Stratford, CT Real Estate Closings & Business Lawyer

Attorney Benjamin S. Proto, Jr. (Ben) is well-known for his acumen in business and real estate law. Since his office focuses almost exclusively on these areas, he is highly knowledgeable concerning current laws and regulations in these specialties and is prepared to undertake complex, as well as straightforward, matters. If you are located in Stratford, Bridgeport, Milford, Trumbull, Shelton, Fairfield, Orange, Derby, New Haven, or anywhere else in Connecticut, seeking counsel from the Law Office of Benjamin S. Proto, Jr., is a wise choice. Whether you are involved with the purchase or sale of residential or commercial properties or dealing with another type of business matter, Attorney Proto will help you feel supported as well as informed.

Real Estate Issues

The Law Office of Benjamin S. Proto, Jr. is fully equipped to handle all cases relating to residential and commercial real estate, whether or not they lead to litigation, including:

Eager to assist you in your business and real estate dealings, Ben provides advice and assistance to keep you on an even keel as you navigate the legal aspects of buying and selling real estate.

Residential Real Estate

Realizing that buying or selling a home is a major event for most people, Ben is ready to help you through the process, whether you are the seller or the buyer. Among his many areas of service involving real estate transactions are negotiating and reviewing mortgages and other documents, resolving issues regarding which party is responsible for damage and repair, corresponding with the other party’s attorney, and preparing his clients for, and representing them at, the closing.

Real Estate Closings

During real estate closings, Attorney Proto. serves buyers and sellers with equal vigor and integrity, making certain that his clients understand every document they sign as well as the ramifications of committing themselves legally to a purchase or sale. Whether you are the party purchasing or selling residential property.

Land Use and Zoning Laws

Zoning laws generally designate pieces of property as industrial, agricultural, commercial or residential. Within these categories, your real estate lawyer will help you to be in compliance with specific regulations which may involve the size, height, number of buildings, minimum plot sizes, and prescribed borders surrounding structures. Zoning laws also regulate whether certain areas may have multi-family dwellings or townhouses and whether certain aspects of structures considered to be of historic significance must be preserved.

Foreclosures

Just about everyone wants to avoid foreclosure, which is often times viewed, incorrectly, as a failure, or even evidence of financial ruin. In most cases, foreclosure is the result of financial reverses or even catastrophes that keep mortgage holders from making their payments in a timely manner. The Law Office of Benjamin S. Proto, Jr. will help you understand precisely what foreclosure is and how you may be able to avoid it. Our office will be able to shed light on words or phrases you may have heard -- such as short sales, deeds in lieu of foreclosure, or loan modifications -- and clarify how such methods may enable you to avoid foreclosure. After many years of a successful private practice, Attorney Proto may, depending on specific circumstances, be able to help you avoid the major pitfall of foreclosure, or even to defend you against foreclosure in a court of law.

Commercial Real Estate

Attorney Proto has also been successfully engaged in commercial real estate for well over a decade and we have assisted numerous developers in real estate matters. Extensive experience in this field and strong interpersonal skills enable us to engage productively not just with other attorneys, but with other professionals, such as architects, engineers, and real estate brokers.His knowledge of Connecticut commercial real estate law keeps him a step ahead of other attorneys. In Ben’s commercial real estate dealings, he is ready to assist you with any of the following, depending on which side of the table you’re on:

Commercial Lease Negotiation

In order to successfully negotiate commercial leases, you have to understand how they differ from those that are residential. Ben is adept at assisting  you in negotiating your lease thereby putting you in the best possible position as you move forward. Because Ben stays on top of the local real estatemarket, he understands precisely how much leverage you have in negotiating a good deal in terms of your rent, length of the lease, and security deposit.

There are several areas of particular importance to be considered when dealing with commercial space as opposed to residential real estate. Although some of the following may be considered when high-end residential leases are being drawn up, these negotiable items usually show up only on commercial leases: possible modifications to the physical space, permission to display onsite publicity, ability to restrict competition in direct proximity to the business signing the lease.

Comprehensive Business Law Services

In addition to providing first-rate guidance for individuals and businesses regarding real estate deals, the Law Office of Benjamin S. Proto, Jr. is proficient regarding all varieties of business matters.

As the lead attorney in a full-service business law practice,  Mr. Proto advises owners of all types and sizes of business entities, giving each client personal attention. Whether you are involved with a start-up, small business, or sizable corporation, looking to start a partnership or joint venture, setting up a corporation, or seeking licensing or permits, Benjamin S. Proto is here to help you with everything from defining your goals to establishing and successfully maintaining the enterprise of your dreams.

Comprehensive Service for Individuals

Not only does Mr. Proto offer legal guidance to entrepreneurs, he also works hard to meet the needs of clients with other issues related to business law. Mr. Proto frequently represents clients before government agencies as they seek liquor licenses, environmental approvals for developments, energy contracts, election and campaign finance issues,  or approval to add ambulances or other medical equipment to a particular practice. When you, as an individual, are lodging a serious complaint against a corporate entity, you need the strength of an experienced, well-informed attorney behind you. This may occur in situations concerning:

Consumer Protection

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection is tasked with putting an end to deceptive and fraudulent business practices. If you are a contractor who provides services to homeowners, or a homeowner hiring a contractor, the Home Improvement Act and the New Home Construction Act have very strict requirements.  It is important to understand your rights and obligations. Attorney Proto is well versed in representing both contractors and homeowners in these situations.

Energy and Environmental Protection

The ConnecticutDepartment of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is charged with preserving and protecting our natural resources, including soil, water, and air. If you want to report, for example, air pollution or improper waste disposal into soil or water,  you will need a knowledgeable attorney to represent you since of course the business you are accusing will undoubtedly have a high-priced lawyer on their team.

Economic and Community Development

Individuals who work in community economic development (CED) involve themselves in community-building activities designed to increase local power. When confronting  businesses and government agencies of greater size, such individuals need legal advice and guidance. If you are an activist fighting to protect and strengthen your community either by generating solutions to common problems or taking collective action against invasive or oppressive behaviors on the part of an industry or a governmental body, Benjamin Proto can help.

Elections

Whether you are interested in filing the necessary papers to run for office or want to check out the credentials of a local candidate, our office can assist you. We are well-versed in election matters and can offer legal guidance in helping you qualify for a primary, ensure ballot access, enhance your absentee ballot campaign, deal with complex fundraising, and assist you with any other election issues that arise.

Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) permits any individual to request access to federal agency records. Though there are certain notable exceptions concerning documents protected from public disclosure, in a great many instances the FOIA can provide information pertinent to cases involving public health, environmental safety, election eligibility, or consumer protection. Your attorney can help you have access to records that will be of help to your cause.

Whether Mr. Proto is representing a client in a contractor/homeowner dispute or defending a nurse fighting to retain his or her license, Mr. Proto is a stalwart advocate, well-equipped to bring about the desired result.

Why Turn to the Law Office of Benjamin S. Proto, Jr.?

One of the most important decisions you can make as an individual, business owner, or real estate buyer or seller is who you decide to trust to advise you. A great deal rests on the care with which you make such a decision. Choosing an attorney to guide you through major life events, like buying or selling a home or establishing or purchasing a business, may have life-changing consequences. This is why it is essential that you are diligent in investigating options and researching the credentials, reputation, and rate of success of available attorneys. If you are in Connecticut, I am confident that your choice will lead you to the door of my office. The Law Office of Benjamin S. Proto, Jr. is waiting to take care of your needs effectively and efficiently and to treat you with the dignity and respect you deserve. I can be reached through the contact form on our website or by calling 203.307.2915.