attorney-required states

I don't have a list really but I can say that not all states require attorneys for closing any real estate transaction. Many states in the Western United States allow title companies to execute the closing, so in these states, attorneys are not required for closing.

Hi Charles,

As much as I know, there is hardly any attorney who specifically carries out only real estate closing. In fact, real estate attorney are widely available and I think most of them execute the closing. So, if you can get a list of real estate attorneys across various states in the United States, I think you will be able to get state-wise list of attorneys, then you will be able to find out from there the attorneys who conduct closing in various states.

However, not all states require attorney for closing. But it is always better to involve such a professional in this process. So, if you are willing to take a look at the list of real estate attorneys across the US, just go through the directory at "http://lawyers.findlaw.com/lawyer/practicestate/Real%20Estate%20Law/" .

Thanks

Hi Charles,

Welcome to the forums.

We have actually thought of introducing a directory of attorneys (state-wise listing) in our site. I believe that will help borrowers, lenders as well as brokers who are a part of the industry.

Your query has made us think that somehow we are on the right track. A directory of attorneys can really help consumers and lenders/brokers who are in the business. But I would still like to get your feedback on this regard.

If you have any more suggestion that can help improve our services for the benefit of the community, please feel free to come up with it in our forums.

Thanks,

Brian Dela Cruz
Marketing Department

Well, everyone skipped around the question! When I worked for GE Home Loans, we had a listing of REQUIRED STATES, as the borrower had to sign-off on whether he/she was bringing their own to closing or needing one provided. My current corporate software will probably issue the disclosure when I send docs in the respective state -- but, I'm shocked that I cannot find a listing of these 7 states. Oh, well -- and, I've done some looking, too!

New York, Mississippi, Delaware, South Carolina, Connecticut, Louisiana, North Carolina, Georgia, Massachusetts, Vermont, Texas, & West Virginia, Maryland (can use title co and/or an attorney), New Jersey (can use title co and/or an attorney)

New York, Texas, Connecticut, Maryland and Louisiana - attorney not needed for closing. In Maryland a Licensed Title Producer is preferred. In Louisiana, you just need a notary who is either licensed state wide or at least for the parish in which you are closing. Notary can close in Connecticut and New Jersey. Only, Delaware, South Carolina, Georgia, West Virginia, Massachusetts, Mississippi and Vermont need attorneys to do the actual closing.

Thanks for the information, JK!! :)

In my experience, most attorneys certify the title in an attorney-state. A legal assistant is good enough to close the transaction. Experienced title searchers often do all the title work, while the paralegal prepares and notarizes all the paperwork. The only reason you need an attorney is to sign off on the title search certifying that the property is free and clear of encumberances and good and marketable l, fee simple title, etc.