What Do Property Lawyers Do?
When hiring a property lawyer, one may ask if it is truly necessary to spend the money for real estate needs. In Thailand, expats commonly hire law firm in Thailand to help clarify legal documents, such as translating the language found in contracts and helping mediate property disputes. A reputable property lawyer will be able to communicate legal issues in terms that are understandable.
Although it is tempting to save money by navigating Thai property law on one’s own, it could end up costing a lot more in the future if the process has errors or is incomplete. Such issues as incomplete applications can wind up in hefty fines levied at the buyer. As property lawyers understand and have experience with detailed, legal writing, it is important to have an expert comb through the fine print of legal documents.
Thailand property lawyers can also help with litigation, foreclosures, due diligence, negotiations, deed transfers, and zoning restrictions. As some lending agents may not speak English fluently, lawyers can also coordinate with these agents or any other parties that are involved in purchasing a property.
When Is Obtaining A Property Lawyer Recommended?
If you are trying to settle a property dispute, are needing help with litigation in regards to a property, or are wanting to take over a property, it is advised to hire a quality property lawyer to help you navigate the legal process. A lawyer can help you understand the terms and conditions of a contract as well as make sure the contract conditions are respected. Additionally, if a client is dealing with a difficult tenant or landlord, a lawyer can offer advice for how to resolve any issues.
Read the Thai Probate and Inheritance Law.
If you are wanting to buy or sell a property, it is highly recommended to enlist the help of a property lawyer. And, if your chosen property features no rights, it is necessary to hire a lawyer. For those who are wanting to file a lawsuit, it is important to get legal counsel from a reputable lawyer before filing. The lawyer can legally represent your case in court whether you are filing a suit over buying or selling a property.
Responsibilities Of A Property Lawyer
A property lawyer is responsible for doing an accurate property title search. This is to make sure your potential purchase is legal as well as to prevent any fraudulent and illegal real estate transactions. The lawyer should also complete a due diligence of the property. What this means, is that the lawyer should assert the legal eligibility of the seller and the property before a purchase is made. Such tasks involved in completing a due diligence of the property include gathering more information about the chosen property by physically inspecting the land and building permits. Moreover, the lawyer should contact local courts for a record review of the property developer and seller alike.
The property lawyer should assist in the transfer of the property title as it is paramount to make sure this process is done completely and without errors. Such tasks in transferring the title include making sure all fees are paid to the Land Department. Taxes and transfer fees need to be paid directly to the Land Office in Thailand. If a client is unable to be present to pay these fees, the lawyer can represent the client at the Land Office if they are given a power of attorney.
Tips For Hiring A Property Lawyer
If you are planning to hire a Thailand property lawyer, there are a few things to take into consideration when interviewing prospective legal assistance.
- It is advised to meet with more than one lawyer to compare advice and to determine which lawyer can assist your needs the best
- Make sure the property lawyer has experience in the area in which you are needing assistance
- Propose questions to the lawyer in regards to how they plan on handling your specific case as well as the expected outcome
What Questions Should I Ask When Considering Hiring A Property Lawyer?
When hiring a Thailand property lawyer to assist your needs, it is vital to ask questions before deciding to enlist their legal help. It is recommended to have a list of questions and concerns prepared before you speak with a potential lawyer to make sure every issue has been covered. Although every situation is different in regards to the reasoning for hiring a property lawyer, here are a few questions that are quite commonly asked:
- Can you please clarify the legal writing in the contract so that I can understand it?
- Are you able to draft a contract on my behalf?
- How much experience do you have in this area?
- What is the fee for enlisting your assistance and when is it due?
- How can I pay the fee?
- Will you be present during the contract signing (if you are planning to buy or sell a property) and can you represent me if I am unable to be physically present?
- How will you make sure my best interests are respected?
Check the 5 Things to Look for in a Thai Property Contract Review.
Of course, there are other questions that can be asked, but this is just a guide to help you start preparing a list to make sure that you have covered the topics with which you are most concerned with. If you need assistance of a Thailand property lawyer, click here.