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12 Apr, 2024 by Gerald patrick
Bishop was very helpful in setting up our trust
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01 Apr, 2024 by Robert turbyfill
My entire association with Daily, Montfort & Toups was excellent from start to finish. They listened carefully and helped with a transfer of property ownership, probate detail, court filings and necessary background documents. We are now able to sell our property in Florida.
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28 Mar, 2024 by Kim naples
Bishop L. Toups of Daily, Monfort & Toups was able to advise me on all my Estate Planning. He made it easy to understand and was very professional. Excellent attorney!
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04 Oct, 2024 by James c
We were most impressed with the professionalism & comradery displayed by the WTPELF staff and highly recommend their services.
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02 Sep, 2024 by Cynthia spry
Friendly, knowledgeable. I felt very comfortable using Elder law Firm for my estate planning needs!!! I highly recommend them.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Catherine corbett
Greg Kaiser and the entire staff are personable, professional, knowledgeable, and wonderful to work with in every way & with every aspect of the details and business they are handling with you.
I cannot recommend them highly enough! I have, in fact, referred them to several of my friends. Every one of them is as happy with WTPELF as I am.
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26 Jul, 2024 by Fernanda girard
Professional, honest, reliable
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04 Jun, 2024 by Stephen richard walter (walter group real estate)
Great reputation for being experienced, resourceful and responsive.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Kelly trippe
Erik has fantastic energy , he really engages with people..He very personable and caring
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17 Jan, 2020 by Mitchell
My and my family's experience with Attorney Slade Dukes and Boyer & Boyer was excellent. I highly recommend the firm and Slade in particular. The firm came highly recommended as the top firm in elder law and related matters on the Sarasota Bar. Edwin Boyer and Slade Dukes' counsel was prudent, strategic and excellent. Slade quickly and capably understood the nuances of our situation and I came to rely on his counsel, both big-picture as well as sensitive correspondence with all parties involved. With Slade and Boyer & Boyer, my family achieved in all respects the outcomes we desired in as gentle a manner as we could've hoped. We are pleased to have the firm of Boyer & Boyer, and attorney Slade Dukes, in particular, as counsel to our family.
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17 Jan, 2020 by Mitchell
My and my family's experience with Attorney Slade Dukes and Boyer & Boyer was excellent. I highly recommend the firm and Slade in particular. The firm came highly recommended as the top firm in elder law and related matters on the Sarasota Bar. Edwin Boyer and Slade Dukes' counsel was prudent, strategic and excellent. Slade quickly and capably understood the nuances of our situation and I came to rely on his counsel, both big-picture as well as sensitive correspondence with all parties involved. With Slade and Boyer & Boyer, my family achieved in all respects the outcomes we desired in as gentle a manner as we could've hoped. We are pleased to have the firm of Boyer & Boyer, and attorney Slade Dukes, in particular, as counsel to our family.
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16 Jan, 2020 by Mitchell
My and my family's experience with Attorney Slade Dukes and Boyer & Boyer was excellent. I highly recommend the firm and Slade in particular. The firm came highly recommended as the top firm in elder law and related matters on the Sarasota Bar. Edwin Boyer and Slade Dukes' counsel was prudent, strategic and excellent. Slade quickly and capably understood the nuances of our situation and I came to rely on his counsel, both big-picture as well as down to sensitive correspondence with all parties involved. With Slade and Boyer & Boyer, my family achieved in all respects the outcomes we desired in as gentle a manner as we could've hoped. We are pleased to have the firm of Boyer & Boyer, and attorney Slade Dukes, in particular, as counsel to our family.
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13 Jun, 2022 by Kenneth
We have used Michael Belle for multiple home purchases and sales over the last ten years . He and his staff have been a pleasure every time to work with . He and his staff are true professionals ! I highly recommend Belle Law for all of your real estate transactions !
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01 Mar, 2022 by Richard
We have used Michael Belle for five real estate transactions and many consultations. He has always provided expert advice and has been available at any time we needed his help.
We have recommended Michael Belle to both family and friends and have only heard compliments from their experiences.
The office staff is as professional as Mr. Belle and they are prompt and courteous to respond to any questions or concerns.
