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07 Jun, 2023 by James deragon
Over the course of one weekend, I suddenly found both of my elderly parents in the hospital. One of them would need to move into a nursing home almost immediately as the other recovered. Only, I had no clue how to even begin this process. An event like this is emotionally draining, and now, needing to quickly find a nursing home on top of this, was overwhelming. The nursing homes are ready to take patients, eager for them. Bring them on, private pay! Only going to cost you thousands of dollars a month. Easy. When I called Spencer Ghazey-Bates, this is where I was, completely lost and overwhelmed, prepared for my parents to lose a lifetime of gathered assets within the year. After getting off the phone, this all changed. I had a plan of action. I had reassurances from an expert that has done this time and time again for other families. An overall plan was made, steps were given, one at a time, so as not to be overwhelming. I finally could feel like I knew what to do and could start sorting our lives out again while the paperwork was being taken care of by professionals. The nursing home's billing departments are experts at working for themselves. Without professional legal representation, I felt defenseless from their statements and bills. With Spencer, you have an export that works FOR YOU. Over the months of this process, we gracefully landed with my parent in a good nursing home and my parent’s assets intact. Every call, email, and text to Spencer and his team was answered quickly and professionally, and at times, I almost could forget about the furious amounts of paperwork going back and forth in the background. I was able to focus instead on my family. I cannot more highly recommend Spencer-Ghazey-Bates and his team for any elder planning you could need than I already have. If your family is having a crisis, or even just planning for a crisis, this is the team you want in your corner.
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30 Apr, 2023 by Ana caban
Spencer Ghazey-Barts and team were so helpful in analyzing my parent's situation and proposing the course of action. I cannot thank them enough for their generosity and guidance. It will not be forgotten.
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19 Jun, 2021 by Jasper t
Spencer has been kind and patient, also very responsive and professional. Would be my first choice again in the future. Thank you.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Vaughn flichtbeil
I highly recommend working with Alan Verson. He made the process a lot simpler than if I tried to tackle it myself. I felt well represented during the court hearing and am glad with the final outcome.
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21 May, 2024 by Erin murphy
Atty Verson was so supportive, helpful and kind. He treats his clients with the utmost respect and dignity. I highly recommend him with your legal needs.
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24 Feb, 2024 by Jenna sheffield
Alan is incredibly knowledgeable and responsive. Had a great experience with him and highly recommend him!
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25 Apr, 2024 by Amber
Charles is an excellent attorney and a man of great integrity, honesty, and kindness. He is amazing at his job and has helped countless people like me who needed legal help. Charles is a very understanding lawyer who listens and cares about people. He was able to get my civil case dismissed and was extremely efficient. I am so grateful I found his practice he Is a family man, and a caring human being. I greatly recommend his legal services. Charles also inspired me as a person, he is extremely positive and very reliable.
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01 Sep, 2022 by Mustafa
Mr. Maguire is truly spectacular at what he does. When I was facing an underage OUI case I was scared stiff, but he was able to calmly look at the facts of the case and handle it with efficiency. Whenever I wanted an update on what was happening or if I needed to make an appearance, he was able to accommodate me and give me heads up. He turned what was essentially a life altering charge into a situation that I could handle and afford.
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12 May, 2022 by Cp
Charlie was extraordinarily helpful in my case. He has such a great relationship with everyone in the courthouse and everyone knows him by name. He was honest and upfront about the whole experience. He was nothing like you expect a lawyer to be and I mean that in the best way. He was trustworthy and would recommend him to anyone.
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07 Jun, 2023 by James deragon
Over the course of one weekend, I suddenly found both of my elderly parents in the hospital. One of them would need to move into a nursing home almost immediately as the other recovered. Only, I had no clue how to even begin this process. An event like this is emotionally draining, and now, needing to quickly find a nursing home on top of this, was overwhelming. The nursing homes are ready to take patients, eager for them. Bring them on, private pay! Only going to cost you thousands of dollars a month. Easy. When I called Spencer Ghazey-Bates, this is where I was, completely lost and overwhelmed, prepared for my parents to lose a lifetime of gathered assets within the year. After getting off the phone, this all changed. I had a plan of action. I had reassurances from an expert that has done this time and time again for other families. An overall plan was made, steps were given, one at a time, so as not to be overwhelming. I finally could feel like I knew what to do and could start sorting our lives out again while the paperwork was being taken care of by professionals. The nursing home's billing departments are experts at working for themselves. Without professional legal representation, I felt defenseless from their statements and bills. With Spencer, you have an export that works FOR YOU. Over the months of this process, we gracefully landed with my parent in a good nursing home and my parent’s assets intact. Every call, email, and text to Spencer and his team was answered quickly and professionally, and at times, I almost could forget about the furious amounts of paperwork going back and forth in the background. I was able to focus instead on my family. I cannot more highly recommend Spencer-Ghazey-Bates and his team for any elder planning you could need than I already have. If your family is having a crisis, or even just planning for a crisis, this is the team you want in your corner.
