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11 Jan, 2018 by Tracey
I would highly recommend Matt Schultz as a attorney. I hired him for my divorce. He made a very difficult situation as painless as possible. He is not only very thorough and knowledgeable but also caring.
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08 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Matthew came recommended to me when my husband filed against me for divorce. After a brief interview I hired him. He was very concise and thorough making sure he didn’t leave anything out that could be damaging to me down the road, as he explained my options. He took as much time as I needed to help me understand how to move forward explaining the pros and cons to help make my transition as easy as possible. He was very caring and supportive through all of it and helped me get the peaceful outcome I was trying to achieve and never tried to talk me into something that I didn’t want. He’s very easy to talk to and made me feel at ease at every meeting. I will never ‘shop’ for a lawyer again. He will be my first call.
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14 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
I would highly recommend Attorney Schulz to handle legal affairs. I hired Attorney Schulz to be my divorce attorney, which was a very difficult fight. He was consistent in finalizing my pension benefits. Attorney Schulz was very informative, thorough, and handled the divorce very professionally.
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17 Nov, 2016 by Tamie
Mr. Jarema assisted me through a partition of real property suit. He was prompt, accessible to me for questions, and his questioning of the defendant was very thorough, and quite frankly, relentless. I will always use him for any legal matters I may encounter in the future.
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11 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
Bob has helped me facilitate multiple real estate deals and assisted me with other personal business matters. I've always found him to be prompt and trustworthy. he's helped me work through some unusual situations and I'd be happy to recommend him.
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15 Aug, 2022 by Darren
Great law firm with very talented people. One of my favorite clients
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05 Jun, 2019 by Jean mccoy
Nice staff
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27 Jan, 2016 by William
Went through a bankruptcy years ago and used Marilyn Adamczyk. She was amazing . She helped every inch of the way. I would highly recommended her to anyone that has to go through bankruptcy.
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29 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
Mr. Gaus is a very experienced, very effective lawyer. He listened to me, he laid out my legal options and then when we selected a course, he worked tenaciously to get my result for me.
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01 Jan, 2019 by Don coleman
Very good lawyer but he is retiring now
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19 Feb, 2024 by Amit surati
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19 Dec, 2023 by Aaron coty
Rebecca & Tom have always been great to us. Could not ask for better service. Thanks shinners!
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17 Dec, 2023 by J e johnson
Complete Dissatisfaction with the representation provided by this firm for a probate case. I experienced the same service as Connie F. Probably not a coincidence.
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19 Feb, 2024 by Amit surati
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19 Dec, 2023 by Aaron coty
Rebecca & Tom have always been great to us. Could not ask for better service. Thanks shinners!
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17 Dec, 2023 by J e johnson
Complete Dissatisfaction with the representation provided by this firm for a probate case. I experienced the same service as Connie F. Probably not a coincidence.
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29 Apr, 2024 by Elisabeth los
Chris and his paralegal Lauren were amazing to work with. From the very first phone call with Lauren explaining my case to her she felt confident Chris could win. I was very hesitant as I’ve read step parent adoptions can be hard to complete unless bio willingly signs off. Well she was right. Chris won our contested case. My husband and I could not be happier with our experience and we are so happy to finally put the past behind us and be a legal family and never live in fear again of the “what ifs”
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26 Apr, 2024 by Amber schlosser
Very caring, very thorough. Has been a big help with a very confusing situation. Would highly recommend their services!
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26 Apr, 2024 by William devinney
Mr. Swartz, Thank you for the excellent job that you did for us. Very pleased William DeVinney
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22 May, 2024 by David cavenaugh
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07 May, 2024 by Angela joseph
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25 Jan, 2023 by Gregory zechmeister
Knowledgble , supposedly has a Client.. My brother Jerry ?. My brother , Jerry got mad at Me. For calling Mr. Reif ' s Office up. When Mr Reif was on vacation . Only to ask him , does he handle Trusts and Estates.. since that time my brother found out. He has not talked to me .
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06 Mar, 2024 by Tamie wiltse balderrama
Every time I've needed an attorney regarding my property I use this firm. They are the best!
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15 Jul, 2023 by Eric austin
Would not recommend
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23 May, 2023 by Susan murphy
Easy to work with
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30 Mar, 2024 by Jessyca ocampo
They dont return they phone calls
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24 Mar, 2024 by Dave
So far love them.
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26 Jan, 2024 by Violet baker (vickie)
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30 Mar, 2024 by Jessyca ocampo
They dont return they phone calls
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24 Mar, 2024 by Dave
So far love them.
