Most people see a notary stamp and assume everything is in order. That assumption can create real risk in real estate transactions, where signatures control ownership rights, mortgages, partnership agreements, and the direction of entire deals. Notarization is designed to offer protection. A notary is supposed to verify identity, witness a signature, and certify that...
Real estate cases involve contracts, transactions, titles, property boundaries, and landlord-tenant disputes, all of which require clear, unbiased interpretation of the law. A judge’s role is to evaluate the facts without influence from outside relationships. When a real estate attorney has a personal connection to the judge assigned to the case, that relationship can raise...
After more than four decades in this profession, I’ve learned that legal knowledge and experience matter, but they aren’t the whole story. What has truly strengthened my practice is the network I’ve built over the years. The ability to connect people, spot the right resource for a problem, and make introductions that actually help has...
Representing different sides of similar legal disputes is part of the profession. Clients sometimes ask how I’ve represented plaintiffs in one partition action and defendants in another, or how I approach quiet title cases from either side of the caption. The key is understanding this: I typically don’t represent both sides of the same dispute. ...
Notarization is one detail that brokers can’t afford to overlook. Whether finalizing contracts, transfer deeds, or power of attorney documents, having them notarized safeguards clients from future disputes. A proper notarization confirms authenticity, strengthens the validity of your documents, and demonstrates professionalism in every transaction. Why Notarization Matters A notary public verifies the identity of...
There has been a sharp rise in partition suits lately, a trend fueled by a combination of foreclosures, property disputes, and the realities of shared ownership without a clear agreement. These cases often reveal an uncomfortable truth: when people buy property together without formalizing expectations, disputes are almost inevitable. There is some critical information in...
Water in the basement. It’s one of the most common post-sale surprises and one of the most frustrating for buyers. The big question that determines whether a buyer has a viable legal claim is deceptively simple: Did the seller know? Two recent appellate decisions in Illinois offer a clearer picture of what counts as “actual...
In Illinois and many other states, married couples often hold title to their home as tenants by the entirety. It’s a popular option for good reason: it offers protection from the creditors of the other party and ensures that if one spouse passes away, full ownership automatically transfers to the other. To clarify: The Tenancy...
It’s not uncommon to hear stories about buyers getting cold feet. But sometimes, it’s the seller who goes silent. Your client’s made an offer, maybe even signed a contract, and then… nothing. Emails go unanswered. Calls don’t get returned. They’re left wondering whether the deal is still on or if they should be looking elsewhere....
When most people think about title insurance, they imagine it as a one-time document you receive after closing that your lawyer tells you to keep with your other closing documents. But here’s the truth: title insurance is not just a form—it’s a shield, and one that protects you on both ends of a real estate...
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