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30 Apr, 2023 by Ana caban
Spencer Ghazey-Barts and team were so helpful in analyzing my parent's situation and proposing the course of action. I cannot thank them enough for their generosity and guidance. It will not be forgotten.
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19 Jun, 2021 by Jasper t
Spencer has been kind and patient, also very responsive and professional. Would be my first choice again in the future. Thank you.
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26 Jul, 2021 by Llama
David Bloomberg has guided our family through our first home purchase, refinance, home sale and second home purchase. He is detailed and clear in all of his work, and truly connects with our family to ensure that our priorities are central to his work.
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27 Jan, 2021 by Shaul
As a developer and contractor, we sought sophisticated legal counsel with vast real estate, land use, banking and commercial transactions experience. We also sought someone with skill in collaborative and collegial negotiation. We were lucky to find that in Attorney David Bloomberg. We have been working with him, and the other fine attorneys and staff at Fierst Blomberg and Ohm LLP, including Attorney Nicolas Grimaldi, for some years, and have developed great trust and comfort working through many closings and business deals. We were able to keep our tight schedules (even through the pandemic). It's a testament to David that we find him to also be highly regarded by other lawyers, bankers, real estate professionals, government officials and within the local community. David is honest, straight forward, and a deal maker.
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22 Jan, 2021 by Hilary
David Bloomberg is smart, thoughtful, responsive, organized and a pleasure to work with! I both sold a house and bought a house using David, and will seek him out again when I next need legal help. I appreciate the work he has done for the community and enjoyed working and talking with him.
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17 Mar, 2015 by Kelli and chris
I cannot express how fortunate my husband and I are to have worked with Jon on the purchase and sale of our homes. He educated and guided us throughout the entire process which made things much smoother and kept us informed every step of the way. There were many, many issues that came up over the sale of our condo and purchase of our new property (none were his fault) and Jonathan handled everything perfectly. He is trustworthy, shows great integrity and is on your side. He is very accessible, always returns your calls and emails even the frantic ones on the weekends. I cannot say enough about him. Having worked with other attorneys on different properties, I have come to realize how important having the right team can be when it comes to real estate. I highly doubt we would have been able to overcome the obstacles we faced if it had been left in the hands of another attorney. Another thing that really impressed me was how he kept everyone in the loop; he worked extremely well with our realtor, our buyers and sellers realtors and the other attorneys; always keeping the lines of communication open and the process moving forward. He is diligent and fights for you as his client. He always made it seem like we were his top priority and most important client which was refreshing because it showed he truly cares about your transaction and values you as a client. If you’re a realtor, mortgage lender, buyer or seller you need Jonathan Breton on your team, I would highly recommend working with him. You do not realize the importance and impact a great attorney can make until you’ve made the mistake of using a bad one. Let me save you the aggravation, hire Jon.
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13 Nov, 2014 by Phill
Attorney Miranda represented our neighborhood group (of over 40 people) in a recent disagreement with our Town Planning Board. Attorney Miranda was very supportive. Although many personalities involved, Attorney Miranda was able to work through the issues, resulting in a positive conclusion. Attorney Miranda's approach to business is calm, detailed, and always positive-- A pleasure to work with A great advocate to have "on your side" !
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27 Aug, 2024 by Ea o'neill
Jesse is a very skilled criminal defense lawyer and he provided me with responsive, compassionate, thorough and overall excellent service. He helped me navigate the unfamiliar court process and for us to go on and receive an excellent result.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Brady sunter
Jesse is the guy you want in your corner
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03 Jul, 2024 by Jared phelps
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01 Apr, 2024 by Sarah christiansen
Peter and Beth were incredibly helpful handling the closing of our home after we had moved out of state. Highly recommend!
