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26 Apr, 2010 by Melissa s.
Mr. Cumberland has represented my family for many years. When my husband passed suddenly, Mr. Cumberland and his staff were very responsive and supportive, holding my hand through matters I couldn't comprehend at the time. Without his expertise in the law, and his mannerisms, I could not have made it through such a difficult time, and been able to maintain my dignity. I will always be indebted to him. Mr. Cumberland has helped my family with many different areas of law: Estate Planning, DWI/DUI, Wills/Living Wills, Power of Attorney, Litigation, Family, etc.
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07 Apr, 2010 by Anonymous
I have had the good fortune of working with Larry Cumberland in a number of instances and I recommend him most highly. His knowledge, patience and responsiveness make him an ideal advisor. He has counseled me on a number of matters and I have been impressed with the advice he has given me.
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21 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
I am pleased to give Larry a tip-top rating. Over many years he has proven an excellent advisor. His reasoned advice has been crucial to our firm's success. I am always impressed with the level of communication..one always feels part of the process.
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29 Apr, 2018 by Katie
I was extraordinarily impressed by the service Ms. Noronha provided. She was extremely communicative, courteous, and maintained the highest level of professionalism. I believe she was a major asset to my case and highly recommend her.
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27 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Stephanie is a very professional, helpful resource in time of need! She helped me explore my options and gave her best opinion on the situation. She makes the family law process painless; you will not go wrong with her representation!
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22 Feb, 2015 by Bruce
Mrs. Staples became my attorney in 2006. She handled my divorce case which in my opinion was a nightmare because of my ex. Mrs., Staples calmed me down on a number of occasions and assured me everything will be ok. She guided me through problems with the sale of my house and defended me against all the false accusations my ex wife made against me. Mrs. Staples is an excellent attorney and I will if I need to use her again and I always recommend her
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10 Mar, 2013 by Jeff
Attorney Rosemary Keffler is confident and self assured and, yet, has an easy mannerism that makes communicating with her effective and pleasant. She is able to break down even the most complex legal matters into everyday language for lay persons (her clients). As one of her clients, she has never turned me away (even when I have a minor question); and, from the first time we met, she has treated me as though I was her most important client and that we had known each other for 20 years. I would recommend her to anyone who is looking for a "real" attorney with ethics and integrity.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Nilufar
I am working at the moment with Donna O. Woodward, Esq. My case is still in process. But Donna is a remarkable attorney! I had a fair share of attorneys to represent me in my complex custody and divorce case. What makes Donna special, is that she is strategic, and anticipates next steps (with previous attorneys I felt that we were always reacting to the next attack); she deeply listens to her client and takes action (with the previous lawyers, I often felt dismissed) and articulates in a concise and effective way! I love working with Donna and her assistant Adri Ann Summers!
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03 May, 2024 by Jesse c
Tamara fowler is by far the best family law attorney in the DMV area. If you're looking for a aggressive attorney that will fight for you till the end... HIRE TAMARA!!!! THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DID FOR ME AND MY FAMILY....
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30 Nov, 2023 by Michelle johnson
I had the privilege of working with Tamara during an incredibly challenging family case where I was dealing with a highly clever and manipulative spouse who was legally abusive. Tamara's legal prowess shone brightly in this complex situation. She not only navigated through the legal intricacies with finesse but also exposed the manipulative tactics employed by my spouse. She possesses a remarkable ability to go toe to toe with even the toughest attorneys around. Tamara's extensive knowledge of family law and her dedication to her clients ensures that no one can intimidate her or her cause. She is not just a lawyer; she's a fighter who went over and beyond to protect my interests. I am incredibly grateful to have had Tamara by my side through this ordeal. She transformed what seemed like an insurmountable situation and helped me achieve a favorable outcome. She was truly my guardian angel !!!! I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone in need of a tough, knowledgeable and exceptional lawyer.
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23 Aug, 2023 by Mprez jaa
I came across Tammy from a neighbor; she had represented my neighbor's husband against my neighbor. I asked for a great lawyer to fight for me, and my neighbor pointed me to Tammy without hesitation. And boy, was she right; Tammy was courageous and skilled. She represented me with an unwavering dedication and remarkable ability to navigate even the most complex legal battles. I had been locked in a bitter divorce dispute with a narcissistic ex-spouse, known for his deceitful tactics and manipulative nature, but Tammy left no stone unturned to tip the scales in my favor. My ex tampered with evidence, fabricated stories, and spread false information throughout the proceedings. So, I needed a strong advocate to fight against his onslaught of lies. Immediately recognizing the magnitude of the challenge before her, Tammy took on my case with determination and compassion. She built a solid case that would expose his web of lies. Tammy meticulously prepared for each court appearance, empowering me with knowledge and confidence. She carefully presented evidence before the judge, disproving falsehoods and shedding light on his manipulative actions. The clarity and strength of my case was undeniable. As the courtroom drama unfolded, Tammy’s legal prowess shone through. She skillfully dismantled every constructed web of deceit, exposing each lie and manipulation for what it was. Due to Tammy’s tenacity, I emerged victorious in every aspect of the divorce settlement. My assets were protected, and custody arrangements were made in my favor. It was a resounding triumph against the odds. Overwhelmed by Tammy’s exceptional representation, I couldn't help but express my gratitude. Filled with appreciation for her tireless efforts, I wanted to pay her more than our agreed-upon fee. I recognized that Tammy had gone above and beyond, not only ensuring success but also providing the empathy and support I needed during such a challenging time. Today, I celebrate a triumph over deceit and will forever be grateful for Tammy's role in my newfound freedom and happiness. Tammy, the exceptional divorce lawyer, reminds me of the incredible impact one person can have on another's life. Her dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to the truth brought justice and closure to a tumultuous journey, leaving me on a path to healing and a brighter future.
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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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