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08 Oct, 2019 by Kerry
Don has represented us on both personal and business matters. He has aided us in collecting money owed, land disputes and planning of our estate. Don is always available and willing take calls at all hours when needed. There is no other attorney in the State of Michigan, for business matters, better than Don Molosky. Hire Don and you will not be disappointed.
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08 Oct, 2019 by Debi
Don has been there for us personally (trusts for our family), riparian rights (for our water property), and most recently, a very large payable owed to our company! He doesn’t back down and his communication and follow through are unlike anything or anybody I’ve ever done business with, in all our years of business! He gets every job done in a thorough, professional manner! Best of the best, for sure!!
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03 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
We recently watched a case where Prosecuting Attorney, Allen Telgenhof presented the evidence in such a way that there was no doubt of guilt. His expertise in cross examination and questioning was professional and gave the victims confidence they had excellent representation. Layering every witness and recorded police interviews, the jury could clearly see truth. An excellent attorney.
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21 Feb, 2012 by Mari-beth
Allen Telgenhof is a smart, responsible, ethical, professional who works hard to get the job done. I very highly recommend his services. Because I live near Chicago, finding a lawyer in Charlevoix, Michigan to handle my long distance divorce case, initially, seemed like a daunting task. Allen Telgenhof was recommended as “a really good guy who you will be able to trust”. After phone interviewing several lawyers¸ and then making the trip north to choose one, I retained Allen. Both on the phone, and in person, he was very easy to talk to and came across as smart, hardworking, trustworthy, and understanding. During my divorce, he accurately assessed my needs and worked diligently to make sure my best interests were met. He was kind and understanding, and kept me well informed during the entire process. He was patient in addressing my concerns and in answering my many questions pertaining to issues that were difficult for me to understand. At one point, he advised me to not go in a certain direction, as it would not have been cost effective for me, even though he could have made more money. During mediation, he had a plan and worked aggressively to successfully secure my best interest . In retrospect, I believe it was Divine Providence that led me to Allen Telgenhof. At the time, I was absolutely terrified and didn’t have a clue as to how to proceed. Because of his handling of my case, I am finally able to move forward with security and peace of mind. And, for most in the throes of divorce, security and peace of mind feel forever gone. Allen Telgenhof restored that for me. I am truly grateful. Thank you, Allen.
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11 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
Mellisa Reilly took over my case at a pivotal time, and I could not have asked for a better advocate. She worked tirelessly to make sure that she understood every element of my case. She listened to my concerns, and answered every question quickly, thoroughly and patiently. I felt that she was deeply invested in achieving a positive outcome in my custody case, and she supported me throughout every difficult aspect of the divorce process. She is an excellent attorney--knowledgeable, hard working, professional. The support that I received from her and from Wilson Kester (especially paralegal Krista) was outstanding.
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11 Aug, 2024 by Vicky rogers
Amy Stikovich is a great, intelligent and kind lawyer. She has helped me so much this last year when my life has been at its lowest. And she has turned out to be a good friend.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Abby scott
i have been working with Amy Stikovich for nearly 3 years. In that time she has taken time out of weekend and vacations to anser my questions. She is nearly always available, and when she isn't she is quick to respond. Not only would I recommend her and the whole firm to my friends, I already have. Amy is professional while also keeping her heart present. My journey has been long, but Amy has walked with me every step of the way.
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01 Apr, 2024 by True north group
Amy has provided the legal services for us for over 7 years. She is very knowledgeable and acts quickly regarding all matters.
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09 Jun, 2016 by Julie laethem kosloskey
I have had the pleasure of serving with Bridget for many years on a volunteer board for a financial institution and know her to be the epitome of professionalism. Bridget is smart, experienced, and highly ethical. So, when I needed legal help navigating a very delicate family matter, I immediately thought of Bridget. Her advice was excellent and the outcome better than I had imagined. I am happy to have an attorney I can trust and who I know would be there for me again, if necessary.
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01 Apr, 2016 by Joni
Ms Brown Powers has assisted me through two very difficult family scenarios over the past few years. She always treats me with the utmost respect and truly cares about us and what we are/were going through. She is very knowledgeable and extremely ethical. She always has made me feel at ease and assisted me in a very timely manner. I would highly recommend her to anyone!
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20 Mar, 2016 by Catherine
Ms. Brown Powers reviewed a business partnership offer. She offered advice regarding the terms of the offer, and gave me suggestions for financial information I should request to have reviewed by a CPA. Her response was timely, professional, and extremely helpful.
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20 Jul, 2024 by Nikkib
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01 Mar, 2024 by Dave hansen
I have used Eddie Spencer three times throughout the years and have been very pleased with the results. He is a very good attorney and very knowledgeable in laws and legal matters. He was also very fair with his rates compared to other attorneys. I would hire him again and strongly recommend him to others!
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29 Jan, 2024 by T r
Do not use him he's not your friend.. just like the police are not your friend . I thought it was pretty strange that he wanted to go to my bank and get paid before he even had all the information about my case and I had anxiety going through the roof and felt I would be getting Justice and I was wrong A simple case of first amendment rights and he'll get you to plea instead of fighting for you. He keeps the police and the prosecutors very happy.
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26 Jan, 2024 by Jason coutcher
Jack Does a great job. I've been very impressed with his knowledge, experience, follow up, and follow through.
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28 Dec, 2023 by Daniel smith
Not good!
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04 Dec, 2014 by Laura
I consulted with Martin McReynolds about my family's mineral interests and he was very helpful. He took all the time we needed and explained everything very well. I recommend him wholeheartedly. He and his father, Michael, are very honest and trustworthy.
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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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