A Section 1031 exchange allows real estate investors to defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting proceeds from a property sale into a “like-kind” property. This powerful tax strategy requires strict compliance with IRS rules, including specific timelines and property identification requirements.

Even small mistakes can disqualify the exchange and trigger immediate tax liability. Our attorneys help structure 1031 exchanges properly, coordinate with qualified intermediaries, ensure deadlines are met, and advise on what constitutes taxable capital gain under federal and state tax law. 

Residential closings in Indiana typically take 30-45 days from accepted offer to closing, though all-cash purchases can close faster. Commercial closings often take longer due to due diligence, financing complexity, and negotiation over lease assignments and tenant issues.

Delays commonly arise from title issues, financing problems, inspection disputes, or missing documentation. Having an attorney involved early helps identify and resolve potential problems before they delay closing.

Boundary disputes occur when property owners disagree about where their property lines are located. These disputes can arise from conflicting surveys, unclear legal descriptions, encroaching structures like fences or buildings, or adverse possession claims.

Resolving boundary disputes typically involves obtaining an updated survey, reviewing deeds and legal descriptions, researching historical property records, and sometimes filing a quiet title action to establish legal boundaries. Early legal involvement can prevent minor disagreements from escalating into expensive litigation.

Real estate attorney fees vary based on the complexity of your matter. Simple contract reviews or residential closings may be charged as flat fees. Complex commercial transactions, 1031 exchanges, and litigation matters are typically billed hourly.

The cost of not having an attorney often far exceeds legal fees. A poorly drafted lease, missed exchange deadline, or unidentified title defect can cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. During your consultation, we can provide clear fee estimates based on your specific situation.

An easement is a legal right to use someone else’s property for a specific purpose, such as accessing a landlocked parcel, running utilities, or maintaining drainage. Easements can be created by deed, necessity, or prescription (similar to adverse possession).

Easement disputes arise when property owners disagree about the scope, location, or maintenance obligations of an easement. We help clients establish easements when needed, defend against improper easement claims, and resolve disputes over existing easements.

Title defects are issues with property ownership that could affect your ability to sell or mortgage the property. Common defects include unpaid liens, unresolved estates, missing signatures on prior deeds, easements, encroachments, and gaps in the chain of title.

Title insurance protects buyers from many defects, but doesn’t cover everything. When title issues arise, we work to resolve them through negotiation with prior owners, quiet title actions, or corrective deeds. Identifying and resolving title defects before closing prevents problems from becoming your responsibility.