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13 Apr, 2021 by Loretta
Estate Planning with Pet Trust:
Estate planning is something that is easy to put off. It’s not fun to think of one’s own mortality and I put it off for a long time. After all, I reasoned, I don’t have much money or many possessions to leave others. But I do have pets that I want to be assured will be appropriately cared for after my death. Kathy Johnson walked me through the process of creating end of life documents, and, most importantly, a pet trust.
It wasn’t easy thinking about being separated from my beloved pets but Kathy gently guided me through the process of determining who will assume responsibility for them and how they should be cared for when I no longer can. She was endlessly understanding of my myriad questions and requests, patiently explaining to me all of my options in ways easily understandable for a non-legal mind. She made astute and intuitive suggestions so that I now feel assured that when I become incapacitated, any pets I have will continue to live their best lives in the homes of trusted friends.
After she created the required documents and saw that they were all duly signed and notarized, she presented them to me in a lovely binder complete with easy to read instructions for whoever might need it someday. I feel that Kathy left nothing to chance, detailing every aspect of my end of life requests and from her estate planning work on my behalf, I derive great peace of mind.
New Business Start-up:
Kathy Johnson’s assistance was invaluable to me as I started my new, small business. She helped me understand Illinois laws, so I could make an informed choice about the legal structure of my business. Kathy obtained all of the required state and federal business identification numbers and permits; she registered my new business with all the required agencies, providing me with copies of the completed documents. She advised me on potential tax implications, wrote an iron clad liability (including COVID-19) waiver, created effective (and attractive) registration forms, and generally was available to me every time I had a question or concern.
Kathy’s unswerving patience and good humor in answering my varied and sometimes atypical questions knew no bounds. It is because of her exceptional work on my behalf that I can concentrate on running my business and attending to my customer’s needs, knowing my business is in full compliance with all local and state rules, regulations, and requirements.
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05 Apr, 2021 by Curtis
Very helpful, full of knowledge. Awsome and affordable service. Definitely hire again. She was very kind to say the least.
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05 Apr, 2021 by Melody
I was pleased with all the items this Attorney brought up that I had not thought of on my own. She was organized and easy to talk to. The final papers all came with typed instructions and copies for my power of Attorney. She kept me on track with decisions but I didn’t feel rushed.
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28 Sep, 2015 by Thomas
Russ is an excellent attorney. I have worked with him on a number of matters and he has always done a fantastic job for me. I would not hesitate to refer people to him because I know he will assist them professionally and courteously.
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01 Sep, 2015 by Tony
I have been a client of Russell for over 5 years now and have been extremely satisfied. He has handled numerous cases for me stemming from a botched mortgage modification with the largest mortgage company in the country. That spiraled into other creditors "calling in" my loans, etc. Not only did he get it straightened out, but actually had them backpedalling. After that, I have continued to work with Russ on any legal issues including settling the estate of my late aunt. He has proven to get 100% of my cases solved to my satisfaction or even exceeding my expectations. His fees have been reasonable and he has always conducted himself with the most professionalism in the room. If you need an attorney to handle something and you want to make sure it goes your way, this is the guy to call.
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31 Aug, 2015 by Bjorn
Russ is great. He has helped me on both my personal and business side with wills, trusts, employee handbooks, non-solicitation agreements, contracts along with other projects that come along. I highly recommend Russ Baker.
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15 Jun, 2016 by Dino
Adam gave me exemplary advice on a pressing issue, I felt he really listened well and gave me true and accurate direction on a course of action. Thank you Adam for your time and sage wisdom.
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24 Mar, 2016 by Dave
Adam has not only represented myself but also my family members that I have referred. He has handled a wide variety of dealings for us including: real estate, small business transactions, and estate planning. On all occasions he effectively communicated with us throughout the process so there where no surprises. Adam is one of the more tenacious and honest Attorneys I have encountered and this is why I highly recommend Adam to anyone seeking legal help.
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26 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
We felt very comfortable dealing with Adam. He kept us well informed during our case. We felt that the case was handled with great care and in turn gave us a good outcome. Would you Adam and his firm again.