We would highly recommend Mr. Belle to anyone who needs a real estate attorney.
Richard and Donna
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26 Aug, 2021 by Kathy
I recently purchased a lot and Mr. Belle's office facilitated the closing for me. They were professional, friendly and responsive to any questions that arose. I would recommend this firm for any real estate needs.
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21 May, 2015 by David
Mr. Herman, and his partner Mr. Michael Levine were , and have been the most compitent and compassionate legal team one could ever hope for. Their legal expertise, combined with a true compassion for my individual case went far above and beyond my expectations for an attorney. They have, and continue to be my greatest advocates in defending my family against some of the largest banks and bureaucracies with the utmost competence. If you find yourself in need of legal representation, look no further, as this team and administrative staff will defend you with all their abilities.
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06 Apr, 2015 by Robin
My husband and I were so very thankful for David and his firm. He is an excellent lawyer, kind and genuine and most of all compassionate about his clients concerns and his work! We highly recommend him to anyone that is experiencing difficulty.
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04 Mar, 2015 by Mike
I would like to take this opportunity to inform you of the outstanding work David Herman and New Day Law Group performed as my legal representation in settlement negotiations.
As a client experiencing financial hardship, I was in a position of significant stress. David Herman stepped in with optimism and determination and negotiated a settlement that I would not have been able to do with my limited experience. His confidence and professional experience enabled him to quickly deal with my situation. David is one of those unique individuals who is willing to take on seemingly impossible challenges and make a personal commitment to ensure it is done ‘right’.
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28 Nov, 2022 by Aleksandra
Law Office of Mary E. King, P.L. is the most professional, most efficient, most capable and competent, Law Office I've ever dealt with while doing complex nation wide or local as well as an international contracting deals, for over 35 years. I was so afraid that my case would be rejected, but Mary had respectfully taken my case, and handled it so gracefully with most care I've ever experienced in legal industry, with above any mark results, as her dedication for a quick successful results and best ever outcome is a true blessing in my life.
With great grace and professionalism this extremely experienced Law Office (that did not waste any of my time not even one phone call until the complete job was done and all in my best interest), with Mary E. King's leadership, I was able to get my personal life and my business, on right track again.
This office is more affordable than any of my past accountants or attorneys who were not able to even comprehend the level of requirements needed, Mary was skillfully and swiftly able to understand and to resolve and to eliminate the root causes, so even my credit score is now getting automatically better, based on hard work Mary had accomplished. I cannot thank enough to Mary and her staff on the great job done and for accepting my case and for bringing it to successful outcome! Thank you so much for working so hard on this difficult case, you are greatly appreciated! Sincerely, Aleksandra W.
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08 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
Mary did it! It was a long and frustrating process... not on Mary's part but on the IRS process. She walked me through the entire process from start to finish, kept me up to date and made it happen. I am grateful to Mary and her staff and would recommend them highly.
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04 Apr, 2019 by Gino
Many local professionals in the accounting community suggested I contact Mrs. King’s office to receive help for a tax issue. I knew that my tax project would be complicated but Mrs. King and Staff helped me through it. Thank you.
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08 Dec, 2022 by Dale turner
13 Oct, 2022 by Marc falco
14 Oct, 2020 by Gina
Mr. Hogreve was a pleasure to work with on the closing of my condominium. He and his Paralegal Kathy were instrumental in making sure we closed on our closing date due to their commitment in communicating effectively with my lender. The closing was flawless and extremely expedient. This was my first home buying experience and I'm so thankful they were there to walk me through everything making a stressful situation not stressful at all. I will recommend his firm to anyone who is looking for closing services, estate planning and incorporation.
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24 Apr, 2012 by Andrew
I have been using David Rosenberg and his staff for several years. They are professional, responsible, and always knowledgeable.
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10 Apr, 2012 by Scott
I have had the opportunity to not only work with David Rosenberg on several litigation matters, but to also trust him with personal real estate deals for myself and my family. His knowledge of the law, and his strong commitment to his clients is what makes him one of the go-to real estate lawyers in our community, and one that I will chose to use personally and recommend to others in the future.
