The United States is home to over 1.32 million active lawyers. Many are attorneys specializing in real estate, particularly property partition disputes.
Partition disputes often arise when co-owners can’t agree on what to do with the property. They may also result from problems with boundaries or void real estate contracts. If you’re in a similar situation, it would be best to learn how to select a partition lawyer. The right attorney can help ensure you retain ownership of what you rightfully own.
Below, we’ve outlined the vital steps to help you make the right decision, so read on.
Also, Read Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Lawyer for You
Look for Extensive Partition Action Experience
Most co-owners with partition disputes usually negotiate outside of court via mediation. This is the simplest and lowest-cost method for property owners to reach a fair agreement.
However, mediation doesn’t always work, especially in cases involving diverging interests. An example is when one owner wants to build an apartment on vacant land while the other wants to turn it into a farm. If neither party wants to compromise, a partition action may already be in order.
Partition actions are lawsuits ordered by courts forcing the sale of disputed properties. According to www.underwood.law, these suits may involve the following property types:
- Single-family homes
- Apartment buildings
- Warehouses
- Farmland
- Vacant land
Such legal actions are much less common than disputes settled out of court. As a result, many generalist real estate lawyers are unfamiliar with partition actions. They might have even litigated only one or none at all.
That’s why you should hire a lawyer with extensive litigation experience at the onset. That way, you can get the expert help you need when filing a partition lawsuit if mediation won’t work.
Check Independent Client and Peer Reviews
Reading online reviews can help you narrow down your prospective options for lawyers.
However, please don’t rely solely on the testimonials lawyers publish on their websites. Instead, read those written on online platforms like Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell. These sites specialize in sharing independent attorney reviews from clients and other lawyers.
You can also use these sites when comparing lawyer fees, especially value for money. They’re also an excellent source of real-life client experience stories.
Select a Partition Lawyer With Excellent Bar Standing
Once you’ve narrowed your prospect list to two lawyers, contact your State Bar. Doing so lets you verify their identity, license, areas of practice, and current status.
Depending on your state, the Bar can also tell you if a lawyer is in good standing. Not all Bars do this, but they will tell you if an attorney has faced public disciplinary action. These are common; the California Bar opened 15,715 cases against its attorneys in 2021 alone.
Since you want to be able to trust the lawyer you hire, then choose one who is in good standing with the Bar.
Hire the Right Partition Lawyer Today
While negotiation is preferable to litigation, it’s not always a viable solution. That is why you must select a partition lawyer with extensive action experience early on. Their expertise in taking cases to court can help protect you and your property rights.
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