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26 Nov, 2024 by Odunjo precious
Great attention to detail and impressive expertise .My case in good hands
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22 Nov, 2024 by Adekola dayo
Knowledgeable, efficient, and approachable. They made the entire process smooth.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Ayomide victor
Excellent service with a personal touch. They took the time to understand my needs
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26 Nov, 2024 by Odunjo precious
Great attention to detail and impressive expertise .My case in good hands
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22 Nov, 2024 by Adekola dayo
Knowledgeable, efficient, and approachable. They made the entire process smooth.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Ayomide victor
Excellent service with a personal touch. They took the time to understand my needs
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21 Oct, 2022 by John
Michael Schultz, an attorney with Reno & Zahm, represented us in both selling and buying a home. Michael promptly answered all of our calls and e-mails and provided sound legal advice. Our questions were always thoroughly answered with opportunities to discuss alternatives and possible outcomes from those alternatives. Michael Schultz made the entire selling and buying process much more manageable and less stressful. We would highly recommend Michael Schultz without hesitation.
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14 Dec, 2020 by Don
“Reno & Zahm and Attorney Mike Schultz helped my family successfully resolve an injury-wrongful death case. Mike was very professional and responsive whenever we needed him. He aggressively pursued the insurance company and obtained a great result for us in a timely manner.”
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01 Jun, 2012 by Jh
Attorney Edgren was of great assistance with custody of my daughter. She attended court and helped me settle the case with the father of my daughter without major hearings. We made an agreement that we both can live with without major battle in court. Thank You so much.
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01 Jun, 2012 by Dw
I hire this attorney to take a case in small claims. She was able to handle this matter very promptly. We resolve the case in less than three months and I got the result I wanted.
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04 May, 2016 by Tim
I first became focused on finding ways for our district to re-invest in its amateur sports tournament facilities in 2011. For nearly two decades before, our district had earned a national reputation for being a leader in hosting amateur sports tournaments. While we invested in our facilities over those years, we did not do so at the same pace as other communities and the competitive environment was leading to a loss in our reputation. I was committed to retaining and regaining that reputation which is when I turned to Paul.
I first became familiar with Paul's work about ten years ago when he represented a local government in our district who sought our participation in a regional economic development project involving five other local governments. Because of this project’s success, I felt confident that Paul would be able to help. That was nearly five years ago (see our complete project timeline) and today, with the guidance of Paul and his team, I am completing our region's award winning process for the development of a $65M amateur sports tournament hosting campus. None of which would have been accomplished without the help of Paul and his team. The Project, known as Reclaiming First, has a simple but powerful message - the reputation of our park district for hosting amateur sports tournament events is a critically important economic development engine for our region, and is, therefore, worth of regional support and investment.
Developing this message and moving it from idea into action required consideration of political, financial, economic and legal issues. The experience of Paul and his team in helping build local government coalitions to achieve regional projects was an indispensable part of our success. Through countless meetings, board presentations, and state legislative sessions, my team and I working side by side with Paul and his team to identify each stakeholder's needs in the context of their particular financial and economic positions and to cobble together a strong unified political and financial coalition to bring this project home. The project has not only been an award winning model for success but, in large part because of Paul's approach, experience and technical understanding, it has created a new sense of community collaboration amongst the local governments in our district.
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06 Oct, 2014 by Tracy
I have worked with Attorney Roxanne Sosnowski for almost 4 years on a professional basis. Attorney Sosnowski serves as our City's Municipal Attorney. She provides legal advice on a daily basis in a professional, knowledgeable, and courteous manner. She always has the best interest for her clients as she considers the law and how it relates to any matter that the city has. Attorney Sosnowski has great understanding and knowledge of the law. If there is any matter she is not familiar with she will do the research to research the legal answer. I have also come to know her personally, and cannot speak enough of her genuine care and compassion-not only for the city, but also for people in general. I would highly recommend her for any legal matter.
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12 Mar, 2015 by Mary
Excellent attorney. Assisted me in my legal matter and kept me informed during the entire process. I would highly recommend Mr. Pottinger.
