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12 Jan, 2024 by Irene kramer
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16 Oct, 2023 by Gail christensen
I have called his office six times in a week and left three messages that were very lengthy. So he has all the information needed. Ihave given him my phone number several times and has not called me back. This message says he will get back with you shortly but I don't think he understands what shortly means.
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19 Jul, 2019 by Fran caughlan
I have been using Jim for 15 years! I recommend him.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Nicholas heaton
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18 Jun, 2024 by Isaac pratte
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24 Jul, 2023 by Kati
I am grateful for those who faithfuly manage the lord's assets. Grateful to be a part of a church that does so much for the world and they do it all without major fame or publicity. I pray for those who have lost their faith due to the materialistic and vain things of this world.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Nicholas heaton
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18 Jun, 2024 by Isaac pratte
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24 Jul, 2023 by Kati
I am grateful for those who faithfuly manage the lord's assets. Grateful to be a part of a church that does so much for the world and they do it all without major fame or publicity. I pray for those who have lost their faith due to the materialistic and vain things of this world.
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02 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
You only know how good your divorce papers are after you are divorced and the papers are directing parents to work together. I hired Mike and we drew up papers and went to mediaton. My divorce decree has been back to court three times in 2 years, all the while my X has moved from Vegas to California and then back to Utah. While my X has broken our decree many times it costs thousands to accuse and prove it. Once proven nothing changes because the kids are not in danger or being harmed. Mean while items that Mike consulted me to agree to put me at a huge disadvantaged position as a parent. While I have 50/50 physical and legal custody specific words that her more experienced attorney used makes it more like 90/10. Just a few of the major issues that specific words put us at a huge disadvantage are; 1: I’ve been responsible for all transportation of he children. (Be careful, at one place in my decree it says all travel should be shared other places in the decree says I am responsible. Ultimately I have been the one responsible) 2. I can never take the kids out of school early or keep them home on any circumstances, while my X takes them out when ever she wants. 3. First right of refusal to get your kids instead of daycare has requirements that are excessive, costly and inconvenient. 4. The custodial parent clause is a very small sentence that gets in the way of everything being equal. “When the parties cannot agree the custodial parent will have the final say” Guess what that means, the custodial parent makes the decisions on everything with out consulting you ever. This little sentence invalidates 23 pages of the decree that we spent thousands to come up with. I liked Mike as a person but severely regret hiring him as my attorney. Be careful, the legal system around divorce in Utah is twisted. The only people who win are lawyers, mediators, commissioners and judges that keep their jobs. If your lawyer is not great and leaves holes in your divorce decree plan on going back to court. Getting a decree inforced or changed is as hard and costly as the decree itself.
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13 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
I hate to leave a negative review for anyone, but my experience with Mike Bringhurst was so awful that I feel inclined to warn people before they go through what I did. When I first reached out to Mike for my divorce, he was on top of his game. Quick to respond, persistent, and seemed eager to help. Even agreed over the phone on a lower retainer as I was financially strapped with my divorce. After my consult, he changed the retainer amount to a higher dollar than agreed upon. I ended up paying anyway to get my divorce going. Once I gave him the check - crickets. He had all my paperwork, money, info, etc in February and told me he could get my wife served within 24-48 hours. SHE WASN'T SERVED UNTIL MAY 30TH!!! When her lawyer responded to the petition for divorce, it was a proposal for my wife to have Sole Legal Custody of my daughter. Mike didn't explain to me what that meant (FYI - DO NOT AGREE TO THAT CUSTODY UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE). I clearly explained to Mike that I wanted joint custody (now I know this is called Joint Legal) yet he was completely fine in knowing I was getting screwed over and would ultimately be sacrificing time and legal rights to my daughter. It took him days to respond to my calls or emails, and when he did they were short and uninformative. When I notified him I would be changing lawyers, I asked him for a printed receipt of what work had been done against my retainer (which wasn't much) and he threatened me saying "there was so much work done" it would result in me owing him more money. NOT POSSIBLE. I now am happily divorced after moving to a different attorney. My new attorney got everything re-filed, mediated, finalized, signed sealed delivered (with EVERYTHING I asked for, including Joint Legal Custody of my daughter) for over $600 less than what I put on retainer with Bringhurst - and in less than 3 months time. Mike didn't even serve my (now) ex with papers in that amount of time...Do yourself a favor and look elsewhere before meeting with him.
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07 Feb, 2021 by Tammy
I signed a retainer for $1000 and was told, if work needed to be done over that amount that I would be informed and I would have to sign a new retainer. I was NEVER kept informed of hours being charged. They billed my credit card for $6031. They will not return my calls or emails. Will not do anything now that they have my money. I have contacted BBB & filed a complain with the Utah State Bar.
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07 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
He was the leading attorney over my case. When I asked for my money back because of the lack of work that his junior attorney had not done; he wouldn't give me my money back. He claimed he did work for me that was not done. This firm, as well as this attorney, is not to be trusted.
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14 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Didn't react nor respond timely. Didn't seem to even know what he was doing. Constantly cried about his former partner kicking him to the curb and how poor he was. Let my case slide and missed critical responses, deadlines, actions, and refused to hold the other side accountable but called and had a tantrum if his sizable bills weren't paid 10 minutes after he sent over an invoice. Just fall over and surrender before you give him your money. Results will be the same but you'll save a lot of time and expense.
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12 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr Tilt will represent you to get your money, but when he realizes that his case can't be won, will send a subordinate to represent him!
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02 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Booth was slow to respond and missed important deadlines. Seems only worried about his payments, even when the work performed were less than quality. When you have to start almost every sentence with "Sorry" something is wrong. Could have cost me $100 of thousands of dollars. I have had many attorneys over the years (30+) of successful business. I hired him on a referral as an "expert" in a RE foreclosure situation. This has been my poorest experience thus far. FYI: I paid the bills and moved on
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07 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
He is a lawyer who will fill his clients with delusions of grandeur and make them believe they will get everything they want. He is not above lying and trying to destroy a person's life. If you would feel good about hiring a man who is that type of person, by all means hire him, but just know that he will lie to you just like he lies in court.
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02 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
I sent him some specific questions about a complicated real estate contract before we met. When I met with him it was obvious that he had not read what I had written him. His diverged into areas that didn’t apply to my situation and in addition, he was totally incorrect in his evaluation. As a result of his mis-information, I ended up spending hours chasing down information only to find out I had been misled. I would have less of a problem with Jeff if he had just refunded the $199 he charged for a half hour on the phone, but when he refused that just added to my annoyance. I have a new lawyer now that was able to answer everything I asked in about 10 minutes and for half the price. If you want a cookie cutter real estate lawyer for a simple LLC Jeff Breglio might be okay. Unfortunately, I probably know more about real estate law that he does and I am not a lawyer so I can’t recommend him at all.
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22 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Spoke with Analise to resolve a serious issue with a brand new Ivory home. Absolute Lack of concern or compassion. Did not care one bit about the family in the home. Literally Stayed that the family would now be flagged and not responded to because they reached out for help. Beyond unprofessional.
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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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