Lien on property from failed sale

[rmon1967]

In 2006, I was contacted by a real estate company, wishing to purchase a piece of land I own out west. They put me in contact with a lawyer who was going to be handling the sales process. This parcel had some complex ownership issues that the lawyer was required to clear up before the sale could happen. The agreement I had with this real estate company was that the legal fees would be subtracted from the sale proceeds. They even notified me that they were putting this attorney under retainer for my case, as well as several others. I never, at any time, signed an agreement or any other documentation with this attorney. Shortly after, I was notified by the real estate company that the sale had fallen through. I have now been served with a notice of lien against my property, by the attorney. Am I legally responsible for paying this fee, even if I have documentation from the real estate agent stating that they would incur the cost?

 

[lwpat]

Probably. Real estate agents are very good at putting in disclaimers. You can pay the bill and then sue the real estate company and see what happens.

 

[rmon1967]

I've reviewed the purchase offer; there are no clauses stating that I am responsible. I have email correspondence from the agent's rep stating that they would cover the expenses and that their company had put this attorney under retainer. To me, that constitutes a contract for services between the attorney and the realtor.