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10 Apr, 2012 by Dave and valeri
Pat is a great lawyer and very informative and customer service-oriented. He takes the time to really explain things and is patient with the estate planning process and clients' learning curves and thought processes in what can be wraught with difficult choices. We recommend him highly.
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05 Jun, 2015 by Gary
Attorney Green has advised on numerous matters, both personal and business related. His advice when assisting in the sale of my business to a much larger corporation was invaluable. He provided guidance, helped to maintain focus, and anticipated both opportunities and potential areas of exposure which proved to be extremely significant. In addition, Attorney Green has handled personal situations with extreme tact and skill. From dispute resolution to advocating on my behalf, effective communication was a hallmark of our relationship. I recommend Attorney Green without reservation. His breadth of knowledge, resourcefulness and dilligence will serve his clients well.
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03 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
I would highly recommend Jason as he is extremely knowledge and 'on it' when it comes to getting results. I have hired him on several matters and will continue to hire him and refer him to others.
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21 Feb, 2024 by Lisa coen
Andrew Mertzenich is more than just an attorney; he's a trusted advisor who truly cares. He patiently listened to our hopes and concerns, then expertly crafted an estate plan that not only secures our future but also safeguards our child's well-being. His clear communication and thoughtful suggestions, like helping us navigate complex tax implications, gave us the peace of mind we desperately needed. If you're looking for an attorney who'll treat your family like their own, look no further than Andrew Mertzenich.
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16 Nov, 2023 by A. simmons
Attorney Mertzenich was able to get results quickly and efficiently, and was extremely pleasant throughout the process. Highly recommended!
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29 Aug, 2023 by Kathy mcneely-johnson
25 Dec, 2024 by Katy yeager
26 Nov, 2024 by Audrey smith
Adrian and her team, especially Vicki Wagner; helped me in dealing with a very trying divorce. Very professional and understanding when I became frustrated with the process! Thank you Adrian and team for all that you did for me.
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15 Nov, 2024 by Andrew schultheis
From my first phone call to the final decision, Adrian Crow and her team, specifically Lesley, were outstanding. I knew when I first spoke to them that they cared about what I was experiencing and how I felt, and they never once changed. Emails were responded to immediately. Correspondence was relayed to me promptly. They were on top of everything and always included me in decisions, explaining to me specifically what I was looking at. It is unfortunately a very expensive process, but it was not Crow Law that made my case drag on for so long. Rather, their diligence and dedication were impeccable. I felt they gave me and my situation proper attention and were always fair with me. It was always important to me that I felt trusted by them, that they had confidence in what I told them. And, I always did. I truly felt they cared.
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12 Mar, 2018 by Marcelo andre
Mrs. Moloney worked for us on a complicated case involving international child abduction. In the end, we were able to settle an unthinkable satisfactory agreement with the defendant.
She demonstrated to be an exceptional professional:
i. Dedicated to studying law related to every detail of your case;
ii. Easy to reach by e-mail, phone or Skype;
iii. Quick in answering your questionings and doubts;
iv. Very clear to explain legal issues of the case, from law applicable to procedures in court;
v. Careful and patient to present different strategies and their respective consequences to reach your goal in the case;
vi. Always very calm, respectful and ethical; and
vii. Hard working - literally, she works night and day for your interests.
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29 Jan, 2018 by Sara
Ms. Moloney was assigned to me through the PG District Court Legal Aid program. She conducted my case as if I'd personally hired her myself. She took copious notes, demonstrated restraint, and won my case for me.
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14 Nov, 2024 by Dawn colson
Mr. Granger was absolutely amazing! Professional and always responsive with my concerns. Thank you so much for your hard work !!!
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27 Sep, 2024 by Mariah tradewell
Elder is the best around the Winnebago county area when it comes to criminal cases! His team is professional, kind hearted, and they truly care about the outcome of your case. I’ve been forced into a terrible situation and they constantly remind me that the truth cannot be changed and to just be patient. I am beyond thankful for them and I highly recommend them!
