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31 Aug, 2015 by Karen
One of Macomb County's finest. Can always count on Mr. Simon to do his best.....that's all we can ask of even the finest and he does it all well. As a long time client, I can well speak from experience. Thanks for all you and your staff do!
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12 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
I cannot say enough good things about this lawyer. He is very conscientious, honest, respectful, courteous, knowledgeable in his profession and is very detailed. This lawyer goes beyond the norm for his clients. I would not hesitate to hire him again if need be.
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28 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Koresky Took on a case that was mishandled inappropriately by a previous probate attorney.... Not only was Kevin able to fix it in a timely matter, but he corrected it so we actually have a home that we could have lost if it wasn't for him!!! I would recommend him for any of your legal needs he's reliable, trustworthy, honest, and has over 20 years of experience ... you cannot go wrong with that. I will give him an A+ in my book and 10 Stars thank you Kevin for finally getting our house in our name and fixing the mistake the other attorney messed up! Koreskylaw.com is the new website I seen he had up and running I recommend checking that out as well.
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20 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
Tom prepared my estate plan. His work was thorough and meticulous. Unlike many lawyers in his field, he makes sure that all of the tasks that need to be taken care of in order to implement the plan (e.g., retitling of assets) are accomplished.
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17 Apr, 2013 by Tony joyce
John Staniszewski is one of the best Lawyers I have ever sought help from, he has natural skill in understanding the core problem at hand and utilises his legal knowledge in effecting a quick, efficient and effective remedy at very reasonable cost. In summary he is measured, professional and highly reassuring.
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21 Aug, 2024 by O m
David failed to appear for two family court appearances. David took advantage of a young father seeking legal counsel recently in Oakland County, Mi. I will be submitting a grievance regarding David accepting retainers without appearing, failing to call his client back, failing to appear in court, and overall being unfit to provide legal counsel/services in good faith. David, you told my son he would receive his full retainer back on Monday 8/19/24 for your failure to act as his legal representation. Where is his retainer? Call Jake back, answer your calls. Several red flags about David would be he doesn’t have a paralegal. A paralegal would make sure you are in court when you are hired to be there. David doesn’t return calls, texts or emails. Do not use David for your case he’s not acting in good faith & shouldn’t be practicing currently as an attorney. David you stole my son’s time and his ability to trust his own hired counsel. You should be ashamed wasting both parties time and money. I talked to you about your behavior on Monday 8/19/24, you told me my son is your best client…. Now people can read all about how you treat your “best client”. You need rehab. And I will make sure the bar association knows every detail about your treatment of my son.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Anne
Thanks John for making this estate planning process so easy! I delayed dealing with it expecting it to be a long, drawn out ordeal. I appreciate how organized and methodical you are in your process, how you communicated clearly what I needed to do, and your professionalism. Thank you!
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01 Aug, 2024 by Grant
My wife and I had a great experience with Attorney John Parnell. He helped us create a family trust. We had such a good experience with him, that we had my mom go see him as well. John was great at listening to what we wanted and also providing practical advice to us. The best part was how he explained every aspect of the trust to us. He really broke it down into very understandable pieces. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs an honest and thoughtful attorney.
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21 Aug, 2024 by O m
David failed to appear for two family court appearances. David took advantage of a young father seeking legal counsel recently in Oakland County, Mi. I will be submitting a grievance regarding David accepting retainers without appearing, failing to call his client back, failing to appear in court, and overall being unfit to provide legal counsel/services in good faith. David, you told my son he would receive his full retainer back on Monday 8/19/24 for your failure to act as his legal representation. Where is his retainer? Call Jake back, answer your calls. Several red flags about David would be he doesn’t have a paralegal. A paralegal would make sure you are in court when you are hired to be there. David doesn’t return calls, texts or emails. Do not use David for your case he’s not acting in good faith & shouldn’t be practicing currently as an attorney. David you stole my son’s time and his ability to trust his own hired counsel. You should be ashamed wasting both parties time and money. I talked to you about your behavior on Monday 8/19/24, you told me my son is your best client…. Now people can read all about how you treat your “best client”. You need rehab. And I will make sure the bar association knows every detail about your treatment of my son.
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01 Apr, 2024 by Patrick bresser
John was an absolute dream to work with. My wife and I were very pleased with the thought & detail he put into our Advanced Medical Directives, Power of Attorneys, Wills and Trust. He also helped us with a Special Needs Trust for a family member. He put together a full plan for us, that will ensure our estate will be passed on to our children with very little cost. He's is a great guy to work with!
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22 Dec, 2023 by Krystal davis
I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional legal representation provided by Attorney David S. Parnell. His expertise in family law matters is unparalleled, and his dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for my case was outstanding. From the moment I engaged Attorney Parnell's services, I felt confident and supported. He exhibited an unparalleled level of professionalism, empathy, and commitment throughout the entire process. His deep knowledge of family law and astute guidance helped navigate complex legal intricacies seamlessly. Attorney Parnell's unwavering support and tireless efforts ensured that my concerns were addressed promptly and effectively. He demonstrated a remarkable ability to strategize and advocate on my behalf, resulting in a favorable resolution that exceeded my expectations. His responsiveness, clear communication, and genuine care for his clients truly set him apart. I felt heard, understood, and empowered every step of the way. I wholeheartedly recommend Attorney David S. Parnell to anyone seeking exceptional legal counsel in family law matters. His professionalism, expertise, and unwavering commitment to his clients make him an invaluable asset. Thank you, Attorney Parnell, for your exceptional service and dedication.
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09 Nov, 2021 by Muneer alkadmi
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14 Aug, 2021 by The motown witch
Not really impressed. They are taking entirely too long to handle a simple matter
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29 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
This guy should retire. Very unprofessional, seems lost most of the time. At times I honestly don't think he knew which side he was working for. I think he was more help to our opposition than to us. Claimed to be experienced in our type of case and clearly wasn't. Couldn't hear clearly in court (he needs a hearing aid) and lost the case.
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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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