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15 Sep, 2022 by Jeff
Mike was extremely knowledgeable and persistent representing us in a civil matter. Highly recommend him.
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20 Apr, 2022 by Janice
Michael was efficient and great to work with. He really had our best interests in mind when we had a dispute with our former landlord who was taking complete advantage of us in a tenant/landlord dispute. Highly recommend his services.
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07 Oct, 2021 by Jonna
I highly recommend Michael. My brother needed help regarding an eviction issue, as many people do during this pandemic crisis. However, my brother had a dire need and was unable to fix the issue due to his incarceration. Michael was straight up, professional, and went the extra mile to look for resolve. He also went to work immediately. No wasting any time here. Not only did my brother get the funding he needed to keep him in his apartment, but he was represented by an honest, empathetic, professional, who is human at heart. Michael, you are blessing to our family. If it weren't for your immediate assistance and kind attitude, my brother would be on the streets today. Thank you!
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23 Jul, 2020 by William
There's a difference between lawyers who know how to look up the law, and those who know it off the top of their head. Whims is the latter. He instantly caught something that the other side I think was completely unaware of. It ended up giving us a ton of leverage in a very satisfactory settlement. I would recommend him to anyone, except someone who might use him against me! LOL.
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07 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I needed a lawyer to help me with an embezzlement charge and Mr. Whims was the best attorney to help me handle the case. He walked me thru the process and helped me get probation and eventual dismissal of charges there after. He was professional and worked on my behalf through the entire process.
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16 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
I made the unfortunate decision to drive after drinking. I was charged with OWI with high BAC. (.19, and .17) After talking with several attorneys in the area, I made the decision to hire Robert. Robert took the time to get to know my personal accomplishments and not just the crime I committed. Because of his commitment and professionalism, my charge was immediately reduced. In addition, at my sentencing I was given non-reporting probation, and a 4 hour highway safety course. When I first contacted Robert I was facing a car installed breathylizer, possible jail, reporting probation, and community service.
Robert also has the respect of the courts. Regardless of how many people filled the court room, Robert was always the first case the judge called. The judge made personal recognition of Robert, which put me at great ease.
He is a family man, but also respected professional. He is involved in his community, and it is obvious everyone that works with him (judge, court employees, probation officers) has great respect for him and find him trustworthy.
I would recommend Robert to anyone looking for an attorney with a wealth of knowledge and who can guide you through a difficult situation!
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12 Apr, 2016 by Kristin
Andrew has been spot on throughout a long and emotional situation after her husband, David Briggs, died. His children convinced her that her and her husband needed a medicaid divorce to protect the money and had him sign a POA and a will while in the hospital just weeks before his death. We did not see the manipulation until after he died and they tried to keep it from her. These were people she hugged and had in her home for 14 years for holidays. Andrew is a star
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10 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Shotwell was extremely helpful in navigating us through the process of setting up a will and trust. He spent time throughout the whole process to work through many aspects and details. At our final review of the documents I felt secure that my family was thoroughly protected because of the details.
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08 May, 2015 by Holly
I have had the privilege to work with Andrew in helping our mutual clients achieve their estate planning goals. Andrew genuinely cares about people and he is most knowledgeable in the law and the tools available to assist clients.
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08 Jun, 2015 by Anne-marie
Lea Ann helped my husband and I do our estate planning after we had put it off for over five years because it just seemed too overwhelming. She was patient, caring, asked thoughtful questions we had not considered, helped us articulate our wishes in proper legal format, and anticipated a complicated family situation. Further, she was clear on how to proceed after the actual documents were drawn.
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08 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
I went to lea ann for help getting my boys into a better situation than they were in. lea ann and her team did a great job in helping me with my situation.
