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18 Nov, 2021 by David l
Working with this lawyer was an absolute pleasure and easy. Initial and subsequent meetings were held by phone, email and zoom, and finally, a visit to his office. My wife and I were pleased with how he made the process smoothly organized, and comfortable. Bruce restated my Trust and prepared Power of Attorney, Living Will, and all associated documents for Estate Planning for my wife and myself. We are very pleased.
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08 May, 2021 by Barbara
Bruce and Lee did an excellent job of assisting us with our estate planning. From initial consultation to final product plan. WOW, we were blown away by all the knowledge/education we gained to assist us in making our decisions. The attention to detail, patience, accessibility, guidance and thoroughness was over the top. THANK YOU for helping us with this very important process to ensure our assets and family are taken care of when we're gone!
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17 Apr, 2021 by Bill & patricia
Bruce is all that you could ever ask for in an Attorney, and more. Extremely helpful and professional. We would hire him again.
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25 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
I am so grateful for Lee and his compassion, communication, integrity, professionalism and skill. He took the pressure off of me during a time consuming and difficult closing. I could not have gone through it without him. Hiring Lee was the best decision I ever made and I want to tell everyone.
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30 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
Lee was very informative and was reassuring while he helped me with my issue. Not only did he handle my problem with great compassion and success, he took care of the entire issue in a professional and timely manner. I would recommend, and have recommended, his services to others. Have an issue? Lee is the attorney you want to know!
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04 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
Lee, is the lawyer you want on your side. You do not want to be facing him from the opposite table. He is a "Velvet Barracuda". He has his opponents on the mats before they know what hit them. Brilliant Litigator. He handled the most delicate family legal disputes in Probate with a finesse and shrewdness that more seasoned lawyers should envy. He takes his responsibility seriously and always responds quickly to concerns. He is not afraid of the difficult case - I know this from experience. Lee, is now our family lawyer. I cannot recommend him highly enough. If you would like to speak to me about this reference, [phone number removed], I would be more than happy to recommend him and tell you of our experience.
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15 May, 2018 by Ivan
This is one of the most professional and honest lawyers I have ever met. When I hired her she made feel that my case was of the utmost importance to her and not just another case like many other laywers that I have delt with. She always returned my phone calls, emails and text messages in a timely manner and explained the whole process to me step by step in a way that was easy to understand. Without hesitation I recommend Mariel Tollinchi. Honest, hard working, ethical and tenacious.
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18 Feb, 2017 by Maria
I called Mrs. Tollinchi after I called several different Attorneys. It was the best decision I made. She is extremely knowledgeable and does exactly what she says she will do. She is wonderful about responding to emails and spends as much time as you need answering all your questions. I will definitely refer anyone who is looking for a bankruptcy attorney to her she is affordable and very compassionate. About your case.
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18 Feb, 2017 by Maryel
"Very knowledgeable and had a very quick response. You did a great job for me" Recommending you to everyone...thanks you for everything.
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08 Jan, 2021 by Bryan
I trust Jayson and his team with my buyers and sellers. As a realtor it is hard to find a great title company that can handle any issues during a closing. Jayson and his team can handle any issue. They are fantastic, adaptive and responsive. Jayson will pick up the phone and call my buyers and sellers to put them at ease. This is what makes them such a great titie/closing company. Highly recommended by Bryan Gold of Compass Realty.
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07 Jan, 2021 by Dustyn
Jayson came recommended to assist with our real estate closing and thank goodness he was in our corner. As usual, things came up last minute that we had no idea about but Jayson was well versed and quick to resolve any and all issues to ensure a smooth and on-time closing. Really can’t thank you enough for your personal attention every step of the way!
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07 Jan, 2021 by Roy
My go-to attorney for all of my real estate transactions. Whether I need a title company I can trust, or just a representation, Jayson is always a call away. Jayson has been by my company's side in many transactions and always acted with honesty, integrity, and professionalism. Highly recommended.
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09 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
I had the pleasure of working with Michelle as she filed my Chapter 13 bankruptcy. She was very informative on the process and gave explanations step by step. I went in not knowing exactly what the bankruptcy meant and how it would effect me but Michelle reassured me that I was in good hands. If I ever had a question she was there to answer without any hesitation. I would strongly recommend Michelle as she will get the job done and you will be confident in the resolution.
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03 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
I used him on a case where evrything I need to know was on the "county's public records webiste". (I did not know about this website). No leagal action was required. Mr Ruben could have resolved my issue in 10 minutes.... charge me for an hour. INSTEAD he make a $4000 (3000 retainer) law suit out of the problem. He had me "sue" a very sick man to get information, that was already on the county website. When this sick man did not respond, he did not follow through with the case. I was able to resolve my problem on my own, I didn't even need information from the public records. . I did not make further contact with him, because I did not want to give him the rest of the money.
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14 Oct, 2021 by Jan serrano
35 years of career and no reviews. I should have read the signs when I looked you up for representation. He is a total embarrassment for the attorneys who performed with high standards. He barely knows the law system. As matter fact the only thing that keeps him alive are the connections in different agencies who he uses and still can not win a case. I would rather represent the case by myself than having this person representing me. He is a total ashamed. 35 years wasted. You know where to contact or call him or find him because he works for several firms. He would do much better in Publix filling up the bags than he does as an attorney. www. Publixjobs.com
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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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