Real Estate/Landlord/Tenant
Virtually everyone is involved in some form of contractual relationship with some other individual or entity related to the ownership or possession of real estate. On occasion, issues arise over the terms of those contracts, or the enforcement of them. I have represented individuals who have experienced disputes during the process of purchasing a home, who have made or defended claims after the sale of real estate, or who have made or defended claims involving neighborhoods, developers, or homeowner’s associations. As a homeowner, claims sometimes arise with contractors or repairmen. In all of these types of disputes, various statutory and case law applies, and you need someone with experience and savvy on your side.
Individuals and small businesses also frequently enter into commercial or residential leases. Seeking legal counsel before executing a lease is wise. But even the best planning will not prevent disputes from arising between the landlord and tenant. Sometimes early attention to the dispute, review of the lease, and negotiation with the other party will avert litigation. At other times, however, court intervention is necessary. I will help you determine whether litigation is a cost-effective option for you, and will guide you through the litigation process.
I would strongly encourage you when you visit your older family members or friends over the Holidays to take a few minutes to talk to them about their financial situation, and to let them know that you want to help the next time they consider making a purchase, or hiring a contractor, or changing their investment portfolio, or taking a reverse mortgage on their house. If you are not the best person in the family to provide this assistance, then encourage the person who is better equipped to step up. Talk to your siblings or family friends about your concerns so that they can be watchful for any signs of trouble. Finally, do not be afraid to act when trouble occurs.
Yesterday an attorney with whom I had worked for several months to resolve a case, told me he had enjoyed working with me and thanked me for my “professionalism.” While it felt great to receive (and return) the compliment, it also made me a little sad that this type of camaraderie between attorneys has become rare. Treating other parties and attorneys with respect, being polite, and being straightforward with them, are what we, as attorneys, are supposed to do. Yet, sometimes attorneys are arrogant, distrustful, and lack candor. I think they confuse being rude with being an effective advocate for their client.
Many people are very active on various social media, routinely posting messages about their lives. What they may not consider is that all of those messages can be used as evidence in court many months or years later. A comment like “ I felt great today, went on a walk and played with the dog in the yard”, may make perfect sense for a person who has just started feeling better after an 