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12 Dec, 2023 by Caroline costello
Incredible practice! Peter and team were so helpful with explaining the real estate closing process and walked us through all of the steps with kindness and support. Thank you all!
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21 Nov, 2023 by Eve jenkins
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22 Feb, 2024 by Birdie birdie
If in need of legal representation don't bother looking any further than this law firm. What they offer for services you're not gonna find and you're treated with respect. They are thorough.
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22 Feb, 2024 by Deb boivin
Atty Estes was great to work with. Walked us through the steps and gave great advice. Will definitely call him again if we need him in the future.
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17 May, 2022 by Dave robison
Atty McNally and his staff (Jessica) are efficient and client oriented. They have gone beyond to complete a project for us.
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30 Jan, 2024 by Madison picard
We had a great experience with the lawyers, paralegals and staff at Fierst Bloomberg Ohm LLP. Nicholas Grimaldi and Mary Anne helped us with a real estate closing and they were incredibly kind and helpful throughout the entire process!
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21 Feb, 2022 by Georgianna brunton
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21 Jan, 2022 by Mark dean
Nick Grimaldi is extremely detail and results oriented and has been of great assistance to many contract issues in my residential and commercial rental business. Nick is quick to respond to my calls, and tailors solutions perfectly to the size and scope of the presenting issue. I recommend him without reservation.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Todd parker
On 23 July 2024 Luke Ryan stated that hundreds of thousands of deaths occure every year at the hands of police. This is an absolute lie and is inflammatory. I agree that unarmed deaths should never happen, but to lie about the number by hundreds of thousands is disgusting. Please don't lie about the facts!!!!!
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28 Jun, 2023 by Jonathon wintle
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12 May, 2023 by Gabriella deluca
Never got back to us
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06 Dec, 2022 by Melissa house
I was the victim in a taxi cab ride accident. I certainly was hurt and suffered permenant damage both physically as well as emotionally/psychologically. This firm was recommended to me by a neighbor who said they were excellent with handling accident claims and had represented a tenant who used to live in the complex, they helped her successfully. I dealt with Attorney Aleo. He did absolutely nothing!! I was told to comply when that insurance company was just out to cover their guilty rears. They forced me to go to a quack practitioner "specialist" that favored the insurance company, for the purpose of hurting my strong case. This shameless specialist whom I don't recall was in Westfield and is affiliated with Dr. O'Connell in Northampton, King Quack!!!! Lawyer Aleo did nothing and put zero effort in, resulting in NOT A PENNY because "Mass Health has you covered", no they did not!! Even so, when an accident like this occurs, there is accountability to be had and severe trauma. Plenty of people are insured, that doesn't replace needing to take legal action and suing on someone's behalf. He in fact helped their insurance company weasel out of paying by making me go to their chosen con-man who would favor them by lying and claiming there was nothing wrong. You don't take a hit like that and suffer a concussion for "nothing to have occured & nothing is wrong". I continued to suffer for years and that has not changed. The fact that I suffered concussion and force that literally jolted my teeth along with other various injury and psychological trauma of fear of riding in cars or driving, other injuries, has cost my life immensely and that he felt that was worth ZERO leaves the fault and blame on him. That wasn't right nor fair. I wasn't out to get rich but I was due compensation. My glasses were broken and my neck never recovered and in fact has worsened. I never got to see a dentist. He's in cahoots with the insurance industry & establishment that want to see to it those who suffer don't get what they're fairly due. Lazy lawyer!!!! Out for their interest and NOT yours. AVOID AVOID AVOID!! They are only interested in catastrophic cases they see easy millions in. If that isn't you, you're better off not contacting this place and finding a lawyer who will value what you experienced and get you rightful compensation but these lawyers will ruin your case. So if you think there is no harm in trying, think again. This Aleo was looking out for the evil insurer, NOT me the victim. Stay away and spread the word. There are better lawyers out there!!
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30 May, 2022 by Elizabeth simpson
Consummate professionals.
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30 May, 2022 by James balicki
Experienced. Professional. Effective. This firm is the best around. I highly recommend them.
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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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