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24 Jun, 2019 by Josef locke klein
Knowledge, fair, reasonable priced.
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01 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
Tom has handles numerous business matters for me over the years. He helped me set up my business and helps me keep things current and compliant. His help in selecting the appropriate business entity has made operation both simple and safe for me personally. I would highly recommend Tom.
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06 Oct, 2008 by James
Tom is a extremely knowledgeable attorney in many different areas of law. I have personally used him for my business, real estate transactions, personal wills and related matters. He also explains things in a language that us non-lawyer types can clearly understand and make us comfortable with. I would recommend him highly to anyone seeking good solid legal advice.
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14 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
I met with Joe to discuss a potential marital decision, and Joe was very Informative and supportive. He talked me through my options and reiterated that his goal is to sustain marriages to the best of his ability. The advice provided by Joe provided him with no compensation, but he was more than willing to devote time to meet with me.
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10 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
In my opinion, Joe's performance was fair. He did not go the "extra mile" with our case.
We had two hearings and Joe was fifteen minutes late to the first hearing, stating that he had printer problems. He requested that we should meet early to discuss the case before the hearing, but he arrived too late for any private time to discuss concerns prior to the hearing. The little amount of time we had left over, Joe spent having a small talk discussion with the GAL (who actually arrived early) about their personal leisure time. Luckily, the court commissioner was running behind that day and the hearing still took place as planned.
Joe was not able to provide answers to questions that I had pertaining to protective services. He offered to try to obtain answers from a friend and to research them. When no specific answers were relayed back to me after I inquired, he said that his friend did not respond and may have been on vacation. Joe was not able to give any detailed answers from the research he said he would provide for me in regard to questions pertaining to the type of protective services that our county could actually provide. This lack of information caused me to change the court requests, which ended up costing more in the end.
Joe also did not have a receptionist, nor did he have an out of office message or greeting to indicate that he was going to be out of the office for a vacation. He did respond back to me after a lapse, letting me know that he had been taking a vacation.
Overall, Joe was polite and did return messages and phone calls to actually work through the guardianship process to the final court date. However, there were times during the process that could have gone smoother with the above written concerns, and a few others.
Recently, I hired another law firm for estate planning. Their team of two lawyers, along with their paralegal was an extremely positive experience and I wish that working with Attorney Hentz could have been as positive.
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25 Sep, 2015 by Kelly schneider robbins
I posted a question on Avvo and doubted that anyone would answer since I didn't pay. Joe answered my question within hours of my asking and gave great advice. I had wanted clarification of the statute and that's what I got--in plain English. Made a very difficult and stressful situation more tolerable.
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28 May, 2024 by Ambrose
Went to this place to get a trust for my properties and he asked me about all my other things I owned and I told him it wasn't worth anything. Long story short I was in his office maybe 3 hours top and it cost $4000 dollars.
Didn't get anything out of it ,stay away from this organization unless you have money to give to someone that doesn't listen to what you want.
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27 Jan, 2010 by Eric
I have had experience with Bill both as a colleague and as a client. He took time out of his busy day to address an urgent estate planning issue of mine providing my family and I with peace of mind during a recent hospitalization. I am impressed by his thorough approach. He is highly qualified in his chosen field of practice and I do not hesitate to refer clients to him.
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22 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Asked if attorney could assistant with various contracts. This person was more interested in the problems with a certain organization which we believe was negligent and abusive and which we believe violated laws which caused great suffering to a relative. He continued to ask questions to attempt to get specific information about the organization. The caller specified this was her "opinion". She would not disclose specific people involved or even the specific organization because this attorney or his assistant was attempting to get information which was really none of his business. Then after explaining a situation at this person's continuous baiting and badgering, the caller asked if he could help with the contracts at all. His response was the caller was too mad about the situation, which was none of his business to begin with, and which he continued talking about to get more and more information out of the caller. So, then he continued again stating something like, "and you won't even tell me what company you are talking about" to which she replied that it was none of his business, and then she hung up on him. This guy seemed to want to know all the information to work against the caller. I find this pretty troubling. Must not have much work going thru the office if that is the way they handle potential clients. Opinion, of course.
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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:
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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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