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05 Jun, 2015 by Dean
Lea Ann took my custody case and for three years she showed so much tenacity and care for my case. After plenty of bumps along the way, she finally won the case and I was able to bring my son home with me where he has flourished both as a person and a student. I don't know what I would have done if she would have given up, like I was ready to do plenty of times. Thank you Lea Ann for everything you have done for me and my family
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17 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
I have worked with Dingeman's firm for 20+ years. We have worked with them on business transactions, real estate deals, litigation and a wide variety of other various legal work. Dan and his firm have always been a beneficial business partner whether it was for 9&10 News or Fox 32. We appreciate their commitment and services.
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17 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Dan Dingeman is the rare attorney in my 30 year career in real estate that goes beyond the nuts and bolts of each assignment. He understands the nuances of all aspects of each transaction, is concise, insightful, knowledgable and consistently works to keep all parties on track to reach the desired outcome. His counsel is a valuable part of my overall success.
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03 Oct, 2008 by Anonymous
Mr. Dingeman helped my husband and I select the structure for our business (an S corporation), obtain financing and purchase the necessary building. He did a superior job in shielding us from personal liability and provided us the best tax benefits for our business. We are so pleased, that in these troubled financial times, that we are successful and turning a substantial profit. We believe we were fortunate to have had the council and guidance of Mr. Dingeman.
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23 Oct, 2020 by Carl zacarias
Ed is a common sense business lawyer with impeccably good judgment. Based on my experience with him, any person buying or selling a home should consult with Ed prior to listing or signing on with an agent. I sold my home with a fantastic listing agent, but the experience was still extremely stressful and I felt a listing agent was necessary because I was unfamiliar with the transaction. As nice as my agent was there was always the uneasiness of knowing his interests were not always in line with mine -- it's just the nature of the beast. When it came time for me to buy a new home I spoke with Ed first. I learned from Ed that working through an agent was not always necessary and that engaging a homeowner about selling prior to listing with the help of a lawyer like Ed is the most prudent homebuying strategy. Ed and the title company he works with were able to handle all the technical/legal aspects of the deal and answered all the questions that I would have ordinarily directed to my agent. The eventual deal I made was better for both the buyers and sellers; it was a win-win deal because neither party had to endure the work and stress of the open market, and the ultimate sale price netted the seller more money and had us paying less. By paying a flat fee Ed's duties as a lawyer were owed entirely to me and were not influenced by other factors. Also, Ed's expertise goes way beyond for-sale-by-owner transactions. Anyone doing real property or commercial transactions should consider retaining Ed and give him a call.
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16 Oct, 2020 by Penny daniels
In 2019 I sold an investment property to my long time tenant. While I had a built in buyer, it was still a very complicated situation for a variety of reasons. Ed negotiated the sale and handled everything for me, and he made a difficult situation much, much better. He handled everything remotely, including signatures -- we never had to meet in the office -- he was extremely responsive and reassuring the whole way -- and most importantly, I saved thousands of dollars by not using a realtor. I continue to work with Ed whenever I need an attorney -- I would highly recommend him.
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15 Oct, 2020 by Brittany price
My husband and I sold our house "by owner" and it could not have been an easier process! Everything was done virtually and we saved thousands of dollars by not having a realtor. All paperwork was signed electronically so we did not have to take time off work. Everyone was very responsive to our questions and helped us understand the process. I can't say enough good things! -Brittany Schrock
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24 Mar, 2023 by David stricker
Great, friendly service. Very communicative, especially since we were working with her from out of state.
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23 Sep, 2022 by Bill schramm
I never imagined I'd be in a position to have to file bankruptcy. I've always taken care of my own and paid all of my debts. I was afraid, nervous and insecure. Paul and Sheryl eased all of that and helped me through the process. They were extremely fair, kind and helpful through all of it. They helped me get my life to the point where I can get back on my feet and have a fresh start! I can't say enough about how great they were to work with.
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07 May, 2019 by Nadea rodgers
16 Dec, 2014 by Charles
Jared provided services relating to the purchase of my new home. He was very reliable and knowledgable. I always felt as though he had my best interests in mind. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone!
