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29 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Without Maria, the years we have spent in court would have been much worse for our family.
Maria is always honest & upfront with us about what to expect in court. She explains the reasons for everything she suggests, and the outcomes we might be able to expect as a result.
She is personable and knows how to help keep emotions in check so we can focus on the problems at hand.
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24 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
My Husband and I hired Maria for a nasty custody case and divorce. His ex pulled out all the stops and lies to try to gain the upper hand in court. I couldn't have asked for a better, more professional and knowledgeable attorney to represent us. Maria discredited all of the ex's false accusations and handled the craziness with grace. Maria always came in very well prepared and kept us informed as to all the options and outcomes that were possible. She never pressured us to pursue one option or the other but instead provided guidance to help us make our decisions. She also never promised us an outcome, but instead advised us based on the facts of the case and prior experiences in court with our specific judge. Years after the case was closed (with an outcome we were very happy with) Maria still stays in contact and offers us advice and sounding board to bounce issues off of. I have recommended her to several friends who have found her equally amazing.
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17 Apr, 2015 by Carlos vagnali
I hired Ms. Ortiz to represent me in my divorce and other legal matters she claim she was capable to handle. I paid Ms. Ortiz 25,000. Ms. Ortiz not only did not do any work on the case she never even showed up to court the day of the scheduled hearing in my divorce. Finally the judge forced Ms. Ortiz to come to court and she showed up poorly dressed and in fact her clothing was dirty. When the Judge asked why she missed the hearing Ms. Ortiz told the judge she forgot about the court hearing which is a completely different story than the one she gave me. In the end Ms. Ortiz made me lose my case. I was not able to hire another lawyer because I had already given all of my money to Ms. Ortiz.
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04 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Nick represented us in the sale of our home. He kept constant communication, and it resulted in a smooth transaction.
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31 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Nick seemed to be overwhelmed with other matters, missing the deadline for discovery, waiting for over 2 months to give my discovery requests to the other party. The "kicker" was him missed a pre-trial conference, at which time opposing attorney strategically moved for a default judgement, which the court granted, leaving little issue of the facts to be contended at trial. Subsequent efforts for the judge to set aside her ruling were to no avail. I protested to Nick and received a full refund, but I still lost in court.
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15 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Not an effective lawyer. All about taking your money with no true value in return. Won't do what you ask her to do. Never met a attorney like this one. Would not recommend this attorney.
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07 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
I would not recommend this attorney at all. Will not return calls, does not do what you hired her to do, and will outsource your case to other not competent attorneys that will drain your assets.
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01 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Client beware You may be pushed off to an associate that lacks experience. Many overcharges. Typical big business will get all they can out of you then sell you out
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21 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
An unpleasant experience, the lawyer screened my calls and avoided getting back to me. Poor service and full of arrogance.
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31 Jul, 2015 by Angelina
Charged 2000.00 for an expert opinion, after obtaining payment informs you that it is an oral opinion only.(no documentation)
From the very beginning he will say many things to get you to trust that it is worth going forward. I had wisdom teeth removed that left me with a numb tongue, Clearly a result of to much novacane and hitting the lingual nerve.Three years later it is still numb. After recieving the 2000.00, Attorney Bradbury calls with the news that there is no sign of negligence.The expert opinion never had a conversation with me , and refused to put it in writing as to how he arrived at this conclusion.Turns out the expert told the lawyer he was not comfortable dealing directly with clients.As soon as the fee was received the tone changed.
What made this even more distubing was that I informed the lawyer that a fellow lifeguard that I worked with had seen me dealing with a bloody mouth due to the frequent biting of my tongue and she then shared that she too had been to this oral surgeon Karen Robinson of Auburn ma., and i year later her bottom lip is still numb.
I truly believe that this lawyer was diceptive, when I had arrived with the check the secretary held it up for him to see, from his office he nodded his head and smiled.I am only 21 and it was my mom that wrote the check, I had a bad feeling and wanted to call my mom because it was so awkward, but I did not but wish I did.
This lawyer consumed alot of our time with his never ending rants about his accomplishments and intentions which seemed odd. While initally telling us it could go either way, he kept providing reasons like my age to encourage us to go forward. Due to a statute of limitations he hurried us along to pursue what he called an expert opinion.
I can only imagine how many malpractice cases he has failed the client due to negligence that is not obvious, and charged them for it!
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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:
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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.
