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06 Nov, 2015 by Allison
Circumstance unfortunate but outcome EXCELLENT due to retaining Mr. KINDOPP to represent me in a few cases starting back in 2001 in a traffic case and most recently this past year in a custody battle in which a father abandoned his first born after requesting emergency custody which was denied yet felt just 6 months later without any significant changes that leaving his daughter in the mothers care 100% showing his original request was a waste of everyone's time. Mr. Kindopp is very personable with his clients yet does not offer a false sense of hope but a few various likely realities so no surprises causing upset arise. He is quick to point out facts that are backed up by evidence leaving no room for error and providing a secure expectation and an attorney / client trust like no other. He explains why things need to be done a certain way eliminating all confusion or anxiety. He presents himself in a very professional manner and always one step ahead due to his thorough review of all case notes, discovery, pleadings abd correspondence. He can be a breath of fresh air yet demonstrates his knowledge and expertise in every case or individual he represents. He's matter-of-fact and straight to the point which in turn wastes no time or money. He is fair aND communicates directly with his clients putting each one at ease rather than leaving them to question the status of their case. We are fortunate to have such a driven, justice seeking, highly educated individual practicing law in our community. I highly recommend Mr. Kindopp for any case in his field of choice if you want a pleasant experience in the court room. I'm so thankful for his gratitude. Time, effort and compassion he has put forth in my cases and will continue to use him in the future shall any legal matters arise again.
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18 Aug, 2011 by Karen
I received Mr. Kindopp's name through an Employee Assistance Program when I had an extremely difficult time dealing with a mortgage company and needed someone on my side. I was short on time due to an impending foreclosure/sale date; after seven months of getting nothing but the run around, verbal and financial abuse by a broken system and stress. I explained the time constraint to his assistant and was scheduled for an appointment quicker than I had imagined. Mr. Kindopp listened to me, provided information and the legal support I needed to effectively deal with this company who had not always been following "the rules" and conveniently lost documents, let them expire or didn't have information when it worked in their favor. I received a phone call from the mortgage company with a proposal for a permanent loan modification within days, and an apology regarding their business practices. When the modification papers arrived I faxed them to Mr. Kindopp's office, concerned about what I was signing. I was shocked to receive a telephone call at 7pm on a Friday evening from him to discuss them. I have never had an attorney who addressed my needs and concerns in such a quick and assertive fashion. Through personal necessity, and work, I have had the opportunity to come in contact with many lawyers in Mendocino County, Mr. Kindopp is at the top of my list. If my family EVER needs an attorney or legal assistance I will be calling Mr. Kindopp.
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10 Jun, 2011 by Michael
Mr. Kindopp worked on a very complicated case that I started. He has been absolutely outstanding.
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30 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
I have worked with Mr. McMullen several times regarding different legal areas. In business law he has worked diligently to strengthen my business for compliance and contracts while upholding our core values. In family law he has been invaluable in supporting me as a trustee in unraveling estates cleanly and clearly. His knowledge and deep consideration of the issues have informed clear pathways to resolution. Having worked with other attorneys on estate and trust issues, Mr McMullen was by far the most knowledgable and personally skilled to address the issues and concerns. His advise led to remarkable outcomes that strengthened family relationships at a time in life that often undermines them.
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20 Nov, 2023 by Kayte
Donald has been our legal advisor on multiple business and personal contracts. He is incredibly detail oriented. Working with him has been a huge relief and he has a way making sense of the complicated. The whole office is kind and helpful.
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07 Sep, 2020 by Nan
Donald McMullen has been representing our property owners association in a complex real estate case. He has proven himself very knowledgeable about the relevant law and able to communicate in a clear and timely manner about our options and their pros and cons. He has been strategic in his approach to the case, laying groundwork so that we have been at an advantage as future potential developments have materialized. During trial, he was extremely sharp, focused, and quick thinking (we prevailed on all counts). Mr. McMullen has, at all times, been professional, straightforward, and level headed and has well earned the respect and gratitude of each of the 20-plus members of our group.
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01 Aug, 2022 by John
Thank you for the opportunity to bring what Brian did for us to light. Brian came into our case in the middle of a heated family dispute over my father’s family trust. Brian also simultaneously handled a restraining order for elder abuse brought fourth by my father’s wife. Who also disputed the trust. Brian’s knowledge of the law and calm demeanor combined with his common decency offset the overall negativity and lack of respect brought on by my father’s wife’s family. Brian went above and beyond to explain everything to us and to make us more comfortable. He made an impossible situation seem bearable with his confidence. Brian guided me through one of the worst times of my life. My father’s passing along with the trust and restraining order hearing. Brian’s cross examination of the plaintiffs, my dad’s wife in my restraining order hearing was very strong and led to a ruling from the bench in my favor due to Brian’s knowledge of the law and without Brian having to call any of my witnesses or putting on my defense. The trust battle was just that. the lies, deception, misrepresentation of facts, distortion of the truth it was unbelievable. Brian was very well prepared and had us on the same page. Very comforting in an extremely difficult situation. My family’s future was on the line and Brian worked as though it was his. We felt Brian’s calm confidence was definitely demonstrated throughout the trial and once again his vast knowledge of the law was what ultimately led to our success. once again Brian received a ruling from the bench. Which is like hitting a grand slam in the MLB Allstar game. A retired judge remarked to us that was an incredible win, no one gets a ruling from the bench in a trust case such as this. We are forever grateful to Brian and his entire staff.
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05 Jan, 2011 by Robert
Mr. Momsen was very easy to reach and to work with. He was always responsive to our emails and phone calls. He understood the case, and worked hard to get us in a good settlement position. We found his ethics to be the highest, as he relied on the documented proof of our case and on the law, no tricks or false claims. He was always pleasant and friendly, and was a pleasure to work with. We are very satisfied with the outcome of our case, as he helped us obtain our objective.
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23 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
Or if you want more details... my husband and I were involved in a probate case several hours away from our home. We were able to scan anything relevant from our full filing cabinet of docs, and Jeanne selected just what we needed for our case, she did additional research at the local courthouse saving us several long trips, she worked well with the other probate attorney, filed the paperwork with the courts well in advance of our case, and when we traveled up for the hearing, our portion was settled in our favor in a matter of minutes. We're so appreciative of her careful and thorough work, how little time it cost us despite travel time, her rates are reasonable, she is incredibly responsive, and she's flexible and so pleasant to work with. And gave us a fabulous resto recommendation in Ukiah before our travels home. We can't recommend Jeanne highly enough!
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27 May, 2017 by Joan
We were in need of a local attorney to create the will, advanced directives and trust documents for an older relative living in the area. We are from the east coast and just took a flying computer-generated chance with Ms. DeJong and we could not be happier. She is personable, patient, extremely knowledgeable and thorough. She was able to explain everything...not just to her client, our relative, but also to us. She was also able to help with some side issues and helped us to plan for some future eventualities.She took the time needed to get the job done and we never felt rushed or like we were "on the clock" It is difficult to choose a professional from across the country with nothing to go on, but I would wholeheartedly recommend Ms Dejong to all near and far.
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21 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Duncan assisted my family with a very difficult and emotional matter. We were referred to him from a close friend based on his experience and reputation. He did not disappoint and aggressively pursued our case. We had very favorable result. I would recommend Duncan without hesitation.
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02 Jul, 2019 by Bruce page
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16 Feb, 2019 by Henrietta “henri” dukes
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15 Jan, 2019 by Joseph nelson
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FAQs
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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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