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18 Mar, 2013 by Wanda b.
I found Mr. Lingl to be professional, courteous and he was able to present my case in a way that was easy to follow and understand. I appreciated his help in my case. He kept all of his commitments to me and I felt like my case was in great hands.
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07 Jan, 2008 by Anonymous
Mr. Lingl makes mediation look easy. He made everyone feel comfortable, even while dealing with very difficult and complex issues.
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19 Apr, 2022 by Tim
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11 Sep, 2016 by Jesse hancox
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20 Nov, 2013 by Susan
Mr. Digiuseppe handled a personal injury claim filed against me and my business. His work was extremely thorough and resulted in a successful outcome. I have the highest regard for his performance with this matter. He and his team did an outstanding job on my behalf.
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01 Feb, 2017 by Scott
Diane gets it! We had a case that required expert knowledge of contract law, construction and legalese. I have been in construction for over 22 years and this was the first time I had ever had to file a lien. Diane was an excellent reference and representation; she assisted in mediation, providing us with positive results. In addition we had a home owner who thought they would use the system by filing an illegitimate complaint with the CSLB; with Diane's excellent knowledge of California construction law we were able to diffuse this unsubstantiated claim. This was the perfect example of passion and professionalism and we are happy to have Diane assist our team with all future en devours. Highly recommended!!!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Don Lanson is a great guy and a fantastic partner. You couldn’t ask for better legal representation for your personal and business real estate law. He works closely with pros in all areas of Ventura County. He knew exactly what to do and I hired him on the spot. Thanks Don! -Andy
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30 May, 2024 by Joe
In leading me through my long delayed passage of Will and Trust, Bob was the kind, stalwart , patient, knowledgeable and wise guide without whom I might have gone running and screaming. Truly thanks, Bob. Joe
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09 Aug, 2022 by Andy
I hired Mr. Triplett to handle the probate of a deceased family member. Mr. Triplett explained the law as it pertained to my case. He was honest and up front about what each beneficiary would be entitled to. I was worried that me living out of state would be a problem, but Mr. Triplett assured me everything could be handled remotely. Not having to travel to CA saved me thousands of dollars. He recommended and worked with a real estate broker when it came time to sell the property. The property sold fast, for top dollar and I am ever grateful for both of their efforts. The probate settlement would have been much easier had it not been for a few difficult beneficiaries, but Mr. Triplett delt with them and their attorneys. I was never worried because Mr. Triplett knows CA probate law inside and out and the law was very specific in my case. In the end each beneficiary got exactly what Mr. Triplett said the law would allow during our first consultation. My advice, if you find yourself in the position of estate administrator hire Mr. Triplett to handle the legal side. You will not regret it.
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18 Apr, 2017 by Harriet
I was treated with the utmost respect by Mr Triplett as well as his staff. I had peace of mind and had no anxiety or fears when discussing my last wishes
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23 Oct, 2013 by Ildi
Mr. Rodgers not only very knowledgeable and professional but very friendly and honest. He is very responsive via email and on the phone as well. He is AVAILABLE!!!! That is rear. Extremely patience. My English is far away from being perfect yet he listened and was very respectful.He did not try to pull me into something and create something that was not there. It was the opposite. I posted a question. He answered. I called on the phone. He answered. I sent him an email. He answered. Everything was part of the free consultation. That is one in a million. Thank you. Highly recommend him.
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10 Sep, 2013 by Dave
Mr. Rodgers was kind enough to answer my question(s) within an hour of my contact. I found the content of his response informative and directly related to my question. Thank you for the rapid succinct response! DR
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12 Jul, 2013 by Walter
Rick represented me on an easement dispute. His writing skills and attention to detail made a request for summary judgement by the opposition go away. He took my case at the eleventh hour after I fired my first attorney and came up to speed very quickly. I interviewed a lot of attorneys and Rick's interest in my case and his experience as a former real estate broker won me over. Rick was able to help me arrive at a reasonable resolution to my case.
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30 Jun, 2024 by Jermaine jackson
Thank you for all your help! You never know if your attorney will have your best interest in mind, but in the end, I can truly say Deborah kept my best interest in mind through out the entire divorce process. She was very thorough, professional and handled everything in a timely manner. Thanks again for everything!
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10 Jun, 2024 by Jason retana
Deborah was efficient but courteous in all of our interactions. She made my divorce as easy as it could have been, not to mention helping me to achieve a very favorable outcome.
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27 Sep, 2023 by Cindy
Thanks to Deborah's exemplary representation, I received a favorable divorce settlement. Her knowledge of the law and attention to detail were truly outstanding. She listened to my concerns, answered all my questions and provided expert guidance. I would highly recommend Deborah to anyone in need of a top-notch family law attorney.
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14 Jan, 2017 by Peter
I hired ms obrien to help with trust account matters. It is my opinion, and only my opinion, that the case which lasted for years was unnecessarily prolonged. I believe that someone with more knowledge could have completed the case in less time. I paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring the matter to a close, with the final result being arbitration, which I believe could have occurred possibly years earlier had she been better informed.
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04 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
Jeanne is a very thorough attorney. She answered all of my questions in a way I could understand. The process of my estate planning was quick, efficient, and effortless. Everything I asked for I got. Jeanne went above and beyond to meet my needs. The staff at her office is so wonderful and helpful. I would reccommend Jeanne and her office to anyone looking for resolution without getting the legal run around.
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21 Jun, 2011 by Michael & vickie
Jeanne was a godsend, she made simple what other lawers seemed to make difficult. I've never had a better experience with an attorney. Words cannot express the understanding and concern shown through a mere phone conversation. In your time of need don't hesitate to give her a call.
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23 Jun, 2022 by Carmen r
I hired this man to represent my family in a probate case. He doesn’t know proper procedures and filing requirements for probate cases and his lack of knowledge dragged our along for almost two years. That wasn’t bad enough, but in January I requested documentation of file closure so I could file taxes and after many follow up emails on my part, he sent tax docs April 19th, the day AFTER taxes were due. I get to wait another year to finish filing taxes. Do not hire this guy, he made $23,000 for poor quality work.
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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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