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14 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
Catherine was wonderful to work with. She knew the ins and outs of our case.
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22 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
I first used Mr A. ANGELO DI'MILLO when I was 18, I am now 29 and have been through a lot, both criminally, and with family issues. I got in quite the mess of trouble in 2008 with a total of 8 felony charges, and 14 misdemeanors, 3 separate instances(dockets), 2 different local police agencies (city, and county). Upon first meeting Angelo I immediately new this guy meant business, he was very thorough, slick, and professional. Immediately I knew I could trust him and wanted his representation. With the amount of charges I had, not many lawyers are even willing to try to tackle such a case. Angelo was there for me from start to finish, he was able to combine everything into one case, pleading to one 'E' felony, and the diversion program, Mr DiMillo saved my freedom, and therefore my life. I will never think of hiring any other lawyer. In 2012, I was blessed with the most important thing in my life, my son. This year, 2014, his mother and I split up. I had to fight for my son, so I went to Angelo, the result.... I am now sitting with the most important person in my life, the person that taught me what love really is, my son. Angelo DiMillo is the absolute best lawyer in Lockport, NY and wny. In my eyes, he's the best in the world. I am forever grateful. From criminal defense, to family law and everything in between, Mr DiMillo is the best, and trust me I've seen a lot come through the court rooms, and stand in front of a very tough judge.
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18 Jan, 2016 by Douglas
I'm having issues with a new tenant that moved in from Arizona I was happy for them at first because it was my downstairs neighbor daughter and husband one day I asked them not to use anything on my side of the garage and he came running out to me as I was getting the mail and using vulgarity and flipping me off he got in my face and then lifted his jacket I seen something and then he push me and I'm disabled so I gave them a little shop back grabs his shirt and just held my hand on his neck and held him down didn't put them on the ground and nothing and I asked him if he was done he said yes and walked away I called the police and press charges against him the landlord is not doing his job and telling him about what's going on I've been here for almost 8 years it's a four unit apartment building right now I'm waiting for the place to send me a letter because I wanted an order of protection against him because he's purposely slamming doors making it rough for me to even go downstairs and wash my clothes and yes he did have a handgun that he brought from Arizona to New York the police did take the gun and all they've been doing is lying about the situation to the landlord I am very very afraid for my health because any other sudden push could basically snap my back and I'd be paralyzed its been 2 weeks since the incident and my neck my left arm are still numb because it pinched a nerve in my neck my sciatica I need to know if there's anything that I could do because I really don't want to move and the landlord doesn't want me to move because I've been here so long and I'm a good tenant Plus I've been taking care of her father that is downstairs below me 93 years old he fought in World War 2 he can barely walk so I've been washing his feet and legs and cutting his toenails shopping for him and taking him to the doctor when you can't drive Plus the tenant was told not to go in my mailbox at all I have a mind Video camcorder of him first flipping me off which he didn't know I had a camcorder going and then he went to the four mailboxes he told the landlord that he was only going to go in the middle to well I got him again going to all the mailboxes again I need to know what to do and how to proceed I have no charges against me from him but I have a feeling I need to protect myself so if you can get back to me and let me know what to do with the sheriff's department and with the video I had to have my email stopped from being delivered have to pick it up every six days at the post office thank you very much Douglas Lozina
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14 Oct, 2023 by Mary beslian
Anthony Serianni facilitated our landlord/tenant dispute in Erie county court. We can't thank him enough for his patience and understanding. So happy we depended on his expertise. John and Mary Beslian
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10 Oct, 2022 by Jo ann ficarra
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02 May, 2021 by Cupcake holes
Excellent service
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03 Sep, 2024 by Alicia vanderwalker
Worked with this law firm to buy property in March. It has been over 5 months and we still do not have the deed to our property. We called multiple times with no return phone call and went into the office 2 times to be told they don’t have it but not to worry they have a photo copy. The county says it was sent to their office months ago.
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07 Aug, 2024 by The kennedy real estate team
Walter Moxham and his staff are always available to my clients and my team. His office is always one of our recommendations to the buyers and sellers we work with.
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17 Jun, 2024 by Donald robinson
Always thoroughly efficient and effective for decades. Pretty decent at Pickleball
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03 Sep, 2024 by Alicia vanderwalker
Worked with this law firm to buy property in March. It has been over 5 months and we still do not have the deed to our property. We called multiple times with no return phone call and went into the office 2 times to be told they don’t have it but not to worry they have a photo copy. The county says it was sent to their office months ago.
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07 Aug, 2024 by The kennedy real estate team
Walter Moxham and his staff are always available to my clients and my team. His office is always one of our recommendations to the buyers and sellers we work with.
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17 Jun, 2024 by Donald robinson
Always thoroughly efficient and effective for decades. Pretty decent at Pickleball
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10 Sep, 2022 by David fisher
Good legal support.
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07 Sep, 2022 by Paul bruning
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10 Jun, 2024 by Mary stidham
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01 May, 2024 by Alexa a
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30 Oct, 2023 by Tamara pessah (omom)
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06 Feb, 2017 by Sam
Hired Mr. Vona to handle multiple real estate closing (2 residential & 1 commercial). Always kept me informed and all 3 closed on time. Also used for multiple promissory notes. Mr. Vona always gave great advice which really helped when it mattered most. Would I recommend him? Absolutely!
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01 Apr, 2015 by James
I retained andrew Vona for a divorce, it was extremely hard to get ahold of him it seems as though he had to many clients to get back to me in a timely manner (a week). andrew was asked on several occasions to call witnesses that could of been important parts of my case and he did not. Early on in my case my soon to be ex wife' s boyfriend called andrew and told andrew that he was dating my wife, andrew told me about it because andrew's response was "he was a client of mine, I handled his divorce" meaning my wife's boyfriend, I then asked if it would be a conflict for andrew and if he hangs out with this guy or knows him outside of the previous divorce, Andrews response "No". As my case continued and there was a chance I was going to need an order of protection for my kids and I from this guy andrew continued to rack up my fees and then the day before one of my court dates that was crucial to custody of my three children andrew resigned because he said "it was a conflict of interest to put a order of protection on his client meaning my wife's boyfriend.
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28 Mar, 2023 by Van
Total incompetence and lack of professionalism. Go elsewhere. I have found that the Lockport area is stocked with many much more qualified lawyers. Shop around,I can only now regret I choose this outfit
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08 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
This firm has been the most unprofessional, incompetent company I've ever worked with. It would take days to return phone calls or emails if they returned them at all. I was left at closing with no access to my funds which they were supposed to have available from my sale. I had to do the work I hired Pat George to do and at the end she still charged me over $1600 to close ONE real estate deal. STAY AWAY! This firm is out for your money and seems to not understand the basics of closing a real estate deal.
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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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