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25 Jul, 2024 by Matthew casey
Was able to speak to someone right away, answered all my questions and ended up getting my ticket dismissed! If you need an attorney to take care of your traffic tickets, call Granger Law Group!!
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25 Mar, 2021 by Teresa
I tried to hire this attorney, through a phone consultation he blatantly stated he only represents LANDLORDS! Without so much as asking one single question about my situation.
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19 Oct, 2020 by Dave
Brett represented us while selling our parents home and was engaged every step of the process. Brett's pro communication is outstanding and he made a difficult process stress free. The closing was super easy with considerations for Covid. Many thanks for the best attorney experience ever.
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22 Jun, 2020 by Mirela
Brette E Freedle was a pleasure to work with. So friendly and professional. Thanks!
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25 Jun, 2012 by Patrick
I was referred by a business associate to The Law Office of Patrick J Adams in September of 2011. Attorney Patrick (Pat) Adams was the first attorney that I have met in 30 years that actually took my team out to lunch to discuss our "business concerns and new legal requirements. He drove to our corporate headquarters and spent almost three hours discussing our unique business needs. When he said on the phone that there would be no charge for the "initial consultation" - he meant it. I have to admit, I was very reluctant to hire a firm or an attorney that does not have an office in Chicago or New York; however, after a year of excellent service and an uncanny ability to recommend the correct solution, it was an easy decision to switch to The Law Office of Patrick J Adams I would recommend Patick (Pat) Adams to any small to medium sized company with 40 to 1000 employees. Keep up the good work Pat, please open an office in downtown Chicago!
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12 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
We enjoyed working with Jay Trost for our will and estate planning. He was very knowledgeable and often suggested things that we had not thought of. I feel confident in the documents that we finalized and would use him again for any other issues of this nature. We trusted him, and that is probably the most important factor in selecting an attorney.
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10 Apr, 2023 by M costoff
Burkhard has been my attorney for over thirty years. He was first recommended to me by a CPA from the Rockford, Illinois office of Coopers & Lybrand way back when and he's been my attorney since. He has been an asset to me in any instance I needed legal advice - from somewhat complex business transactions/sales to personal issues ranging from marital to real estate.
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10 Jun, 2021 by Pc tech2u
Great place, Burk and Joanne are awesome. You will not be disappointed coming to Geissler Law.
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13 Jun, 2016 by Mouad boumoud
25 Dec, 2024 by Katy yeager
26 Nov, 2024 by Audrey smith
Adrian and her team, especially Vicki Wagner; helped me in dealing with a very trying divorce. Very professional and understanding when I became frustrated with the process! Thank you Adrian and team for all that you did for me.
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15 Nov, 2024 by Andrew schultheis
From my first phone call to the final decision, Adrian Crow and her team, specifically Lesley, were outstanding. I knew when I first spoke to them that they cared about what I was experiencing and how I felt, and they never once changed. Emails were responded to immediately. Correspondence was relayed to me promptly. They were on top of everything and always included me in decisions, explaining to me specifically what I was looking at. It is unfortunately a very expensive process, but it was not Crow Law that made my case drag on for so long. Rather, their diligence and dedication were impeccable. I felt they gave me and my situation proper attention and were always fair with me. It was always important to me that I felt trusted by them, that they had confidence in what I told them. And, I always did. I truly felt they cared.
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25 Dec, 2024 by Katy yeager
26 Nov, 2024 by Audrey smith
Adrian and her team, especially Vicki Wagner; helped me in dealing with a very trying divorce. Very professional and understanding when I became frustrated with the process! Thank you Adrian and team for all that you did for me.
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15 Nov, 2024 by Andrew schultheis
From my first phone call to the final decision, Adrian Crow and her team, specifically Lesley, were outstanding. I knew when I first spoke to them that they cared about what I was experiencing and how I felt, and they never once changed. Emails were responded to immediately. Correspondence was relayed to me promptly. They were on top of everything and always included me in decisions, explaining to me specifically what I was looking at. It is unfortunately a very expensive process, but it was not Crow Law that made my case drag on for so long. Rather, their diligence and dedication were impeccable. I felt they gave me and my situation proper attention and were always fair with me. It was always important to me that I felt trusted by them, that they had confidence in what I told them. And, I always did. I truly felt they cared.
