When You're Dealing With Property, Details Matter
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or buying your first home, the process involves contracts, inspections, title issues, and a seemingly endless paper trail. And in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, those details aren’t just important—they can be legally binding.
That’s why many people turn to a real estate lawyer to guide the transaction from start to finish. At McCormick Law Offices, we help ensure that your deal is not only smooth—but legally sound.
Is a Lawyer Required for Real Estate Transactions?
It depends on the state:
- In Massachusetts, yes—you’re required by law to use an attorney for a real estate closing.
- In Rhode Island, you’re not required to hire a lawyer—but it’s strongly recommended, especially for complex transactions or first-time buyers.
What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?
Unlike a real estate agent (who handles marketing and negotiations), a real estate lawyer focuses on legal protection throughout the transaction. That includes:
- Reviewing and drafting contracts (including purchase & sale agreements)
- Identifying legal risks tied to easements, zoning, or liens
- Title searches and insurance review
- Resolving disputes or contingencies
- Handling closing documents and funds transfer
- Advising on dual-state transactions (like MA/RI border properties)
Whether you’re selling a multi-family in Providence or buying a vacation home in Massachusetts, an experienced attorney helps catch problems before they cost you.
When You Absolutely Need a Lawyer
Even in RI where it’s not mandatory, you should consult an attorney if:
- You’re buying or selling without a real estate agent
- The property has tenants, shared ownership, or an estate involved
- There are concerns about the title or boundary lines
- You’re purchasing commercial or investment property
- You’re facing foreclosure, liens, or zoning restrictions
In these situations, skipping legal counsel can lead to costly errors—or even losing the deal entirely.
The McCormick Law Advantage
At McCormick Law Offices, we’ve been representing Rhode Island and Massachusetts clients in residential and commercial real estate for over 30 years. We take the time to explain each step, flag risks early, and give you peace of mind throughout the process.
You can rely on us for:
- Flexible appointment scheduling
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Local knowledge of RI and MA real estate law
- Seamless communication with lenders, agents, and title companies
We don’t just protect your transaction—we help make it stress-free.
Buying or Selling? Talk to a Real Estate Lawyer First.
Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you fully understand what’s at stake. A trusted real estate attorney can make the difference between a smooth deal and a legal headache.
Contact McCormick Law Offices today for guidance on your RI or MA real estate transaction.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on this website, including all blog posts, resources, and service descriptions, is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While McCormick Law Offices strives to keep content accurate and up to date, the law is constantly evolving, and the information presented may not reflect the most recent legal developments or apply to your particular circumstances.
No attorney-client relationship is established by viewing this website, filling out a contact form, or engaging with our content. An attorney-client relationship with McCormick Law Offices is only formed through a signed written agreement.
You should not act or rely on any information on this site without first consulting a qualified attorney regarding your specific legal matter. Any links to third-party websites are provided for convenience only and do not imply endorsement or responsibility for their content.
McCormick Law Offices serves clients primarily in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Legal services are provided in accordance with the applicable laws and ethical rules of these jurisdictions.
If you need legal advice or representation, please contact our office directly to schedule a confidential consultation.
