Before you sign
Real estate documents commit you to a lot of money and strict deadlines. We review purchase and sale agreements, leases and related documents so you understand your obligations, contingencies and options before you're locked in.
How we help
- Reviewing purchase, sale and lease agreements
- Disputes over earnest money deposits and failed escrows
- Seller disclosure disputes
- Disputes between co-owners, including requests to divide or sell property
- Real estate issues in a divorce, such as the family home
Property and divorce
For many families, the home is the largest asset in a divorce. Whether it is community or separate property, whether one spouse can keep it, and how to divide its value are questions Ralph works through in both his divorce and real estate practice.
Common questions
Do I need a lawyer if I already have a real estate agent?
Agents handle the transaction, but they can't give legal advice. A lawyer can explain what the contract actually means for you, flag risks and help if a dispute arises.
What can co-owners do if they disagree about a property?
Co-owners who can't agree can often negotiate a buyout or sale. If that fails, California law allows a co-owner to ask a court to divide the property or order it sold, through a process called partition.
