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02 Apr, 2024 by Todd andrews
I have known John for many years as a fellow attorney. He gives excellent legal advice in the area of employment law. I highly recommend him.
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29 Feb, 2024 by Ann hotz
John Holden did a very thorough review and revision of our preschool's employee handbook. He was extremely attentive to our needs. I highly recommend Holden Law Firm's services.
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29 Feb, 2024 by Jen turner
John is a trustworthy advisor on employment matters and a great person to have on your team. He understands the employee life cycle and gives sound guidance for navigating difficult situations. I highly recommend Holden Law Firm PLLC.
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15 Dec, 2022 by Benjamin osa
We created wills and trusts with the help of Ms. Austin. We didn't know the process so she was immense help explaining the process, what was typical, suggested routes to take, and how to think of the cause and effect of one's actions in estate planning. In the end, we feel happy with how things are situated if the unexpected should occur to us and working with her got us that piece of mind. Highly suggest using her for estate planning.
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12 Dec, 2022 by Cheryl brodman
I will continue to work with Marjorie on my living will and medical directives. She is very knowledgeable and explains all very well. She made the process very easy to navigate and I know that I’ll be updating my documents in the future with her. Thank you Marjorie for all of your help. Blessings to you in 2023. .
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06 Dec, 2022 by Kristine odegaard
M J Austin is a great attorney to work with! She immediately puts you at ease, is very responsive and explains the legal process in an easy to understand manner.
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07 Jul, 2022 by Steven j brown
Love these guys!
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18 Apr, 2022 by Luke ellingson
The best. He has helped myself and countless men & women through divorce. Highly recommended, worth every penny. I learned alot about life in the process of him representing me through my divorce. My ex-wife and I are in much better places now and get along/ co-parent very well. We have joint custody.
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07 Mar, 2022 by Stephanie escobar-guerra
My family member was quite literally saved because of Ryan and Cynthia. Their team was quick and resilient. I had a unique situation that involved cross-states and custody of a minor. I called at least 50 different lawyers in these two states who all ended up referring me to someone else or just plain didn't know how to handle my case. When I contacted Ryan Shmisek he took charge right away and was readily prepared for multiple outcomes for this case. He and his team maintained open-communication and answered all my questions when they came up which I really appreciated in such a complex/sensitive situation. He was extremely considerate and mindful during the whole process. I am forever grateful to them and highly recommend reaching out to them.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Brian jacobs
Amanda is exceptionally competent. Exceptionally. She was extremely efficient, well organized, responsive, and just fantastic to work with. I happened on Maenner Minnich thru a google search and consider myself incredibly lucky that they are who I found and decided to go with.
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15 Jan, 2024 by Josh ganote
When I reached out to Kerry’s office over a year ago, she was very empathetic, understanding and generous with her time. I feel a lot of lawyers don’t sound very sincere, and often aren’t relatable. She was very easy to talk to, got straight to the point and gave down to earth and sensible but effective solutions. I won’t go to any other attorney for my needs.
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06 Dec, 2023 by Patricia peterson
I highly recommend this amazing legal team. Their knowledge and experience will serve you well. The entire firm went above and beyond when working my case. I appreciate their caring demeanor and patience while working such an emotional and personal event in my life. I felt completely represented and supported. Special thanks to Amanda, Bailey, Kenzie and Luca.
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18 Nov, 2020 by Tony kamp
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22 May, 2019 by Mark s
Bill has handled several legal issue for my companies over the years. He has a wide range of legal knowledge and valuable opinions on a variety of issues. For us he handled real estate contracts, setting up our LLC, and advice on protecting our invention.
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29 Dec, 2017 by Nicole a
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17 Feb, 2024 by Laura
Mr. Hall chose excessive and ineffective litigation in lieu of pragmatic negations. I had to substitute counsel in the midst of a trust dispute. Mr. Chapin took a case to trial without obtaining all the evidence regarding the trust. Mr. Hall seemed unprofessional at the hearing and I was embarrassed by his actions. Immediately after the first hearing, Mr. Hall began excessive and expensive preparations for another hearing, even though the situation had not changed, I requested he pause work, and at the rate he was working, my return on investment significantly decreased as the trust was not very large. Mr. Hall did not add the other beneficiaries to the complaint, saying whatever I received the other beneficiaries would also receive. This was false as I cannot negotiate for another person. He also contradicted himself both on the phone and in writings to the court. As I mentioned, I had to substitute council before the 2nd court proceeding, and even that was difficult since Mr. Hall had submitted so many writings to the court some lawyers would not take the case.
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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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