Lawyer Question

We aren't buying on Long Island but I feel like this is a general question.

Is it ok to 'share' a lawyer with a seller or is that a big no-no?

We are hopefully looking at a property soon (a condo) and the seller is an old friend of FH's deceased father. It's (hopefully) going to be a painless transaction and he said he'd just share a lawyer that we choose.

Is that a big no-no?

honestly, I wouldnt.

you are way better off having someone on your side who has only you in his best interest.
you want to make sure that you are getting a fair deal.

even though it is family etc. id really look into spending the 700-1000 and hiring your own attorney.

It's probably illegal and it will make life he!! for the lawyer.

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Posted by thiadora

It depends on the state. New York is an 'attorney state.' Each party needs to be represented by their own attorney or their could be a conflict of interest. However, different states have different laws. You need to look into your local/state laws to find out. (I think that it can be done in Maryland for example.) When you select an attorney, ask him/her. S/He is obligated to tell you.

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Thanks! If we like this place, then I'll follow your advice.

I didn't realize that the lawyer charge was so cheap (in comparison to everything else). For only $1000, I wouldn't care to have two. I thought it was more like a few grand for real estate lawyers.

Being that this guy suggested it, I have a feeling NJ allows it...since this guy is also a cop, I doubt he'd want to be illegal. But we could be wrong.

Thanks for the advice.

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Posted by cjb88

wow!! our lawyer is only costing us $45!!!

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Did you say $45? From contract to closing?

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Posted by littlecat

Isn't that a conflict of interest?

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I would think so. Impossible to remain impartial

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Posted by cjb88

wow!! our lawyer is only costing us $45!!!

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Including title search????

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Posted by HearzBellz

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Posted by cjb88

wow!! our lawyer is only costing us $45!!!

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Including title search????

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YES!!! I guess I didnt realize how excellent our rate was... I had no idea!! My school district belongs to some legal plan... so i just called them and that was the price I was told!!!

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Posted by cjb88

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Posted by HearzBellz

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Posted by cjb88

wow!! our lawyer is only costing us $45!!!

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Including title search????

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YES!!! I guess I didnt realize how excellent our rate was... I had no idea!! My school district belongs to some legal plan... so i just called them and that was the price I was told!!!

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Most unions have legal representation that includes closing costs... my firm represents the fraternal order of police for philadelphia and we cover closings for a flat fee of $20... but that's because the officers pay into the union dues, which partially covers our contract. You'll never be able to find an attorney for that price outside of a union contract

A better question would be WHY you would even want to do this?

I am really curious.

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Posted by DjPiLL

A better question would be WHY you would even want to do this?

I am really curious.

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thats my thought as well..I see possible trouble

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Posted by bxgell2

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Posted by cjb88

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Posted by HearzBellz

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Posted by cjb88

wow!! our lawyer is only costing us $45!!!

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Including title search????

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YES!!! I guess I didnt realize how excellent our rate was... I had no idea!! My school district belongs to some legal plan... so i just called them and that was the price I was told!!!

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Most unions have legal representation that includes closing costs... my firm represents the fraternal order of police for philadelphia and we cover closings for a flat fee of $20... but that's because the officers pay into the union dues, which partially covers our contract. You'll never be able to find an attorney for that price outside of a union contract

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Wow...DH union S U C K S

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Posted by bxgell2

You'll never be able to find an attorney for that price outside of a union contract

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My FH isn't part of a union... he bought into a cafeteria plan at work - knowing that we would be buying this year. We didn't pay at all for the lawyer - directly anyway