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22 Aug, 2014 by Sasha
Jared helped me with the purchase of my first condo. Since I was a first-time buyer, I relied on my lawyer to guide me through the process and Jared was tremendous. He was very responsive and diligent and offered his professional opinion and advice on the deals we were considering. He was very detail oriented throughout the process and particularly during the closing stages. I'm certain to use his services in the future and would feel very comfortable recommending him to anyone.
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27 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Rowe is incredibly professional and helped me to develop a new consulting business entity. He was able to guide me through my initial contracts in a consulting field that is unique. His counsel was genuine, personalized and successful.
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29 Sep, 2016 by Debbie
Being in the real estate business, my husband and I have both hired David Rowe to help with LLC, business and Real estate matters. We are repeat clients and have returned time and again because of his high level of competency and professionalism. He is very sharp legally and strives to achieve his clients goals as efficiently as possible which is not something I could say about all attorneys. His accessibility is amazing! David has called us many times after business hours, on weekends, or from his vacation when we needed something right away. He is a wonderful person and a great lawyer! The following letter we received from a client is further evidence of David's desire and ability to solve issues we sometimes need help with........
" We don’t hear thank you often enough. Sometimes we do things for others, it greatly benefits them, but in the rush of victory, smothered in tears of joy, we forget to say thank you to those people who did a small thing that paid off big. Ted, you did a small, simple thing, that just turned a hugely ugly situation into one of those moments in life you never forget. Your referral of Dave Rowe was that simple thing.
What an outstanding attorney, a wonderful human, a good soul. He and I worked in concert yesterday on a matter surrounding the sale of our property, that almost killed a complicated deal, and could have led to a long, ugly court battle – one we had neither the mental fortitude, health or finances to make happen. At times, the last few years have been hellish, there have been many hardships and pitfalls. As we’ve often said to one another….”just one smooth day, just one thing that goes our way”. Today is that day, and Dave Rowe played a significant role in making it happen, We can’t thank you enough for that referral, for being a part of this one smooth day, and the beginning of a new chapter in our lives, one that starts on a high note."
Mike
Thank you Dave, for being the compassionate lawyer that you are!
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18 Jan, 2012 by Nancy
excellent attorney very helpful and took time to answer my questions and help me understand my options.
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01 Oct, 2021 by John
Excellent firm. Matt Hanley shrewdly and professional guided our trust litigation case to fruition. Impressed with his experience background and confidence. Excellent courtroom posture and presence. Look no further ..This is a GENUINE review from satisfied client.
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14 Aug, 2018 by John
Wow! This is the best Attorney around! This man can dig up things that you would have no idea he could find and prove it in court. He has empathy for his clients, is easy to talk to and he explains it all to you. He is very professional in his work and in the court room.
Mr. Kern went up against a company and that company had a team of Lawyers that fought us all the way to the Supreme Court and Mr. Kern won our case for us. He's awesome! I highly recommend Mr. Bryce Kern for your case.
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20 Jul, 2016 by Josh beechraft
Kristyn is an absolute rock star!!!!! She handled my divorce as well as a child/family matter. My divorce was tricky as there was a child involved that was not my child and Michigan state law says I would be held accountable as the father. In my divorce hearing the judge complemented her on how well she structured my case and explained that any other way of doing it likely would have been denied. In my family situation, she was so well prepared; I was truly impressed. My file was three times as thick as the other side of the isle, and before the hearing she was rehearsing her opening statements. This made me feel like I was in the hands of a true professional and someone who cares. After getting to know her a little bit through all of this, I can whole heartedly tell you that she does care and will stand up for you in the most honorable way! She gets my 5-star vote, and undoubtedly if a situation arises that I need her expertise in the future I will be calling her!
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24 Mar, 2014 by Karen
JOHN KLINE WAS AN EXCEPTIONAL ATTORNEY IN THAT I FELT COMPLETELY AT EASE AND PROTECTED. HE EXPLAINED EVERYTHING TO ME AND DIDN'T HIDE ANY DETAILS. HE WAS QUICK AND DIDN'T DRAG OUT THE PROCESS. ESCORTED ME TO ALL HEARINGS AND WENT OVER ALL THE PAPERWORK IN GREAT DETAIL MAKING SURE IT WAS ALL CORRECT.
