Need Help With a Condo-Related Matter or Dispute?
A host of legal issues come up concerning condominiums, particularly because the property is not entirely one’s own. Condos involve partial joint ownership, and their use (as well as use of common areas within the development) is governed by a homeowners’ or community association.

Whether you are buying, selling, or renting a condo, or are an owner, board member, or developer involved in any sort of issue or dispute involving the property, consulting a real estate attorney can help you understand and protect your rights and reach a satisfying resolution.

The ownership structure involved in buying into a condominium community offers many advantages, but also comes with many rules. Prospective buyers can expect to have to wade through and make sure they can live under the association’s bylaws, rules, and or Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions (CC&Rs). And disputes can arise in any sort of ownership matter, whether they involve an unexpected special assessment on top of monthly dues, some condo unit owners’ failure to pay these assessments, unfair actions by the volunteer board, objections to enforcement or a neighbor’s use of common areas, and more.

An experienced homeowners’ association lawyer will be able to analyze your community’s various governing documents, explain the relevant law and how it applies to your property and situation, and strategize appropriate follow-up actions. If your matter might require litigation, an attorney will be able to offer insight as to local court procedures and the tendencies of prosecutors and judges. As your purchase or sale transaction or legal case moves forward, you’ll want representation you’re confident in.

Looking for a Lawyer?
At Lawyers.com, you’ll find a user-friendly search tool that allows you to tailor results by area of law and geography. You can also search for attorneys by name. Attorney profiles prominently display contact information, list topics of expertise, and show ratings—by both clients and other legal professionals.

Ready to Meet With a Lawyer?
Before hiring a lawyer or law firm, make sure to speak directly—preferably in person—to the attorney who will be responsible for your case. Consider bringing a list of questions you’d like answered and any documents you have that are related to your condo matter. Remember that you don’t need to hire the first lawyer you consult with. First and foremost, you want a lawyer you can trust.

What to Ask a Lawyer
When gathering your thoughts and documents, think about what you’ll want to ask the lawyer.
Consider including on your list questions about:

• the lawyer’s experience with transactional matters or cases like yours
• the lawyer’s familiarity with the relevant administrative offices or court system
• who else will work on your case
• attorneys’ fees and other expenses related to the case
• how long the case might take, and
• the lawyer’s initial impressions of your situation as a condo buyer or owner and your options.