Jun 11, 2024

Real estate disputes are common for both residential and commercial properties, and they can be highly contentious and expensive. An experienced dispute lawyer in Las Vegas, NV will help you to navigate the complex real estate dispute process and ensure that your best interests are represented. Whether you are a buyer, seller, landlord, or renter, understanding how to move forward in a real estate dispute is an important way of protecting yourself financially.

Dispute Lawyer: Navigating Real Estate Disputes in Las Vegas, NV

Step One – Due Diligence

Ensuring that you conduct thorough due diligence can help to prevent real estate disputes before they even begin. This usually includes a careful review of contracts and agreements, identifying and quantifying potential risks, property inspections, appraisals, and investigating the property’s history.

If you spot any red flags during due diligence, you should always follow up on them immediately, ideally with the help of an experienced lawyer. This could save you from dealing with a complex legal battle later on.

Step Two – Negotiation

If you do find yourself in a real estate dispute, negotiation will almost always be the easiest resolution avenue, if it is at all possible. Negotiation means communicating calmly and honestly with the other party, cooperatively, to attempt to find a solution that works for both of you.

Negotiation is often preferable because it is a) cheaper than pursuing legal action and b) will help to preserve the relationship between you and the other person. The latter is especially important if the dispute is related to something that requires a long-term relationship, such as landlord/tenant.

Step Three – Mediation or Arbitration

If one-on-one negotiation hasn’t, or won’t, work, there are other amicable options that you can pursue before taking the matter to court.

Mediation

In mediation, a neutral person is appointed to mediate the negotiation between you and the other party. The aim is to allow the two sides to come to a resolution between themselves.

Arbitration

Unlike mediation, in arbitration, the neutral third party has the power to reach a verdict in favor of one side. The arbitrator can be an expert in a relevant field, and their decision can either be binding or non-binding.

Step Three – Civil Court

If negotiation, mediation, or arbitration haven’t worked, or aren’t appropriate for the situation, the case may need to be taken to civil court. The case will usually be seen before a judge, but there will sometimes also be a jury. Both parties will have the opportunity to present their evidence and argument.

The judge and/or jury will come to a decision. This will either be a settlement that benefits both sides or a verdict that favors one side over the other. Any decision made in court will be binding, although there is the option to appeal the decision.

How a Lawyer Can Help

Before you begin any of these approaches to resolve a real estate dispute, you should consult with a lawyer. At Hutchings Law Group, our experienced lawyers have a deep understanding of real estate disputes and litigation and will provide you with sound guidance as to which approach to take. If the matter does end in court, they will collect and present your evidence and argument to give you the best chance of succeeding.

If you are facing a real estate dispute, contact us today at Hutchings Law Group, Las Vegas, NV. Our team is ready to support you through every step of the process.