was often not aware of the details, he was a smart guy but obviously indifferent to the situation and did not prepare me for the stand either which was a shock. Your firm seems to deal in volume and focus on revenue despite your fancy ads and marketing. It was ok overall but they have a great deal of room for improvement. Good luck in your legal issues, most are just out to get paid.
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08 Nov, 2023 by Douglas
Hired Chet to represent me in in a family law matter. My case changed once I received the pleadings. After getting the pleadings, Chet agreed to represent me at an additional cost. I PAID, The week before the hearing I was ghosted him and his firm. My call was accidently picked up, but I was quickly hung up on. The night before the hearing he filed a motion (without my knowledge) causing a delay in the outcome. Chet was utterly un-prepared for the hearing. (Something a 30 minute call would have prevented). When it came time to finish his work, he withdrew. If you are looking for a (-D) Attorney Hire Chet.
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20 Apr, 2022 by Anthony
I have not encountered many lawyers in my life, but I would say that Chet Southworth, J.D., is the best one, by far, among those I have met. My case took over two years to complete, and Dr. Southworth represented me in this case from start to finish. Dr. Southworth diligently reviewed the available evidence presented to him by me and the opposing party in my case. He did his due diligence in knowing me as a client and empathized with my case and my situation. Chet was very organized, and he presented the available evidence to me clearly and concisely. He conscientiously answered all of my correspondence and followed up with my text messages. Dr. Southworth was a true professional who got the job done while making me feel like one of his most valuable clients. His tenacity and attention to detail resulted in our win in the district court and the continued pursuit of my JP case without further hindrance. I highly recommend Dr. Southworth for your legal matter needs. You will not be disappointed!
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16 Feb, 2019 by Susan
Chet and the staff communicated with me throughout the divorce process, explained every possible outcome and advised me on the best course of action. Not only did he gets my divorce finalized in under 60 days, but he also got me everything that I was asking for I would recommend him to anyone looking for a great attorney.
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18 Nov, 2024 by Michelle s
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15 Nov, 2024 by Anthony rodriguez
Complete waste of money and time! Spent 6+ months and almost $2000 for Ashley Clapper to do nothing. Most of the charges accrued were for time she spent talking to her paralegal which I can only assume was about all the messages I was leaving with her desk because she is never available. When I asked for copies of everything that had been done on my case, it turned out a total of like 3 emails were sent and that was it. One of which I wrote myself and she just had to forward to the other party. When I called again to explain my frustrations with how things were going and to fire this law firm, the assistant said “okay, I’ll let her know” and that was it. They never called, never emailed, and didn’t care to fix the issue which falls in line with how they have been the whole time. Wouldn’t recommend hiring these people for anything unless you have no intention of moving forward.
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22 Jul, 2024 by Sandrae band
If you ever have a need for quality representation, the law firm of Corbin, Stapler and Clapper MUST be your first choice. I was going through an extremely difficult divorce when a friend of mine introduced me to Ms Wheeler. From our first introduction I knew she had my best interest. Her steadfast leadership and commitment were both important in the outcome of my case. I was able to get everything I requested. It is very common to believe that the court system favors the female in a divorce. However, with Ms Wheeler on your side anything is possible. Tina her legal assistance was amazing throughout the process. They are always one step ahead of the opposing counsel. Prices are great and they are always willing to work with you. I wholeheartedly recommend this law firm to everyone who desire quality service.
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01 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
If you are any type of contractor please don't waste your time with this firm , especially if you are an overseas contractor , they didn't even try to fight the fact that my ex wanted spousal support and Corbin himself told me I made enough money I can afford it !!!!! I should have got another lawyer at that point.
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07 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
I sadly did not. Overpriced incompetent and in general useless. The staff is pleasant enough but many young and inexperienced and I bet that is to save on the salaries. That is most positive thing I can say. They are horrible at keeping you up to date on your case or returning any phone call. They will draw a case out as long as they can, billing you all the while, by only responding to the opposition attorney The senior partner is more concerned withe his political activities and his retirement than managing or supervising any case. He makes a big deal about his military service and how much he military helps out when in fact the only 6 he has is his wallet. You would be better off representing yourself.
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14 Oct, 2014 by Adam
Do not hire this firm. This firm was suppose to take care of a criminal case that i was no billed for as well as two civil cases. Once they had my money (for all matters) i could not get a call back and was not informed of anything ever. When I let them know i was unhappy with the fact that he paid closer attention to my facebook account than my case (which is absolutely true) and the fact that it took him six months to get me an answer from the DA on an expunction when all he had to do was pick up the phone but couldnt bc he had smarted off to them the time bf, he raised his voice and cursed at me, also calling me names. He then took out all of my money from another retainer i paid for another civil matter and withdrew. I will definitely be reporting this unethical behavior to the bar with the help of another attorney.
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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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