Even a simple property deal can get messy. I’ve seen deals where everything looked fine, and then suddenly a contractor claims they were not fully paid, or a neighbor disputes part of the land. That is when it really matters who you have on your side.
What a Regular Lawyer Does
Lawyers who handle routine property matters are mostly preventative. They check contracts, verify titles, review disclosures, and generally make sure nothing comes back to bite you later.
I remember one client buying a small commercial property. On paper, it all seemed fine. But the lawyer noticed a clause that could have let the seller back out. That small detail saved the client a lot of trouble. Most of the time, these lawyers work quietly. If everything goes smoothly, you probably never notice them, and that is exactly how it should be.
What a Real Estate Litigation Attorney Does
Litigation attorneys are different. Their job starts when there is already a problem. Maybe a neighbor disputes the property line. Maybe a contractor claims they were not paid. Maybe someone refuses to follow a contract.
They dig into all the details, gather evidence, negotiate, and sometimes go to court. Most of the time, they try to fix things quietly. Court is a last resort. Their main goal is to protect you and make sure you get a fair outcome.
How Lawyers and Litigation Attorneys Differ
The difference is simple. Lawyers handling everyday transactions prevent problems. Real estate litigation attorneys fix them once they happen. One keeps your deal running smoothly. The other makes sure conflicts do not spiral out of control.
It is kind of like going to the doctor. Your regular lawyer is like a general practitioner. They monitor everything and try to prevent issues. Litigation attorneys are like specialists. They step in when something serious happens. Some lawyers can do both jobs, but most specialize because it gets better results.
Real-Life Situations
Disputes happen more often than most people realize. I remember one client who thought buying their property was simple. A contractor later claimed a payment was missing. Another client bought land and then the neighbor contested the boundary line. In both cases, a real estate litigation attorney stepped in and helped guide them.
Even routine transactions benefit from knowing the difference. Lawyers handling everyday matters keep the paperwork correct and the deal smooth. Litigation attorneys are necessary when disputes appear or are likely. Knowing who to call and when can save a lot of stress.
Conclusion
So when should you call a lawyer and when should you call a real estate litigation attorney? For routine transactions like buying a house, transferring a title, or reviewing a contract, a lawyer handling everyday matters is usually enough. They will check everything and protect your interests.
If a dispute arises or seems likely a boundary disagreement, contractor conflict, or contract issue a real estate litigation attorney is the better choice. At Penguin Real Estate, we have helped clients in situations like this for years. That experience lets us know when to step in quietly and when to take a more formal approach. Knowing who to involve and when can save time, money, and a lot of stress.
If you are unsure which professional to involve, contact us. We can guide you on the best approach for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a lawyer handling transactions manage disputes?
Sometimes, but usually only minor ones. For bigger problems, a real estate litigation attorney is better.
Do litigation attorneys only work in court?
No. Most of their work is behind the scenes. They review documents, negotiate, and plan strategies. Court is usually the last step.
Are litigation attorneys more expensive?
They can be, because of their expertise. But calling the right person early can prevent much bigger problems later.
How do I know which professional to hire?
For routine property matters, a lawyer handling transactions is fine. For disputes or likely conflicts, hire a real estate litigation attorney.
Can one lawyer do both roles?
Some can, but most specialize. Picking someone experienced in your situation is safest.