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08 Apr, 2012 by Msg
I have worked in Real Estate for over 20 years and have worn many hats from engineer,developer,builder to real estate advisor. I have sat on both sides of the settlement table and worked with numerous attorneys. I have always found Mr. Rosenberg and his staff to be outstanding in every way. David and his staff are extremely knowledgable. The quality of service is always outstanding. Recently, I have closed many CREO properties with Banks and the feedback from the Banks is always excellent to the point one Regional Bank always requests David to handle their closings. Personnally, David handled an aviation settlement for me and the process was timely and efficient. I would highly recommend David and his excellent staff.
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24 Jun, 2015 by Ryan
Sitting down in a meeting with Paul, you immediate feel the pride and passion he has for profession. As the conversation continues, you discover the incredible legal experience he has in regards to Eminent Domain and feel completely at ease in using his services. I was very impressed.
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23 Jun, 2015 by Linda singer
Paul brings to his clients the absolute best knowledge and service NY one could hope for. As an added bonus, he adds concern and compassion. His closings are precise and timely. He is a consummate professional to whom I turn for any and all real estate issues.
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23 Jun, 2015 by James
I have worked with Mr. Paul Blucher on multiple occasions and I have referred numerous people to him for help with Real Estate closings and Real Estate matters. He has been extremely knowledgeable and helpful to all of these clients and myself. I am a Licensed Mortgage Broker. I recommend him to anyone for a Real Estate closing or legal questions on Real Estate matters.
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20 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Ms. Simpler is very honest and straight forward. She solved my problem during the free consultation and I was speechless that she didn't charge me anything. She was very honest regarding which steps to take in my divorce process. Great person and a lot of knowledge.
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03 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
I needed a divorce attorney, and Shahla was recommended to me. She was compassionate to my situation and directed me through every step of restraining orders, financial situations, mediation, and represented me honorably in the courtroom. After the final divorce, she again walked me through a stalking arrest of my ex-husband. I would very highly recommend Shahla as a divorce attorney
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20 Oct, 2011 by Bekim
I felt seems as though the whole world was against me, Shahla was on my side. with the knowledge and experience that she provide me with not only an excellent line of defense, but also a personal, caring approach that she let me know what to expect and help ease the stress of my situation.
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05 Feb, 2016 by Nathalie
We are from Canada and we were looking forward to buy a franchise business in Arizona. Mr McDonagh had to work closely not only with us, but with our immigration attorney, the franchiser, the sellers and the escrow agent. We were impressed by his ability to coordinate the communications between all parties. He always delivered quick responses to every one. We also want to mention his tremendous professionalism. He is very knowledgeable and we felt we could count on him. We would strongly recommend Mr McDonagh to anyone!
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14 Jul, 2015 by Susan
On short notice, I contacted Chris McDonagh while involved with the sale of my business and office building. While I had hired a supposedly highly experienced business broker, I felt there was a need for an attorney review. Turns out that it became a lot of work for Mr McDonagh to keep up with all the work my broker didn't do or did wrong. Mr McDonagh is thorough, professional, courteous and extremely knowledgeable. He was on top of a very fast-paced situation and gave me a sense of satisfaction in knowing that my interests were being
protected. He kept me informed every step of the way. I would highly recommend Christopher McDonagh for anyone needing an extremely competent and responsive attorney.
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08 Oct, 2014 by Kevin
Only had a consult, but truly a professional and extremely thoughtful person who demonstrated a superb knowledge of real estate law. He looked thoroughly at the documents, I sent him and provided an plan of action. I wanted to use him, but since my case was in Phoenix, I was concerned about the distance, only to find out after I had already signed with another attorney that he does not charge for travel time to Phoenix. Again, thank you Mr. McDonagh for taking a look at our case.
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22 Aug, 2016 by Gary
After confirming both the facts and the law, Scott successfully negotiated a Settlement of a complex case to the mutual advantage of both parties. Aside from his intellect and legal experience, Scott's particular skill as a litigator is to attempt, whenever possible, to resolve disputes without litigation.
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03 Aug, 2016 by Jo
Scott successfully countered the claim by the Condo Association that I, as owner of a unit, was liable for unauthorized work carried out before I purchased the unit - the work to restore attic space above the unit has now been carried out at the expense of the Association.
