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18 Apr, 2024 by Susan c
The most patient, nicest, most professional lawyer you could ever wish for. The best for the best outcome!
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16 Jul, 2023 by Frank rugg
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13 May, 2014 by Chris
Mr Rich is such a nice caring guy. He really listens to what you have to say and cares. He really goes out of his way to help you and he always responds back with no delay! Not like any other lawyers. I'm so glad I found Mr. Rich . I was actually referred to Mr. rich by several other attorneys in the area because I was told he is one fit he top in medical malpractice.
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22 Aug, 2015 by Susan
I have asked Jon Simonson to represent me in both real estate and business matters. He did so quickly, thoroughly, respectfully and at a fee that was very fair. I am very happy to have Jon on my team - highly knowledgable and a man with natural class.
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11 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
I have never met a more professional lawyer in my life. He handled my case, which a previous lawyer was unable to handle, for a quarter of the price. I highly recommend Jon to anyone looking for an attorney. He is a man of class and action. Calling Jon was the best decision I ever made.
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27 Apr, 2020 by Nicholas polydorou
Jack asside from being a thorough lawyer, is a pleasure to deal with. Don't hesitant to contact him if you are in need of an attorney!
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26 Dec, 2019 by Wendy crowell sutherland
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07 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Joe represented me for a residential real estate transaction. He knew all of the players in the Ulster County area and gave me really excellent advice to accomplish a moderately challenging deal. He was true to his word with his fees and has a really nice way about him.
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16 Nov, 2023 by Joseph tocci
I've been dealing with an unusual divorce for about seven years and Diana has been exemplary. She is empathetic, thorough, and worked for the best possible outcome for me. I highly recommend her.
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07 Jun, 2023 by Megan s
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08 Feb, 2023 by Nancy
Diana and her staff took what another attorney made a mess of and restored my faith that there are good people in the legal field. Diana is the expert in divorce law and is also compassionate, fair, reasonable and cares. Yes! She cares. I wish I went to her first.. Would have saved me tons of money and unnecessary stress.
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08 Aug, 2022 by April
I needed a lawyer. My husband had fallen out of bed resulting in a severe concussion and serious short term memory loss. He was also diabetic with oncoming dementia. I needed an estate lawyer. It was one and a half years ago when I was introduced to James Yastion. I was so nervous the day I walked into the office I had no idea what was in store for me to become my husband’s guardian. Now it is my pleasure to write this review. I have only positive words because of the compassion, intelligence, and thoroughness of all tasks James and his staff completed for me. I am so grateful to have met James. I needed to have legal guardianship to manage my husband’s healthcare, nursing home care and our life investments. I needed a lawyer, a serious professional, and with experience. It was James who helped me have guardianship for my husband, to manage our properties, and he has been working hand in hand with another attorney he recommended who managed the Medicaid application successfully for my husband’s nursing home care. In the meantime, there was another issue. There was a substantial inheritance intended for my husband that had been diverted. James was able to apply substantial legal pressure to correct the situation and recover the entire inheritance plus legal fees on top. I am in such capable hands with this law office. Also, I must mention James' paralegal, Jocelyn. She is another legal pro in the office. She is so pleasant and patient, never forgetting any details and always accurate. My best interest is their main concern. To sum it up, initially I had no idea what was needed to process all this legally, filing applications, etc. I could have never done this on my own. James took care of everything necessary for me to be the legal guardian. The lawyers have guided and provided a way for me to continue my work as guardian. Now my life is in order and is doable. Also, to manage my life worries better, I was able to get a will/trust set up, so no matter what I do not have to worry anymore about my family’s inheritance from the estate. All decisions are made intelligently and lovingly. Having had a farming family, this old saying comes to mind. “it’s nice to have all your eggs in one basket.” That is how I feel about this law office. It is a safe place to be. A big Thank You to your office. I am very grateful!
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19 Sep, 2018 by Chris
James has helped my family and my business with several important legal matters. First, he took care of wills and trusts for my wife and I to protect our children. The process was clear, efficient and empowering. Of course no one wants to talk about their own demise, but James made it easy to handle the difficult decisions of who should take care of our minor children if we both passed away. Additionally, James helped us create instructions for how our children should be cared for and protections for the assets we would leave them. For my business James has helped me revise commercial leases that made the terms much more favorable for me in a way the land lords went along with. James provided advice on business contracts that led to much more favorable outcomes. Overall my wife and I find James to be honest, attentive, and efficient. He balances a healthy professional demeanor with compassion and practical advice. He was cognizant of our budget and provided advice and strategies that were within our budgets for the various affairs he helped us with. I recommend James without hesitation.
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15 Nov, 2016 by Roger
This guy sounded good on the phone interview. I thought he could/ would help with my concern. It became apparent very quickly he did not follow my instructions and that he was just milking my retainer fee for all he could get. He was taking care of his interest, not mine. His tune changed after he received my retainer, and after he sent, or said he sent, two useless letters that received no reply from who he sent them to. He could not justify his actions, but rather started suggesting that more money would be needed to continue to do work, only in a different manner than what we agreed upon. A good attorney should know how to approach a case in a direct manner to help with a client's concern. Yastion just did what he could do to take care of his own pocket. Avoid this attorney. Look elsewhere, and be very careful.
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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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