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25 Dec, 2024 by Katy yeager
26 Nov, 2024 by Audrey smith
Adrian and her team, especially Vicki Wagner; helped me in dealing with a very trying divorce. Very professional and understanding when I became frustrated with the process! Thank you Adrian and team for all that you did for me.
Read more
15 Nov, 2024 by Andrew schultheis
From my first phone call to the final decision, Adrian Crow and her team, specifically Lesley, were outstanding. I knew when I first spoke to them that they cared about what I was experiencing and how I felt, and they never once changed. Emails were responded to immediately. Correspondence was relayed to me promptly. They were on top of everything and always included me in decisions, explaining to me specifically what I was looking at. It is unfortunately a very expensive process, but it was not Crow Law that made my case drag on for so long. Rather, their diligence and dedication were impeccable. I felt they gave me and my situation proper attention and were always fair with me. It was always important to me that I felt trusted by them, that they had confidence in what I told them. And, I always did. I truly felt they cared.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Ryan gray
Highly recommend! Very on top of it. Made the experience a lot better. Made things very smooth.
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28 Sep, 2024 by Rocael ramirez
21 Sep, 2024 by Jessica ortiz
14 Dec, 2024 by Rachel collazo
I had an excellent experience with Black and Jones Disability Lawyers. From the start, their team was professional, compassionate, and dedicated to helping me with my case. They took the time to thoroughly understand my situation and guided me through the entire process with clear communication and support. The lawyers were always available to answer my questions and kept me informed every step of the way. Thanks to their expertise and hard work, we were able to achieve a successful outcome and win the case. I highly recommend Black and Jones to anyone in need of disability legal assistance.
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04 Dec, 2024 by Diane pastula
Thankyou so much for all of uour hard work handling Deans case Everyone in your office was always so kind and helpful! We truly appreciate all that you did for Deans case Wishing you all a blessed holiday season again Many thanks
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03 Dec, 2024 by Chester zieba
Kudos to All, at Black and Jones, because We won. Experience matter. Someone b4u guys told me that I have no chance, because they follow their own rules, well, I'm very happy to find good people like You. God Bless.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Carmen harwood
From the moment I met Laura I knew she was the only attorney for me. My case was going no where fast and I needed a change in attorneys. Laura took my case on and quickly changed the odds in my favor. Laura really cares and takes her time with her cases. I truly am not sure where I would be without her. My family and are forever grateful for her!
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24 May, 2024 by Erys rivera
Very honest and straight forward, Laura is wonderful! Highly recommend her
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23 Apr, 2024 by Crystal gulley
Laura is very professional and excellent lawyer. She handled my mother's case in a very timely manner. She gets straight to the point and resolves the issues for the client sincerely. I would definitely use her again and recommend her to anyone I come across that needs a exceptional lawyer to take care of their case appropriately. Thank you Laura for helping my mother through her tough case for divorce! Well deserved and appreciated all the way through!!!
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20 Feb, 2024 by Seaver sisler (your real estate guy)
Michael is amazing! I trust him with all of my business and real estate needs. Highly recommend Michael J. Smith!
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03 Jan, 2024 by Jamin unger
I used Mike for a long drawn out divorce that lasted about 2 and half years. Using Mike was the best decision I made, as he guided me through the process professionally and never had an issue with the many questions and concerns I had. Even up to the final day's circus, Mike was right by my side the entire time. Maria was fantastic the entire time also. Without Maria I would have gone crazy, she was right there to help me in any way I needed. Thank you both for getting me to the finish line.
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18 Oct, 2023 by Andrew albers
08 Dec, 2024 by James lindstrom
18 Nov, 2024 by Christine odjick
The attorneys and paralegals at Simmons Law are helpful and kind. They are patience and understanding when a case presents challenges from the past. Thank you for all your hard work and closing this chapter of my life.
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15 Nov, 2024 by Jose m. escobar
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