Scott clearly explained all options and was available to answer my many questions
I can throughly recommend Scott both in terms of legal knowledge in this area, and in communication & action taken
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21 Jul, 2016 by Stephen
I have had the good fortune to be referred to Scott Petersen for one matter over a year ago. Scott handled the matter very efficiently and we achieved an excellent result. I have engaged Scott on other matters all with similar very positive results.
You could not have a better advocate.
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09 Oct, 2018 by Integrity
Our company was blessed to come across Joe Herbert a few months ago. We were new to the legal system and were scared out of our minds with a large civil case. We had met with other attorneys and hired one other that we found not to be a great fit. From our first meeting with Joe we knew he was different from the others. He truly cared about what was going on, presented us with all our options, and then advised us on the best course of action. He spent the time answering all our calls and emails even while out of town. Joe had everything under control the entire time, including our fears. Joe is a rare breed these days. I highly recommend Joe Herbert! Thank you for all your help!
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14 Feb, 2016 by Gregory
Doing the time Joseph Herbert has worked on my case, he has been approachable and open to consider my thoughts on the case. What Separates him is I could bounce my thoughts off of him without negative feedback. He shared why he felt it was a good approach or why it may not be the best approach.
His knowledge of the law as well as client communication is excellent. He works hard and believed in my case. So I would recommend him to anyone seeking a highly qualified attorney!
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29 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
I had just about given up when a friend asked me to give ICard Merrill a call and that is how I met Joe Herbert. He listened patiently and was very honest and upfront but also hopeful. I had spoken to between 10 and 15 lawyers about the problem. They would not even see me about my problem!
My condo was destroyed by a horrible water leak from the unit above me. The unit was owned and rented by the Condo Association. I had complained about the leak but was told that it was from condensation from the shower my son had just taken and that I needed a new ceiling fan. Needless to say, my unit developed a horrible mold problem along with damage to the walls, carpet etc. The Condo Association refused to help me and instead handed me a water bill for over $3200.00 and told me it was because I had a running toilet.
I had contacted the Business organization who takes care of these problems in Florida but they only fined the Association.
Joe Herbert wrote a letter, the most detailed, powerful, to the point letter I have ever read. The result was....not only did I get paid several thousand dollars in damages, but I did not have to pay the $3,200.00 water bill!!!
Joe Herbert advised me on every step to take in order to ensure the absolute best outcome. I was so fortunate to have met such a kind, intelligent and honorable person. Thank you
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06 Mar, 2024 by Melanie
My appointments with attorney Evans were by far the very best. They were productive, professional, precise, friendly, courteous and thoughtful. He was hired to produce new, updated, documents, i.e., will, power of attorney and medical directive. These were completed quickly and ready for pick up in a week. His staff was professional and thorough. I am most pleased with the service and highly recommend Lee & Evans, PA to anyone needing legal assistance.
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26 May, 2020 by Anonymous
Dave was easy to work with and took the time to explain things we didn't understand. He gave good recommendations and helped us work out details for our situation.
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24 Feb, 2020 by Marco
I spoke with David on the phone initially involving a family member and possibly amending a Power of Attorney document that was drafted before the new Florida laws came into effect after 2011. During the initial phone call, David was very honest with me and my wife with our legal situation. David offered a level of professional trust that was immediately obvious. David was a referral and I can now see why he comes highly recommended.
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21 Mar, 2018 by Danny
We hired John for our purchase of our first home and we are so glad we did. He caught certain items in the contract that weren’t up to par which saved us quite a bit of money. He spoke in language my wife and I could understand and he was there for us with ay questions we had. We are so grateful that he was there for us and for making the purchase of our first home a seamless transaction. Thank you John for all you do!
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14 Jul, 2016 by David
John Wickman handled two real estate closings for my wife and me in the past several months. One was a sale, the other was a purchase. I could not be more pleased with his work. He and his team are professional and thorough, and ensure that all steps needing to be completed are done so in a timely manner. John also knows how to address the "blips" that often arise in these situations and make them disappear. I will have John handle future real estate matters for me, and highly recommend him to anyone involved in any real estate transaction!