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01 Oct, 2018 by Jim
Joe was my Attorney for a divorce. From start to finish Joe told me exactly what was going to happen and it all happened just as he said. Joe's staff was incredible as well; the whole process was seamless and I feel that I received great.value for the fee I paid. I highly recommend Joe Fisher for any legal matter you might have.
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22 Dec, 2012 by Anonymous
Roy took the time to listen. He listened to me and then advised me on how to proceed but most importantly listened. He took the time
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12 Aug, 2024 by J t
I hired Mas/Stig-Nielsen for a criminal case and it was very evident from my first conversation with Fred that I made the correct choice. Fred and Betsy both engaged in the details of the case, were clearly knowledgeable on the charge and went to great lengths to research precedent cases. Needless to say, all of this ended in a very favorable outcome for me. Their preparation, diligence, and attention to detail were what achieved that. I could not be happier with their services.
Beyond the law aspects, the quote on their website says something about them better than I could say: “Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.”
Fred and Betsy treated me as a human being who was in a tough spot, had a tough case against me, and probably did not make all the correct decisions in the incident. I was treated with dignity, and when you are in these spots, that can mean all the difference in how you respond to your plight and get through it.
Fred and Betsy, thank you again!
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15 May, 2024 by Lars canty
A rare diamond in Northern Michigan. Extremely knowledgeable in regards to every aspect of the criminal justice process. Communicative and diligent. This firm gets my highest praise. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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29 Mar, 2024 by Neil roper
I can’t say enough great things about Betsy. I was 2 DUI's down and 10 years without a drivers license. She was accessible, thorough and prepared at a really great price. Things were pretty much a breeze at the hearing due to her preparation. Only regret I have is not finding her sooner. She is one of the nicest and most genuine people my wife and I have had the pleasure of meeting. Thank you so much Betsy.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Bgsportscast
Where do I start? When I contacted Ryann, I called him to take my case against a former employer, this was due to a work injury and Worker’s Compensation dispute. Since day one, Ryann was always, kind, and understanding to my situation. He was very clear, and informative and kept me up-to-date on my case, and how it was progressing. Throughout my case just like any other case, I’m sure there was a lot of ups and downs, but no matter how hard the case got Ryann never gave up on fighting to make sure I won my case. I can gladly say that after 2.5 years of fighting tooth and nail with the defense attorney, Ryann WON my case. If anyone knew how hard this case was, you would understand that this WIN was not easy at all. I can’t express enough, to how good of a job Ryann did and how much a FIGHTER Ryann is!! So DO NOT make a mistake by going somewhere else, contact Ryann to HELP YOU!! you won’t regret it!!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND RYANN!!
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12 Dec, 2023 by Chris
Quick to respond. Very knowledgeable
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29 Aug, 2022 by Cassandra kamaloski
We were referred to Ryann Embury by a few people in our community and we are so glad. He went above and beyond to help us. We were impressed with not only his knowledge and expertise but also his caring and thoughtful manner. He genuinely cared about our situation, and it showed through the handling of our case. We will be using Ryann for any of our legal needs in the future and will be referring him to all of our family and friends. If you are looking for a good attorney, I would highly recommend Ryann.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Bgsportscast
Where do I start? When I contacted Ryann, I called him to take my case against a former employer, this was due to a work injury and Worker’s Compensation dispute. Since day one, Ryann was always, kind, and understanding to my situation. He was very clear, and informative and kept me up-to-date on my case, and how it was progressing. Throughout my case just like any other case, I’m sure there was a lot of ups and downs, but no matter how hard the case got Ryann never gave up on fighting to make sure I won my case. I can gladly say that after 2.5 years of fighting tooth and nail with the defense attorney, Ryann WON my case. If anyone knew how hard this case was, you would understand that this WIN was not easy at all. I can’t express enough, to how good of a job Ryann did and how much a FIGHTER Ryann is!! So DO NOT make a mistake by going somewhere else, contact Ryann to HELP YOU!! you won’t regret it!!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND RYANN!!
