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03 Nov, 2018 by Stacy
Ms. Writer took care of business contract documents for me. She was highly professional and extremely quick in her work. When a small hiccup developed with the other party’s attorney, she was quick to resolve it. I plan on having her do more work for us on our family trust. I highly recommend her!
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19 Oct, 2018 by Greg
Courtney handled my uncle's estate to the utmost timely manner. She was very therow and understanding of my family's needs in the matter. Explained the laws of California, since I do not live in the state of California. Keeping us updated with current and future needs and results from the courts. Thank you, Courtney, for a great job.
Greg
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04 Oct, 2018 by Anthony and rudy
Ms. Writer was very thorough, she first sent us a detailed questionnaire to fill out so that she could prepare our trust and wills. My wife and I don't have very much but it was important for us to have what we do have protected from probate for our four children. We had the questionnaire for a few weeks and Ms. Writer called to follow up with us to see if we needed any help with it. She answered all of our questions and was pleasant and patient. Once we got the questionnaire back to her office, she sent us a draft to review, there were only a few changes that we wanted to make but as soon as we sent them back to her within a day or two, we received a call from her office that it was ready. Unfortunately, we were not able to come into the office to have the documents signed, my wife had to have emergency surgery and so instead of us signing the documents in the office, we signed in the hospital right before her surgery. Her office set us up with a mobile notary that came and took care of us. That was a huge relief for us. I most definitely would recommend Ms. Writer to anyone without a doubt.
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01 Sep, 2015 by Joseph
Lisa,
When working on my case, she made herself available for meetings and site visits. She was helpful with suggestions for present and future litigation. I was very pleased with her responsiveness to letters, which needed to be written immediately and sometimes while speaking on the phone. I would recommend Lisa any day!!
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04 Sep, 2024 by Elizabeth waddell
Ryan has helped me twice with a family trust. He is friendly and easy to talk with, and he takes the time to explain everything clearly. It happens that his notary is also his wife; she is a delight.
I'm so comfortable working with Ryan. I have recommended him to friends and they are also very happy with his service.
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10 Aug, 2024 by Cathleen shockley
Ryan Fender is an unbelievably dedicated and knowledgeable lawyer in his field. I had a very sensitive and emotional situation when my father died and my brother sued me and he helped us and was sensitive to my broken heart but also kept it real and calmed me down. He knows everything you could even think of and then some. I couldn't be happier with his help and he also answered every single email or call in a very timely manner. Even when he was on vacation, he answered me in a minor emergency situation. Thank you Ryan!!! You are the BEST!!!
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10 Aug, 2024 by Christin ashford
Ryan is an outstanding attorney! He is very thorough and got my family through probate! When I had any questions about the process, he answered my questions throughly and in a timely manner. I have referred 2 people in my family to Ryan. One is currently using him for probate and one is about to use him from probate. If I ever need a probate lawyer again there is no question of who I work with again!
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01 May, 2024 by Anonymous
At first over the phone he sounded like it would be able to help me. Hired him, met with him and it just went down hill from there. I did almost all the filing and document work myself to even get a court date. Went to court more then once with his appearance and he was just a waste of money! Seems to be all he cared about was the money because he didn’t help me out at all.
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21 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
I was going through an ugly divorce that was devastating. I went through three different attorneys and it was taking years to resolve. I was lucky enough to FINALLY find Mr. Katzman and I knew the moment I met him he could handle my case competently, professionally and without delaying it any further. He is patient and kind and professional and very fair. He is the perfect attorney to handle any family law matter including child custody, dividing up property and other sensitive family matters. When my divorce was final he handled a business contract matter for me. I am also going to have him handle my trust. He is competent in many areas of law, and an honest and sincere attorney who wants only the best for his clients. He is very knowledgeable. Hire him if he tells you he can handle your case. He's an incredible person and a great lawyer with lots of valuable experience!
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28 Oct, 2020 by Dan
A certain dollar amount was mentioned as a retainer in initial consultation, in which Mr Ziprick was hired to assist in defend us in a frivolous claim that had no merit. has worked very hard on our dime to help the plaintiff in their case against us, and after costing us four times the noted retainer fee, provided us with bad advise.
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08 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I initially went to him to see if he could help me with a B of A loan. He convinced me to go bankrupt. After a few months I realized that all the money I was paying in was going to him, so I dismissed the BK myself and settled with my creditors.
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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:
-
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.
