- Child Custody and VisitationMediation under ADR is a process in which a trained facilitator assists disputing parties in communicating their concerns on issues and exploring possible solutions. The mediator does not render any decision or provide any evaluation of the cases; rather, he or she facilitates the exchange of information and settlement alternatives between parties. Mediation is characterized by a business-like, cooperative climate that sets the stage for constructive communication in the future. Accordingly, mediation is used extensively in family disputes, particularly those involving child custody issues, and in business or other cases involving an ongoing relationship.
- Business DisputesThe Firm’s Real Estate Litigation practice focuses on complex commercial and residential real estate law matters including contract disputes, title issues, possession, trespass, defective construction issues, mechanic’s lien matters, lease enforcement and interpretation, security deposit, eviction, forcible detainer, ad valorem tax issues, condominium regime, insurance coverage and payment, valuation, environmental, probate and heir determination, adverse possession, zoning, deed restrictions and covenants, boundary, foreclosure, lending, earnest money, fraudulent conveyance, fraud in the inducement, negligence, misrepresentation, Texas Property Code provisions, Texas Residential Construction Act compliance, principal agent, broker, and fiduciary duties. The Firm works closely with clients from initial fact finding throughout the entire litigation process. Goal oriented aggressive representation in appropriate state and federal courts is pursued to protect the interest of the client. Careful consideration is given to every commercially reasonable option to amicably settle disputes, if possible, including mediation and arbitration, in order to save time and expense and attempt to preserve the relationship between parties. Many clients have never been involved in litigation and the Firm carefully guides clients through the litigation process in an attempt to maximize recovery and minimize expense. For more information on selected topics mentioned in the Area of Concentration, please visit the Media Section of the website.
- Limited Liability CompaniesCreation and organizational implementation of entities to own and control real estate including limited liability companies and limited liability partnerships.
- Construction ContractsReview of appraisals, surveys, environmental studies and real estate commitments on behalf of purchasers and sellers of real estate and for title defects, easements, encroachments, and environmental issues.
- Real Estate LitigationA native Houstonian, Riley received his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin in 1971 and his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Bates College of Law at the University of Houston in 1974. He is licensed to practice law in the state of Texas. His practice includes admission to the bars of the United States Supreme Court, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, U.S. District Courts for the Southern District of Texas and all State Courts in the State of Texas. Riley is Board certified in Commercial Real estate Law by the Texas Board of legal Specialization, is a Fellow of both the Texas Bar College and Texas Bar Foundation. For more information please see Resume, and click on the icons below.
- Construction LitigationProsecution and defense of claims for cover up of defective construction of under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and Residential Construction Liability Act against former owner, broker, builder and surety
- Real Estate TransactionsA Houston, Texas based law firm established in 1989 providing efficient and responsive legal services focusing on Real Estate Transactions and Litigation, Alternative Dispute Resolution through Mediation and Probate and Estate Transactions, Planning and Litigation for substantial personal and commercial clients. Please also refer to the Media section.
- Easement
- Land Use and Zoning
- Landlord-Tenant DisputesRepresentation of landlords and tenants in commercial and residential lease negotiations and transactions including lease preparation, enforcement, interpretation, options, extensions, occupancy and use restrictions, security deposits, common area maintenance, landlord and tenant rights and remedies.
- Estate PlanningThe Firm’s Estate Litigation practice focuses on issues concerning contested wills, trusts and transfers effective during lifetime or at date of death that touch heirs, devisees, transferees, family members and business associates personal representatives including title issues, enforcement, breach of duties and estate administration under the Texas Estates Code or Texas Trust Act provisions and requirements. For more information on specific topics mentioned in the Area of Concentration, please visit the Media Section of the website.
- Wills
- Trusts
- Power of AttorneyPlanning, creation and implementation of lifetime effective transfer instruments including Intervivos Trusts, Statutory Powers of Attorney and Life Insurance Trusts.
- Probate
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- Tax Law