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12 Dec, 2023 by Chris
Quick to respond. Very knowledgeable
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29 Aug, 2022 by Cassandra kamaloski
We were referred to Ryann Embury by a few people in our community and we are so glad. He went above and beyond to help us. We were impressed with not only his knowledge and expertise but also his caring and thoughtful manner. He genuinely cared about our situation, and it showed through the handling of our case. We will be using Ryann for any of our legal needs in the future and will be referring him to all of our family and friends. If you are looking for a good attorney, I would highly recommend Ryann.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Bgsportscast
Where do I start? When I contacted Ryann, I called him to take my case against a former employer, this was due to a work injury and Worker’s Compensation dispute. Since day one, Ryann was always, kind, and understanding to my situation. He was very clear, and informative and kept me up-to-date on my case, and how it was progressing. Throughout my case just like any other case, I’m sure there was a lot of ups and downs, but no matter how hard the case got Ryann never gave up on fighting to make sure I won my case. I can gladly say that after 2.5 years of fighting tooth and nail with the defense attorney, Ryann WON my case. If anyone knew how hard this case was, you would understand that this WIN was not easy at all. I can’t express enough, to how good of a job Ryann did and how much a FIGHTER Ryann is!! So DO NOT make a mistake by going somewhere else, contact Ryann to HELP YOU!! you won’t regret it!!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND RYANN!!
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12 Dec, 2023 by Chris
Quick to respond. Very knowledgeable
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29 Aug, 2022 by Cassandra kamaloski
We were referred to Ryann Embury by a few people in our community and we are so glad. He went above and beyond to help us. We were impressed with not only his knowledge and expertise but also his caring and thoughtful manner. He genuinely cared about our situation, and it showed through the handling of our case. We will be using Ryann for any of our legal needs in the future and will be referring him to all of our family and friends. If you are looking for a good attorney, I would highly recommend Ryann.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Bgsportscast
Where do I start? When I contacted Ryann, I called him to take my case against a former employer, this was due to a work injury and Worker’s Compensation dispute. Since day one, Ryann was always, kind, and understanding to my situation. He was very clear, and informative and kept me up-to-date on my case, and how it was progressing. Throughout my case just like any other case, I’m sure there was a lot of ups and downs, but no matter how hard the case got Ryann never gave up on fighting to make sure I won my case. I can gladly say that after 2.5 years of fighting tooth and nail with the defense attorney, Ryann WON my case. If anyone knew how hard this case was, you would understand that this WIN was not easy at all. I can’t express enough, to how good of a job Ryann did and how much a FIGHTER Ryann is!! So DO NOT make a mistake by going somewhere else, contact Ryann to HELP YOU!! you won’t regret it!!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND RYANN!!
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12 Dec, 2023 by Chris
Quick to respond. Very knowledgeable
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29 Aug, 2022 by Cassandra kamaloski
We were referred to Ryann Embury by a few people in our community and we are so glad. He went above and beyond to help us. We were impressed with not only his knowledge and expertise but also his caring and thoughtful manner. He genuinely cared about our situation, and it showed through the handling of our case. We will be using Ryann for any of our legal needs in the future and will be referring him to all of our family and friends. If you are looking for a good attorney, I would highly recommend Ryann.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Bgsportscast
Where do I start? When I contacted Ryann, I called him to take my case against a former employer, this was due to a work injury and Worker’s Compensation dispute. Since day one, Ryann was always, kind, and understanding to my situation. He was very clear, and informative and kept me up-to-date on my case, and how it was progressing. Throughout my case just like any other case, I’m sure there was a lot of ups and downs, but no matter how hard the case got Ryann never gave up on fighting to make sure I won my case. I can gladly say that after 2.5 years of fighting tooth and nail with the defense attorney, Ryann WON my case. If anyone knew how hard this case was, you would understand that this WIN was not easy at all. I can’t express enough, to how good of a job Ryann did and how much a FIGHTER Ryann is!! So DO NOT make a mistake by going somewhere else, contact Ryann to HELP YOU!! you won’t regret it!!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND RYANN!!
