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06 Nov, 2023 by Jeanine cumer
They are the best!
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18 Aug, 2023 by Rebecca russell
02 Oct, 2018 by Betty lue gordon
29 Jun, 2017 by Rachel
Lane has been advising me on my divorce
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15 Jun, 2017 by Jeff
Lane did a great job on our wills and is an outstanding tax, divorce, criminal law, and general practice attorney. I would not hesitate to use him again.
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02 Aug, 2024 by K s
Jim Shields and the support staff were a pleasure to work with. They really made things so easy.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Debra argo
I got into debt and wasn’t sure how to go about filing bankruptcy. I called Moody Law Offices. Anthony Moody took the time and explained everything thoroughly. He was awesome!! I had questions through the whole process. He was right there whenever I needed him. He’s your “to go to” guy for sure! 5*****’s for Anthony Moody.
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27 Jun, 2024 by Gary fritsch
02 Aug, 2024 by K s
Jim Shields and the support staff were a pleasure to work with. They really made things so easy.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Debra argo
I got into debt and wasn’t sure how to go about filing bankruptcy. I called Moody Law Offices. Anthony Moody took the time and explained everything thoroughly. He was awesome!! I had questions through the whole process. He was right there whenever I needed him. He’s your “to go to” guy for sure! 5*****’s for Anthony Moody.
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27 Jun, 2024 by Gary fritsch
26 Mar, 2024 by Nichole merrell
I was referred to Keith from a friend who is an attorney. I wasn’t sure if I needed his services or not but I wanted a consultation to talk to an attorney about a situation. Keith was responsive and efficient with setting up a call to discuss my case. Keith listened and was very knowledgeable about the laws. He gave me some advice and asked me to send him documentation to review my situation further. After a thourough review of the documentation I supplied Keith advised me that he would be happy to assist me but I really didn’t need his assistance. He encouraged me to file what I needed as my documentation was more than enough. I am so glad that I did as he was correct and I won my case. I appreciate his honest opinion. Paying for a consultation with Keith was worth every penny. I would refer him to others and use him again if needed.
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21 Oct, 2023 by Liam adams
Keith is a good guy straight shooter knows the law
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11 Jun, 2022 by Amanda gunnerson
09 May, 2024 by K hudson
06 Apr, 2024 by Judi pond
So far not well I had a PFA hearing that I asked are you working for me or for the person I'm doing this PFA on...I have a new a legal aid & have been waiting for a call back from for 3wks now. I did get good advice from 1 person there named Joe S. But besides that I don't know what to say about it maybe I'll change it once I get more information or EVEN A CALL BACK From my new attorney on a different case which I haven't Heard from & I left multiple messages on voicemail.
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15 Mar, 2024 by Ashley drew
It’s hit or miss! I had a FANTASTIC P. defender… Pat Fitch for my criminal cases- he got saved me from hell, got me outta jail and back home to my kids an animals. Other hand have another P. defender for my other case an not once in almost 2 whole months has she said a word to me, called me. Returned my calls anything… nothin… so I’m NOT happy and will be firing her . I realize they are low cost- free … attorneys but cmon… if you’re not gonna defend me, not discussing a darn thing about the situation and being lied to…then why even do this job? Pat Fitch & Kristen are Amazing tho!!
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17 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
I called about rent owed after evicting a renter. A significant sum, the cost of the repairs, and deep cleaning needed. He said there was no way to recover the funds owed to me through legal actions. Not even if I put a lien on the home the renter had purchased. He said he'd look into the renter and the renter's father who had guaranteed his son would be a decent renter. The father owes a local business.
When I mentioned the cost of the repairs and cleaning, I asked if I could have a family member do the required work. He then added another insult by stating said family members must be paid. I hadn't said I wasn't paying for the work. I was concerned about the legal aspect of hiring a family member out of work at the current rate of that work, plus supplies.
I gave him my name and information, my family member's name, the renter's name, and the renter's father's name. The house address, the address of the home the renter now owns, and the father's information.
I received an email with only the confidential information that if the wrong person received it to please delete it. I replied to confirm my email address. I live in a different state for work now.
I was supposed to receive information about his fees and what to expect. Instead, in the second email, I was informed, quite bluntly, I could not afford his fees without being told the fee amount.
Secondly, the renter wasn't worth the effort because he'd never pay me, even with a lien on his credit report, that he would damage his new rental (he is an owner now) and that should be sufficient for me.
Between the past due rent, repairs, and cleaning I have to pay to have done. The renter now owes $10K+. I don't consider that an insignificant amount.
If you want an arrogant attorney who has no respect for a potential client while insulting said client then he's the attorney you're seeking.
Good luck in your attorney search.
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26 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
I suppose Mr. Posner could be called old-fashioned, in that he prefers that the client should go away while he makes all the decisions. Or at least if she is female; he seems to want to believe that a female with a legal problem is merely emotional and irrational. He represented me as a beneficiary in a probate case, after snatching the job away from a junior partner immediately after I hired said partner. Mr. Posner said the partner would continue to work on my case under his supervision, but all that happened is that I was billed monthly for the partner's walking across the street once a month to the courthouse "to see if any new documents were on file," a job that could have been handled by a phone call from a secretary. Mr. Posner tried hard to convince me of the worthlessness of all the estate assets so I would not try too hard to pursue them (under the decedent's will I had inherited approximately $1 million). He also billed me for useless tasks such as his office making sure the title to the real estate I had inherited was clear, which (a) is the executor's job and (b) I already knew the title was clear, so had not asked Posner to look into it. He was willing to negotiate distribution of assets from the executor without my seeing any formal accounting or indeed any credible informal accounting of estate income and expenses. He allowed himself to be run around a great deal by the executor's attorney, for months, and paid little attention to anything that was going on. Then when a faulty accounting was finally filed, which accounting I had long pressured Mr. Posner to formally ask for, revealing that the executor had spent staggering sums of money on simple tasks and that there was significant missing income, Mr. Posner refused to let me have any input into the objections filed or even to see them. I fired him and hired a lawyer who got me much better accountings and substantial restitution from the Court. But I had completely wasted considerable time and money on Mr. Posner.
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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.
