Frequently Asked Questions
What areas of law does Hines & Maxwell, PLLC specialize in?
Hines & Maxwell, PLLC specializes in several areas of law, including:
Real Estate Law
The firm provides a comprehensive suite of real estate legal services, including managing deeds, contracts, purchase and sale documents, and property disputes for both residential and commercial properties.
Estate Planning
Hines & Maxwell, PLLC assists clients in planning for the future, crafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other related documents.
Probate and Estate Administration
The firm guides clients through the Texas probate process, helping to resolve estate matters following the passing of a loved one.
Business Formation and Representation
Hines & Maxwell, PLLC supports businesses at every stage, from formation to representation in litigation.
Business and Commercial Law
The firm offers comprehensive business and commercial law services, including business formations, transactions, mergers and acquisitions, business succession planning, and more.
What makes Hines & Maxwell, PLLC stand out in the field of real estate law?
Hines & Maxwell, PLLC stands out in the field of real estate law due to several key factors:
Board Certification
The firm is led by Attorney Mark Hines, the only lawyer in Johnson County to be board certified in residential real estate by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This prestigious certification, earned by only about 7% of all Texas attorneys, distinguishes Mark as a leading attorney in his field.
Local Expertise
The firm's deep roots in Cleburne, Texas, and the surrounding Johnson County area provide them with a unique understanding of local real estate matters. This local knowledge is invaluable in navigating the complexities of real estate transactions and disputes.
Comprehensive Services
Hines & Maxwell, PLLC offers a comprehensive range of real estate legal services, including the management of deeds, contracts, purchase and sale documents, and property disputes for both residential and commercial properties.
Client-Centered Approach
The firm is committed to providing practical, results-oriented solutions to clients' real estate legal issues. They take the time to understand each client's unique situation, needs, and goals, and work diligently to provide the legal support and guidance needed.
Long-Term Relationships
Hines & Maxwell, PLLC strives to build long-lasting relationships with their clients based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding. They see their clients as more than just cases; they are neighbors, friends, and community members.
What does it mean for an attorney to be board certified in residential real estate?
Board certification in residential real estate law signifies that an attorney has achieved a high level of expertise and competence in this specific area of law. This certification is granted by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a body recognized by the State Bar of Texas.
To become board certified in residential real estate law, an attorney must meet several rigorous criteria:
Active Practice
The attorney must have been practicing law for at least five years, with a substantial part of their practice dedicated to residential real estate law for at least three years.
Peer Review
The attorney must provide references from fellow lawyers and judges who can attest to their competence in residential real estate law.
Continuing Legal Education
The attorney must have completed a certain number of hours of continuing legal education in residential real estate law.
Examination
The attorney must pass a comprehensive written examination that tests their knowledge and skills in residential real estate law.
Once certified, the attorney must apply for recertification every five years, demonstrating their ongoing involvement and competence in the field. This process ensures that board-certified attorneys remain up-to-date with the latest developments in their area of specialization.
In the case of Hines & Maxwell, PLLC, Attorney Mark Hines is the only lawyer in Johnson County to be board certified in residential real estate, highlighting his exceptional expertise and dedication in this field.
How does Hines & Maxwell, PLLC approach real estate transactions and disputes?
Hines & Maxwell, PLLC approaches real estate transactions and disputes with a focus on providing practical, results-oriented solutions tailored to each client's unique needs and circumstances. Here's a more detailed look at their approach:
Client-Centered
The firm takes the time to understand each client's unique situation, needs, and goals. This understanding forms the basis of their legal strategy, ensuring that the solutions they provide align with the client's objectives.
Comprehensive Services
Hines & Maxwell, PLLC offers a wide range of real estate legal services, including managing deeds, contracts, purchase and sale documents, and property disputes for both residential and commercial properties. This comprehensive approach ensures that clients receive the support they need at every stage of their real estate transaction or dispute.
Local Expertise
With deep roots in Cleburne and Johnson County, Texas, the firm leverages its local knowledge to navigate the complexities of real estate transactions and disputes. This local expertise often proves invaluable in achieving favorable outcomes for clients.
Proactive Problem-Solving
The firm's attorneys have in-depth knowledge of real estate transactions and are experienced in real estate litigation. This allows them to identify potential issues early on and take proactive steps to prevent them, reducing the chances of expensive and time-consuming litigation down the road.
Long-Term Relationships
Hines & Maxwell, PLLC strives to build long-lasting relationships with their clients based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding. This approach ensures that clients receive consistent, high-quality legal support not just for a single transaction or dispute, but for all their real estate legal needs over time.
What services does Hines & Maxwell, PLLC offer in probate and estate administration?
Hines & Maxwell, PLLC offers a comprehensive range of services in probate and estate administration to guide clients through the Texas probate process and help resolve estate matters following the passing of a loved one. Their services include:
Probating the Will
The firm assists in the process of probating the will, which involves proving in court that a deceased person's will is valid, administering the estate, and distributing the assets to the beneficiaries as per the will's instructions.
Handling Affidavits of Heirship
In cases where a person dies without a will, the firm can help with the preparation and filing of an Affidavit of Heirship, a legal document that establishes the heirs of a deceased person.
Dependent and Independent Administration
Hines & Maxwell, PLLC can assist with both dependent and independent administration of estates. Dependent administration requires court supervision for most actions, while independent administration allows the executor or administrator to take many actions without obtaining court approval.
Will Contests and Trust Litigation
The firm provides representation in will contests and trust litigation, which may arise when there are disputes over the validity of a will or the management of a trust.
Estate Planning
The firm also offers estate planning services, helping clients plan for the future by crafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other related documents.
By providing these services, Hines & Maxwell, PLLC aims to alleviate the stress and complexity often associated with probate and estate administration, ensuring that the wishes of the deceased are honored and their estate is properly managed and distributed.
What services does Hines & Maxwell, PLLC offer in business and commercial law?
Hines & Maxwell, PLLC offers a comprehensive range of services in business and commercial law, designed to support businesses at every stage of their lifecycle. Their legal services include:
Business Formations
The firm assists clients in forming business entities such as corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), and partnerships. They guide clients in choosing the right legal entity to achieve their business goals.
Business Transactions
Hines & Maxwell, PLLC handles a wide range of business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, buy-sell agreements, and business succession planning.
Commercial Law
The firm provides legal advice on a variety of commercial law matters, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, and advising on regulatory compliance.
Litigation
While the firm aims to help clients avoid litigation whenever possible, they are prepared to provide vigorous representation in court when necessary. This includes handling business disputes, contract disputes, and collections.
Collections
The firm assists clients in collecting debts owed to them, developing sound collection strategies tailored to each individual situation.
Mediation
Hines & Maxwell, PLLC also offers mediation services, helping parties resolve disputes outside of court in a more cost-effective and less adversarial manner.
Through these services, Hines & Maxwell, PLLC is committed to providing practical, results-oriented solutions to your business and commercial legal issues, with a focus on ongoing communication and client-centered advocacy.