Real Estate Law and Construction Law

More than 10 million families own private forestland in the United States, yet most lack clear succession plans or governance structures to protect these assets across generations.

Last week, a rural Texas county enacted a one-year moratorium on data center construction, potentially imperiling as many as eight planned projects in the county.

The U.S. Department of Justice and DEA have issued a landmark order rescheduling FDA-approved marijuana products and state-licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act.

Massachusetts quietly amended its estate tax statute last summer. This amendment significantly changes how the tax is calculated for non-resident decedents owning Massachusetts real estate.

A revocable living trust (sometimes called a revocable inter vivos trust) is a legal arrangement you create during your lifetime to hold legal title to your assets.

Jennifer D'Amato explores the critical techniques and strategies available under Wisconsin law for post-death estate administration, examining how legal professionals can help families minimize costs, delays, and conflicts during the probate process. The article provides practical guidance on navigating the various administration options available in Wisconsin's aging population landscape.

In May, the I.R.S. announced a settlement offer for partnerships involved in disputes concerning "syndicated conservation easements." The key features of the offer include a 10% penalty for gross valuation misstatement, instead of a 40% penalty, and no upfront payment required.

Maryland's new Housing Certainty Act fundamentally changes how residential development projects are approved and protected, establishing vested rights for developers and delaying fee collection until construction completion.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is seeking stakeholder input on the upcoming renewal of its Stormwater Construction General Permit, which governs discharge from construction activities across the state. With the current permit set to expire in March 2028, TCEQ is engaging stakeholders early in the drafting process to gather feedback that could significantly impact design requirements, compliance obligations, and operational costs for construction projects disturbing one or more acres of land.

Recent amendments to Mass. R. Prof. C. 1.15 have significantly changed how Massachusetts law yers must handle unclaimed and unidentified funds held in IOLTA accounts.

The Texas Supreme Court has overturned the "gist" rule used by lower courts to dismiss cases involving out-of-state property, establishing that Texas courts can exercise jurisdiction over contractual disputes and deed reformation matters regardless of property location. This landmark decision clarifies the distinction between in personam and in rem suits, potentially opening Texas courts to a broader range of extraterritorial real estate disputes. The ruling in Braxton Minerals III, LLC v. Bauer provides cr

Seller financing offers an alternative path to homeownership for buyers who struggle to meet conventional lending requirements, providing flexibility for both parties while potentially avoiding broker fees. However, these transactions require careful legal documentation including loan agreements, promissory notes, and deeds of trust to prevent adverse consequences. A real estate attorney can guide buyers and sellers through the complexities of seller-financed deals, from drafting paperwork to addressing tit