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21 Feb, 2016 by Javi
I hired John to do the closing for my new home, the amount of information that John provided me helped me and my wife to have confidence in the property we were purchasing. John dedicated plenty of time for me and my wife to ask lots of questions and his knowledge made us feel really comfortable. Great sense of humor, very friendly. a pleasure to deal with. His staff is also top notch and available to answer my every need. The best is too little to describe him.
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21 May, 2008 by Todd
I have worked with Malcolm for more than 10 years. In that period, he has handled more than 20 residential closings for me. As an entrepreneur for over 27 years I recognize those rare individuals who really strive for excellence in their careers. Malcolm is one such person. Not only his he extremely knowledgeable in his area of specialty, but his service is exceptional. He has always returned my calls and emails within 24 hours.
Malcolm is a true professional and someone I highly recommend.
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08 May, 2008 by Anonymous
Mr. Pitchford has represented institutions that I have been affiliated with for approximately 20 years. During this time period there have been multiple commercial real estate loan closings/transactions annually that he has represented us on. Mr. Pitchford has consistently handled these in the highest professional manner and on a timely basis. I have a very high regard for Mr. Pitchford and the firm that he is associated with.
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30 May, 2023 by Mary
Andrew Boyer listened to my concerns and went above and beyond in answering all my questions and helping me with his knowledge. He gave good advice and share insights that I highly valued regarding an estate and the legal system. He was patient, thorough, and kind. I would highly recommend him!
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20 Nov, 2009 by Anonymous
Andrew of Boyer & Jackson is a bright, attentive, talented lawyer.
I had a family case of Guardianship that required tact, skill, and leadership to get thru a maze of family discord and complexity.
Through Andrew's leadership I was able to protect my elder Father with a Guardianship that was for his best interest.
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14 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
I have had the privilege to have Michael represent me on several matters. He has always out classed, and out witted the other attorneys in the room. I will continue to use him on my real estate transactions, and enthusiastically recommend others to use him as well.
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07 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Michael represented me in a Foreclosure purchase and did an excellent job guiding me through the process to consummation.
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29 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired this attorney to handle some quiet title actions for me in several different counties. He took care of my issues timely and at a fair price.
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25 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Horlacher advised me on a landlord-tenant matter. He always returned my phone calls and emails very quickly. He is very competent and hard working. I will certainly use him again if the need arises. I will also recommend him to family and friends.
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29 Dec, 2016 by Jane
Met with Tina several years ago when I had a complex trust matter where I was serving as a co-trustee. She was able to advise properly and obtain the result my client wanted. Have since referred many others to her and know she has always done excellent work.
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06 Sep, 2012 by Devin
My experience with Sean was brief but he was courteous and promptly responded to my inquiry. While this exchange with Sean was regarding a not-for-profit matter he still took the time to research the matter and explore options. I was very pleased and look forward to engaging his services in the future!
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01 Mar, 2018 by Cliff
My wife and I used Scott to close on our home. It was a VA loan, which brings additional hurdles. The entire process was flawless. We closed in a little over three weeks. The communication was excellent throughout the entire process. I would highly recommend Scott and his team.
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14 May, 2015 by Rob
Ben was very prompt in helping us resolve an eviction of two tenants. We as homeowners had been trying to evict these tenants for over a year. We hired a lawyer (not Ben) who was difficult to talk to and overcharged us for his services. Then we hired Ben who happens to sing in the same chorus as us. Ben acted immediately on our behalf filing all the necessary paperwork resulting in the tenants moving out within a couple of weeks. We are forever grateful to Ben and his professionalism in this matter. His hourly rate was very reasonable. He also kept us up to date with his progress via e-mail.
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19 Apr, 2023 by Erik
As an attorney myself, I have had the privilege of working alongside many talented professionals in the field. However, I must say that Casey Colburn stands out as an exceptionally gifted attorney who specializes in land use, zoning, and waterfront law. I am compelled to share my experience and admiration for Casey's work through this review on Avvo.com.
