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08 Sep, 2021 by Heidi
I called with questions on a property transaction in another state and he was glad to answer my questions over the phone as a courtesy. I will call him for my future needs
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09 Mar, 2021 by Candy
I spoke with Jon for over 30 min regarding a tenant that I need to evict. He was very informative and advised me as if I were an old friend. He didn't take my money, but did give me excellent advice!
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14 Jun, 2017 by Haley
I recently contacted Jon asking for legal advice and although it wasn't in his directed field of law, the information given was extremely helpful. It just goes to show how well rounded he is. His response was also very fast.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
If I could give zero stars I would! I received a frivolous, baseless and retaliatory "NOTICE TO QUIT" from Colin. He insisted that I vacate the premise by August 31st. Why? He claimed that I have failed to agree to a proposed rent increase which simply was not true. And falsely claimed that I have only been paying the prior rental rate of $425 when in fact the prior rental for lot rent I have in fact been paying has been $420 from Jan 2023 through December 2023. Not the $425 as he falsely claimed. I feel he falsified legal documents and willfully fabricated all of this just to give the illusion that I have not agreed to a rent increase when in fact I have. Claiming I have ONLY been paying the prior rental of $425 when in fact the prior rental I have paid was $420 gives that illusion. His client wanted to raise me to $441. But also offered to work out a rent solution to anyone having difficulties keeping up with the lot rent. I previously reached out to his client 3 times to work out a solution and his client ignored me. So I made a very good faith effort to pay an increase and sent in an extra $5.00 per month over the previous year which was the per-pandemic rental increase. His client made zero effort to work out the solution he originally offered to make. And 7 months, he decides he is unhappy with the increase I am paying him? There simply is no justification to send a "NOTICE TO QUIT" over this. I feel this is simply a “Smoke and mirrors” tactic by him to try and have me evicted under false pretenses. Claiming I am ONLY paying the prior rental rate when in fact I have been paying more. And he knows this. The “NOTICE TO QUIT” in Connecticut should not include the names of minor children. This is because the law prohibits landlords from serving a notice to quit on a minor under 18. His client was very well aware that I have a minor child. An innocent, sweet, loving, caring 10 year old autistic child. And to make matters worse, he decided to hit below the belt and include his full name in this eviction. I believe this was done solely and purposely for no reason other than to harass, intimidate and attack my child. And to add insult to injury, he even highlighted my minor child’s name! As an Attorney, he should know children are off limits! And to leave the children out of this and leave them alone! This “NOTICE TO QUITE” I truly believe was based solely on retaliation and revenge for taking his client to court prior in which his client lost the case. Colin was not the attorney on the case at that time but he works close with his client. This was inexcusable. My child is only 10! This will result in legal action against him, possibly for many years to come. For starters, I will file a grievance complaint. I DO NOT recommend this attorney to anyone.
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21 Apr, 2023 by James halleran
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01 Feb, 2023 by Robert zeranski
My wife and I were very satisfied with Brian Mahon and his office staff. We are a returning client and this is the second time that we have used his services. Brian is friendly, but also professional. For each of our meetings he was totally prepared. He answered all of our questions. His prices are reasonable. If we ever need his services again we will not hesitate to do so. He has our recommendations!
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21 Apr, 2023 by James halleran
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01 Feb, 2023 by Robert zeranski
My wife and I were very satisfied with Brian Mahon and his office staff. We are a returning client and this is the second time that we have used his services. Brian is friendly, but also professional. For each of our meetings he was totally prepared. He answered all of our questions. His prices are reasonable. If we ever need his services again we will not hesitate to do so. He has our recommendations!
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15 Nov, 2022 by Russell v charest
Hi, I am very pleased with legal council from Colin Mahon*****. Russ Charest
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26 Sep, 2014 by Patricia
There are so many lawyers out there and letting your fingers do the walking through the yellow pages doesn't always guarantee you the best. Thank goodness our regular attorney took a trip so Brian filled in. Our whole case changed. Brian was knowledgeable and quick. He guided us through the court maze and from the start was well informed and understood our case. His quick success helped us to get on with our lives. Boy were we lucky.....
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09 May, 2013 by Sara
I met Atty. Ladouceur at a networking event around 2007-2008. Within a week of that meeting, my company had need of a good contract attorney to draft a standard service contract that could cover a custom product and its installation. He was prompt, courteous, and very capable, producing the contract in less time than expected. In 2010, I joined a family to start a brand new business enterprise (really a multriprise, as it consists of several interconnected businesses). The family is the outright owner of the property and holds full possession of the business. I retained Atty. Ladouceur to produce a very streamlined employment contract to ensure I got full sweat equity for building the business, as I am performing 80% or more of all necessary actions (operations, vendor management, facilities maintenance, data management, etc.). Because I am am close friends with the family, having known them many years, they were very reluctant to sign anything (their rationale was that they think of me as their child, so why should they have to have a legal document?) and so we had to work the document down to a manageable length and simplified language. It took more than a year of three-way wrangling, with Atty. Ladouceur pushing to get me as covered as possible. In the end, they signed off, and I am now well-covered. If in future I need a lawyer, I will happily return to him.
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18 Mar, 2013 by Arthur
I used Brian's services to help me with the writing of a will and professional advice on estate planning issues. Brian was very thorough, and was particulary patient in his explanations of estate law to me, a person with no legal background or klnowledge. I would enthusiastically recommend Brian to friends, family, or colleagues.
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16 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
Mr. Cheerman represented me on a real estate matter. I do not feel that he had my best interests at heart, and should have been able to resolve my problem in a more satisfactory manner. I feel did not not pay close enough attention to my verifiable facts, and was too accepting of the other parties claims, to my detriment.
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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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