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26 Jan, 2024 by Violet baker (vickie)
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08 Aug, 2024 by Enoch griffin
This lady is a joke. The way she handles cases doubt she has any kids. Thank god I got my child back. She definitely is for kids to stay with state or unfavorable homes. Dunno how she is where she is but she’s a pos
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16 Mar, 2024 by Kellie naples-wegner
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21 Feb, 2024 by Stacy d
My husband was in a serious auto accident, and he has access to attorneys through his employer. Out of several choices of law offices available, we chose to call Zolton. Unfortunately, the lady who answered the phone was extremely rude (she was on speaker so I could hear her). My husband had just started to tell her that he was in an auto accident, when she interrupted and asked if we had contacted our insurance company. My husband told her yes, we already took care of that part. Her next words were, "So why are you calling us?" She spoke in such a snotty way, like she was upset that we bothered her at 9:00 AM. It was then that my husband told her to never mind - we would call someone else on the list and he hung up. As the saying goes, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression," and how true that is! Zolton might have great attorneys, but we'll never know because their secretary drove us away as possible clients. We will never recommend Zolton to anyone, especially when there's a huge pool of law offices out there to choose from!
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30 Jan, 2024 by John farmer
Lazy.
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20 Dec, 2023 by Nick stroud
Jack works really hard he is also really compassionate about his clients. My wife and I have really got to know Jack over the last couple years with the Situation that we have been going through and he has put in a lot of extra time that he definitely didn't have to I would recommend him to anyone
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21 Sep, 2023 by Kryno696
What a class act guy Jack is! I called well after his office hours while on my way home from work and expected to hear back the next day at best. Mr. Weinstein personally called me back later that evening to ask about my situation. Honestly, I really got the feeling he LOVES what he does and really is good at making complex laws and statutes understandable for a person that's NEVER been through any criminal or civil suit before. Seriously - NO amount of Google searches for Michigan Civil Court law compares to real years of EXPERIENCE. And he really wants to understand how the situation presents itself to you, personally. Give this law firm a call even if you aren't sure if you "need" representation or if it's a civil case where you represent yourself - I'm telling you, you'll never sleep better.
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14 Aug, 2021 by Denise
Susan A. Whaley-Brady law firm is a local, very experienced, and respected firm. After consulting with this law firm, we were treated with respect and knowledge of the court system which gave us the confidence in court. But more than the knowledge that this firm possesses, Susan and her staff have compassion and integrity for families. You can see this in their work. Their compassion made hiring them all the better. Bethany, thank you from the bottom of our hearts what you did for our family. If anyone needs a recommendation, I would recommend this firm.
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27 Jul, 2017 by David
Started out with a strong defense telling me everything that I wanted to hear midway through the divorce was told that things are not looking so good and then switched attorneys at the last court hearing which caused confusion and finally agreeing to a settlement I did not feel comfortable with then was told that they do not do friend of court negotiations that I would have to hire a Nother attorney at their firm and pay another retainer fee only after their fee for the divorce was paid in full !
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19 Dec, 2016 by Jane
I would not choose any other attorney to handle a complex case like mine. My case involved a lot of assets and my children. Susan gave great advise and fought for me. Sue was truly my advocate. Plus, there is ALWAYS someone at her office, unlike at other offices. The staff was very friendly and always happy to help.
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04 Feb, 2022 by Carl
Mr. Zolton has been incredibly rude and uncooperative. He has failed as a zealous advocate for his client, my father, who needs legal documents he cannot access owing to incapacitation. Note that the situation may have actually begun with a clerical error on the part of Mr. Zolton’s office. He claims to be operating in my father’s best interests, while fully aware his insouciance contributes to my Dad's lingering in the memory care room where my mother just died, causing my father mental and physical suffering, at $200 per day. He has failed to respond and take action as he indicates he would, and has ignored follow-up prompts. He has not replied to questions concerning how to expedite the matter. He stated if I hired an attorney, he would be “more than willing to speak with them,” yet I squandered $2500 on counsel that was treated rudely and rebuffed. I have now had to enlist a second attorney prepared for litigation because of this appalling lack of urgency. When I indicated I was prepared to go to court if we could not reach amicable resolve, Mr. Zolton became belligerent and threatening, leading me to believe further delays at this point are out of spite. His behavior in the midst of my Mom’s recent passing and my father’s delicate state, adding to our family's hardship, is most reprehensible.
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04 Sep, 2012 by Margo
I have had experience with 4 lawyers before using Mr. Zoltons office. No other lawyer would keep in contact with me without several followup calls from me. Mr. Zolton gave me his email address, he would respond in a timely manner. I used his estate planning talents. He gave me several examples to help me decide how I want my estate to play out with 4 adult children. I think my estate plan is very detaliled. Thank you Mr. Zolton.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Stormee wilder
For the last 10 years I have been got to know Debbie, Millicent, and other staff from Shek Law offices. Often times when we encounter someone from a law office that is not representing us we see them as the “bad guy” however, that has not been my experience with anyone in their office. Debbie has worked over the years giving me updates and helping me get to a settlement in my case. Please don’t view them as the bad guy, talk with them, hear them out, and work with them and I promise your experience with them will result in a positive outcome.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Gg daleo
I was sending them in money orders for medical expenses because I got sued and an unauthorized person that works there tried cashing them in for themselves a total of $500.00 i will be seeking legal action against this law office totally unacceptable
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27 Jun, 2024 by Ty !
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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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