I have known Casey for over ten years, and during that time, I have witnessed the dedication and passion he brings to his practice. Their comprehensive understanding of the intricacies and nuances of land use, zoning, and waterfront law is nothing short of impressive. He consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to his clients, ensuring their best interests are always at the forefront of any case.
Casey's ability to navigate complex legal matters with ease and clarity is truly remarkable. They have a keen eye for detail and leave no stone unturned in their quest for justice. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with Casey on several occasions, and his professionalism and collaborative spirit make him a pleasure to work with.
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27 Dec, 2014 by Greg and sherri
We have known Mr. Judd for over 30 years. He is the epitome of integrity, professionalism and has a great sense of humor.
Examples of what Mr. Judd handled personally for us:
• Buy-out of partners in our real estate corporation
• Advised and assisted us in entering into a franchise agreement with a national franchisee
• Merger of two real estate franchisees
• Exit strategy from a real estate corporation while we were planning our retirement
• Drafted home owners association documents and attended turn-over meetings for our various real estate subdivisions
• Title work and mortgage closings for over 20 personal real estate transactions
• Assisted us in estate planning and the drafting of our wills
Mr. Judd has the ability to take contentious situations and mediate them to a positive solution for all parties. We have always respected his opinions, personal attention to detail, and business acumen and have referred numerous clients to him over the years.
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17 Dec, 2014 by Ingo
Gary is a very trustworthy, highly knowledgeable lawyer that I would recommend to anyone without a doubt. I've been using his services to establish a new LLC and even though our communication was mostly over email, it has been a very efficient process from the very beginning to the end.
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02 Jun, 2020 by Kelvin
Mr. Shaw and his assistant Kelly Glausman were amazing. They made my primary residence real estate purchase as smooth as possible, explained everything to me in simple, layman's terms and gave me multiple options. They were prompt with answering questions, reviewing documents, and were always available to help me with legal questions. They handle the title process like true professionals. Highly recommend him and Kelly. If you need a real estate lawyer in Sarasota, this is the guy.
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02 Sep, 2011 by Gerry
I had not met Mr. Tucker before he handled our home closing,I was very much impressed with his work. he had everything ready and all in order. A very professional job. I would certainly use him again and recommend him to anyone else. I have moved quite a bit over the years so I have gone through many closings,this wa on of the best.
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10 Feb, 2016 by Sarah
Ben was very personable, easy to contact, and extremely thorough with his work. He was also able to explain to me what he was doing in a way that was easy for me to understand. I was very happy with his performance and would undoubtedly reccomend him to anyone seeking legal council.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Real Estate Lawyer Can Do for You
A real estate lawyer provides legal assistance in transactions and disputes involving property, including residential and commercial real estate. Whether you're buying, selling, leasing, or developing property, a real estate attorney can help ensure that your transactions are legally sound and your rights are protected. They review contracts, perform due diligence, resolve disputes, and provide legal representation in negotiations and litigation involving property matters.
Real estate lawyers are crucial in safeguarding your investment by ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal real estate laws, as well as protecting you from potential legal pitfalls related to property ownership and transactions.
When Should I Hire a Real Estate Lawyer?
Hiring a real estate lawyer is beneficial in various scenarios, including:
- Buying or selling property: When navigating complex real estate contracts, it’s advisable to have a lawyer review and ensure that the terms are favorable and legal.
- Commercial property transactions: For leasing, purchasing, or selling commercial properties, a lawyer can help manage the intricate legal aspects of such transactions.
- Zoning or land use issues: If you're planning to develop property or change its use, a real estate lawyer can guide you through zoning laws and land use regulations.
- Resolving property disputes: For boundary disputes, title issues, or disagreements over property rights, a lawyer can help mediate or litigate the matter.
- Foreclosures or evictions: If you're dealing with foreclosure or managing a tenant eviction, legal representation ensures that the process adheres to local laws and protects your interests.
- Title and deed issues: Lawyers can help clear title disputes, ensure the legitimacy of property deeds, and handle transfers of ownership.
What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?
A real estate lawyer provides a range of services to help with property transactions and disputes, including:
- Contract drafting and review: Ensuring that purchase agreements, leases, and other contracts are legally binding, fair, and protect your interests.
