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16 Jul, 2019 by Nicholas
The decision to get a divorce was the most difficult decision I have ever had to make. There is a roller coaster of emotions that go along with making the decision. Most notably is the fear of not knowing how it will affect your time with your children or how it will impact you financially. Another important factor was the fear of being judged for your decision. Once the decision was made I was referred to the law offices of Hostak, Henzl & Bichler by a friend. I set my first appointment up with Jen and immediately knew that I was in a safe place. My best interest and the interest of my kids was going to be her priority. Once the process was started she kept me informed every step of the way. If I had a question about something she was quick to get back to me with an answer. All important court dates were set up immediately, and I was able to see a light at the end of the tunnel very early on in the process. The same level of support continued after everything was finalized. Jen continued to help me through the allocation of property process until everything was complete. Professional, hardworking, and compassionate are words that I would use to describe Jennifer Hemmer. I strongly recommend giving her a call if you find yourself with a difficult situation and all that is stopping you is fear of the process.
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10 Apr, 2019 by David
Was great in helping us understand the laws and helped us in picking the best course of action to move forward with our case. In our case she help with some ground work and Legal intel and indirectly referred us to district attorneys office and even check in with us throughout the case. In my opinion she was both consulted and hired up to handing case over. With her help we moved forward and won our case in court.
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10 Apr, 2019 by Adam
Attorney Hemmer is an excellent attorney and one that I would highly recommend to anyone in need of legal advice or representation. She took the time to fully understand my case, explained things in a clear and concise manner, and kept me informed throughout the process. Attorney Hemmer is very thorough and well-organized. She has a genuine passion for her clients and their well-being. Her professionalism and in-depth knowledge of the law were demonstrated to me throughout the process. Attorney Hemmer was very responsive and available whenever I had questions or needed her assistance. She is also a very pleasant and approachable person to work with.
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30 Jul, 2015 by Patrick fogarty
John Stutt has taken two cases of ours; a personal injury suit related to a traffic accident, and tenant eviction. John shows a great capacity for excellent legal skills along with a human touch, sensitive to the emotional aspects of legal action.
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29 Jul, 2015 by Sari
In the past, as a small business owner with the assistance of Attorney Stutt, I pursued collection for my business services against a corporation and successfully obtained a judgment. The Judge needed about a week to pass judgment, but it was somewhat of a novel case. I was pleased with the result.
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21 Jul, 2015 by Dennis
Attorney Stutt is an experienced and knowledgable lawyer. I have had occasion to participate with him on a jury trial many years ago. He was then a young attorney and he prevailed in the case against a capable adversary. Over the years he has developed a reputation as an ethical and skilled lawyer. He will shortly be creating a trust for my family. I hold him in high regard.
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26 Nov, 2014 by Tim
My daughter received a very serious traffic citation. We were very concerned how this would affect her driving privilege and future insurance costs. Mr. Fishbain was kind, courteous, and respectful. He explained the process he would undertake and what we might expect. As a result of his expert work on her case, the serious violation was modified in to something far less serious. Attorney Fishbain far exceeded our expectations!
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19 Aug, 2024 by Tyler rude
Mr.Rosenberg was prompt, thoughtful, and insightful during our families time of need. Grateful for this law firm!
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06 Aug, 2024 by Joan neff
Andrew was awesome… he took time to explain everything to us when setting up our Will and Trust. He didn’t rush and he took time to explain in detail and every scenario. We highly recommend Andrew…. As we chose him because of his reviews… they are absolutely spot on. Truly such an intelligent, honest nice guy.
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27 Jul, 2024 by David schoedl
Great experience speaking with mr. Rosenberg yesterday regarding an unfortunate incident that had occurred a few days ago that requires legal assistance. He gave me great advice and was really down to earth. He explained everything in a way that I could easily understand and comprehend, which gave me the confidence I needed to act on the advice he gave me. I can not thank him enough for taking the time to help me with my situation. Thanks again!
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18 Apr, 2024 by Aa a
I wouldn’t recommend neither of these attorneys. Mr French and Mr Betker are both liars. They will tell you what you want to hear just to get your money. I was promised reimbursement of attorney fees which was more than the amount that I was suing Midas muffler for. Unfortunately, now they refuse to accept responsibility for their fraudulent actions. I trusted these attorneys and now I regret that I gave them my trust. Because now they are denying that they promised me attorney fee reimbursement because they didn’t put their lie in writing. They don’t deserve any rating because they are liars. So don’t trust them, and make sure that they put all of their promises in writing before you give them your money. I never imagined that attorneys would lie to the consumer just to get their money. Beware of these fraudsters.
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15 Jan, 2024 by S j
From day 1of my wife's WC I knew that the people who recommended Mr. French were being modest. His straight forward style is so reassuring and all you have to do is sit back and watch a very knowledgeable attorney slowly and meticulously put the pieces together and get the best result. WC carriers respect him. DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL!
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26 Dec, 2023 by Scott klinger
Scott French is the best lawyer I have encountered in my life. He’s very transparent about my situation and a straight shooter. My legal matter resolved just as he predicted. I got a settlement when other lawyers turned down my case.
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27 May, 2023 by Anonymous
She has misrepresented herself and her business. Should be disbarred for harassment and misuse of her license.
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12 Dec, 2012 by Anonymous
This lawyer helped me win a settlement far greater than what was offered to me, dedicated to getting me what I requested and kept me posted along the way. Glad I didn't do this on my own. Genuine person!
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28 Mar, 2022 by Marcus cannon
On February 01, 2012 my newly purchased home title was delivered to the Register of Deeds office without my consent. My title to 1040 Birch Street, current adobe. I'm still consistent demanding my house Title.
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17 Sep, 2019 by Joshua
I've worked with Mark through my professional capacity for six years and have found him to be very efficient, as well as personable.
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07 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Never used him personally but the gym he owns is the definition of woke cancel-culture. Businesses should definitely steer clear of this guy unless you are extremely leftist.
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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.