The Best Real Estate Attorneys in Montezuma, KS
Find experienced real estate attorneys in Montezuma, Kansas. Compare 3 top-rated lawyers specializing in property transactions, closings, and real estate law.
Top-Rated Real Estate Attorneys in Montezuma
James R. Sheppard
Law Office of James R. Sheppard
James R. Sheppard is a highly respected real estate attorney with over 25 years of experience serving Montezuma and surrounding areas. He specializes in residential and commercial real estate transactions, title issues, and property disputes. With an Avvo rating of 4.7 based on 48 reviews, clients praise his attention to detail, responsiveness, and successful handling of complex closings. Admitted to the Kansas Bar in 1999, he has built a strong reputation for achieving favorable outcomes in real estate negotiations and litigation.
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Tracy L. Gilliland
Gilliland & Hayes, LLC
Tracy L. Gilliland is an accomplished real estate attorney with 18 years of experience, regularly serving clients in Montezuma and western Kansas. She focuses on real estate contracts, zoning issues, and property development, with a track record of high client satisfaction. Rated 4.5 on Avvo with 32 reviews, she is known for her strategic approach and effective resolution of real estate disputes. Admitted to the bar in 2006, she co-founded Gilliland & Hayes, LLC, and has successfully handled numerous residential and commercial real estate matters.
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Steven L. Cott
Cott Law Firm
Steven L. Cott is a seasoned attorney with 22 years of practice, offering real estate legal services to Montezuma and the broader region. He excels in real estate transactions, title searches, and landlord-tenant disputes, with an Avvo rating of 4.3 from 41 reviews. Clients highlight his professionalism and ability to navigate complex real estate issues efficiently. Admitted in 2002, he founded Cott Law Firm and has consistently delivered positive outcomes, making him a trusted choice for real estate matters in southwestern Kansas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What specific local issues in Montezuma, KS, should I discuss with a real estate attorney before buying a property?
In Montezuma, you should discuss local zoning ordinances, potential easements for agricultural land access, and the specifics of water rights or well permits, which are common in Gray County. An attorney can also review any special assessments or county-specific property disclosures required for rural properties.
How can a Montezuma real estate attorney help with transferring a family farm or land inheritance?
A local attorney is crucial for navigating Kansas probate law and ensuring the deed is properly transferred, which may involve complex title issues on older family land. They can also advise on tax implications, potential partitions of the property among heirs, and creating agreements to manage the land going forward.
Are there unique title search concerns for properties in Montezuma that an attorney should address?
Yes, due to the area's long history of agricultural use, title searches in Montezuma often need to carefully examine old mineral rights leases, oil and gas easements, and potential unresolved boundary disputes from historical land divisions. A local attorney understands how to investigate these rural title complexities.
What should I expect to pay for a real estate attorney's services for a standard residential closing in Montezuma?
Fees can vary, but for a straightforward residential transaction in Montezuma, you might expect a flat fee ranging from $500 to $1,500. This typically covers document review, title coordination, and closing facilitation. Costs can be higher for complex transactions involving land, well agreements, or septic systems.
When is it legally necessary to hire a real estate attorney for a transaction in Kansas, and is it different for Montezuma?
Kansas law does not mandate attorney involvement for all transactions, but it is highly advisable. In Montezuma, given the prevalence of rural and agricultural properties, an attorney is essential for drafting or reviewing contracts involving land use, water rights, and ensuring compliance with both state law and Gray County regulations.
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