- Title search and clearance: Conducting a thorough title search to ensure that the property has no legal claims or liens that could affect ownership.
- Facilitate closing: Managing the closing process in real estate transactions, including reviewing final documents and ensuring that everything is in order before the transfer of ownership.
- Resolve disputes: Handling legal disputes related to property ownership, boundaries, zoning, or tenants.
- Assist in financing: Reviewing loan agreements and mortgage documents to ensure the terms are fair and legally sound.
- Zoning and land use advice: Guiding clients through the complexities of zoning laws and building regulations for property development or renovation projects.
How Are Real Estate Lawyers Paid?
Real estate lawyers typically charge for their services in the following ways:
- Flat fee: Many real estate transactions, such as reviewing a sales contract or assisting with a closing, are charged on a flat-fee basis.
- Hourly rates: If a lawyer is handling complex disputes or litigation, they may charge by the hour. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Contingency fees: In rare cases, such as property disputes or claims for damages, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win or settle the case.
- Retainer: For ongoing legal support, some clients may pay a retainer, which is an upfront fee used as a deposit for future legal services.
It's important to clarify the fee structure with your attorney before hiring them to avoid any surprises.
How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a real estate lawyer varies based on the complexity of the matter, the location of the property, and the lawyer’s experience. Key factors that affect pricing include:
- Type of transaction or issue: Simple tasks, like contract reviews, typically cost less than handling a complex property dispute or litigation.
- Experience and location: More experienced lawyers or those in high-demand areas, like urban centers, often charge higher rates.
- Billing structure: Lawyers may charge a flat fee for basic services like document review or hourly for more time-intensive work such as disputes or litigation.
Flat fees for straightforward services like closing assistance may range from $500 to $1,500.
Hourly rates can range from $150 to $400 or more, depending on the attorney’s experience and location.
Always discuss fees upfront to understand the overall cost of the legal service you're receiving.
Top Questions to Ask a Real Estate Lawyer
Before hiring a real estate lawyer, ask the following questions to ensure they are the right fit for your legal needs:
-
What experience do you have with real estate law?
Ensure the lawyer has experience in the type of real estate transaction or dispute you’re facing, whether residential, commercial, or development-related. -
What is your fee structure?
Ask how the lawyer charges for services - whether it's a flat fee, hourly rate, or retainer - so there are no surprises later on. -
How long will the process take?
Especially important for real estate transactions or disputes with deadlines, ask for a general estimate of how long the process will last. -
Have you handled cases similar to mine?
Experience with similar transactions or disputes can give you confidence that the lawyer knows how to handle your case. -
Will you handle my case personally, or will it be passed to another attorney?
Confirm who will be handling the bulk of your case work, especially in larger firms where junior lawyers may take on some responsibilities. -
Can you provide references?
Speaking with past clients can give you insight into the lawyer's experience and how they handle cases.
How to Check the Credibility of a Real Estate Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable real estate lawyer, take these steps:
- Check with the state bar association: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with no disciplinary actions on their record.
- Read online reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on legal directories and platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should have past clients willing to share their experiences.
- Review their track record and expertise: Look at the lawyer’s website or LinkedIn profile for information about their experience in real estate law and any relevant cases they’ve handled.
- Membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of respected legal or real estate organizations, like the American Bar Association’s Real Property Division, often signal credibility and expertise.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make your first meeting with a real estate lawyer productive, you should prepare the following materials:
- Relevant property documents: Bring purchase agreements, lease contracts, mortgage documents, zoning permits, or any other paperwork related to your case.
- A summary of the issue or transaction: Be ready to explain the situation, whether it's a property dispute, contract negotiation, or development issue.
- Questions about the legal process: Prepare a list of questions about how the lawyer will handle your case and what steps are involved.
- Financial documents or loan agreements: If the case involves financing or a mortgage, bring any related documents for the lawyer to review.
- Your goals and timeline: Be clear about what outcome you're hoping for, and if there are any deadlines that need to be considered, such as closing dates or legal filings.
By coming prepared, you can ensure that your consultation is efficient and informative, allowing you to assess whether the lawyer is the right fit for your real estate needs.