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12 Dec, 2023 by Chris
Quick to respond. Very knowledgeable
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29 Aug, 2022 by Cassandra kamaloski
We were referred to Ryann Embury by a few people in our community and we are so glad. He went above and beyond to help us. We were impressed with not only his knowledge and expertise but also his caring and thoughtful manner. He genuinely cared about our situation, and it showed through the handling of our case. We will be using Ryann for any of our legal needs in the future and will be referring him to all of our family and friends. If you are looking for a good attorney, I would highly recommend Ryann.
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17 Jul, 2023 by David quimby
Excellent service. Wise counsel .Recommend highly for all legal needs.
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03 Jul, 2023 by Ashlee carnes
10 Mar, 2023 by Brad lonberger
04 Feb, 2024 by Lisa capell
10 Aug, 2023 by Amanda mcneil
Matt was very helpful and made it easy for my father and I. Much appreciated.
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11 Apr, 2016 by Brandon pav
There are a lot of lawyer database websites out there, but when I heard that a lot of them just scrap public directories and don't necessarily have a credible or up-to-date information source, I researched and was glad to find out that Zeekbeek was the only legal marketplace that allows me to find a lawyer near me that's partnered exclusively with the state bar association. This site not only gives me good information about each lawyer, but it also allows me to communicate directly and even view their availability to schedule an appointment right online. Awesome feature and saves me a ton of time!
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20 Feb, 2021 by D delcore
Matthew knows his stuff and is very professional!
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20 Jun, 2019 by Qr digital
20 Jun, 2019 by Qr digital
13 Nov, 2023 by Adventure rhoades
Paul is very Honest & Fair.
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09 Oct, 2023 by Stacey boyer
Lauren Pfiel is phenomenal to work with. For custody related cases, I would highly recommend her. She listens to what your ideal outcome would be, lets you know how that compares to how the law views your situation and in my case created the best outcome. She does all of this while remaining empathic to your feelings as well. Super impressed by her along with her paralegal Bobbie.
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16 Oct, 2022 by Tery bernas
Was inquiring about their legal services and costs.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Linda hansen
Laura Liberty was amazing to work with. She handled my questions and concerns regarding the "personal representative/executor" role with ease. She was responsive to emails and shared helpful links. Laura was supportive through the difficult family dynamics and eventual sale of property process. I would trust Laura with any legal needs I might have.
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12 Jun, 2024 by Sammy madison
If you are looking for an elder law attorney, I would highly recommend Brandon Dornbusch. He is caring, compassionate and takes the time to truly listen. He communicates effectively and honestly. It is clear that he understands his area of law in all of its complexity inside and out, and will be highly competent to represent you and work in your best interest.
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24 May, 2024 by Gella sullivan
Jonathan Hagy was amazing with putting our family’s estate planning documents together in a short time frame and for a great price. I used to work for an estate planning lawyer in another state, so I have a rough idea what I’m looking at, and the documents he put together for us were top notch, and very clearly spelled out everything. I also called virtually every other lawyer in Traverse City, and his prices were far more reasonable than what some of the other lawyers wanted. He was very helpful with explaining the whole process and suggesting what to do for our situation. Highly recommend! Thank you Jon!
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25 Sep, 2024 by Jay houston
Abigail is awesome!
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01 May, 2024 by Dan b
Highly recommend. I've known Joe Fisher since I was a kid. Bre Neros was outstanding.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Christine miller
I worked with Anca and her team to help navigate through a custody change after divorce. She was honest about expectations, always prompt to answer questions, and helped resolve the matter quickly.
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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.
