Practice Areas

Quiet Title Matters:
Sometimes there are title defects concerning the ownership of real property or liens of record which need to be addressed so as to allow for the sale or transfer of ownership or resolution of title disputes. The usual method for clearing title defects is a lawsuit called a “quiet title” action. This firm has extensive experience in addressing such issues and resolving such disputes, including the elimination in some instances of improper liens and encumbrances.

Partition Actions:
In some instances owners of record find themselves in disputes as to their respective ownership interests. In some cases, one owner wishes to sell a parcel of property while the other refuses. Such disputes may even be among family members. The appropriate remedy for such disputes is the filing of a partition action which, if not otherwise settled, will ultimately result in a forced sale of the property and a determination by the court as to how the proceeds of that sale should be divided. Because of its experience in handling many such disputes, this firm is aware of the issues which are likely to arise, as well as the emotional factors which may come into play depending upon the relationship of the co-owners.

Sale Breach and Non-Disclosure Issues:
Real estate sales must be set out in a signed and written contract to be enforceable in California. Such contracts sometimes lead to subsequent disputes as to the intent of the parties and the terms of the transaction. In addition, defects are sometimes discovered after the sale is completed and issues then arise as to whether the sellers and the real estate professionals complied with their obligations to disclose material defects during the course of the transaction. Such disputes are generally the subject of mediation, as well as arbitration or lawsuits. The firm’s attorneys have successfully handled many such cases, on behalf of buyers, sellers, and realtors.

Foreclosure Issues:
The firm’s attorneys are recognized experts in California foreclosure law. Although they do not engage in loan modification negotiations, they are able to sit down with you to explain these laws and their potential impact on your particular situation. The firm has handled dozens of lawsuits from all foreclosure perspectives, and is prepared to represent and consult with potential clients regarding all phases of the foreclosure process.

Landlord/Tenant Disputes:
The firm’s attorneys have handled countless disputes on behalf of both landlords and tenants in relation to residential and commercial leases. We can provide you with both advice and representation in the lawsuits which often arise out of such disputes.

Eminent Domain Proceedings:
Eminent domain proceedings are used by government agencies to acquire real estate for projects alleged to be for the general public benefit, regardless of whether the owner wishes to sell. This firm regularly represents property owners in negotiations with government agencies and in lawsuits where the amount to be paid is in dispute.

Neighbor and Easement Disputes:
In relatively crowded California, disputes unfortunately arise among neighbors concerning encroachments, boundary disputes, the existence or use of easements, nuisances, and other matters which affect the use and enjoyment of one’s property. Where such matters cannot be resolved informally or through alternative dispute resolution, lawsuits are often needed. The firm’s attorneys have handled many such disputes involving varied circumstances including noise problems, construction of structures across boundary lines, easements, and even spite fences and tree disputes. This experience allows for effective and efficient representation while keeping the cost of litigation to a reasonable level.

Homeowner’s Association Disputes:
In some instances homeowners become embroiled in disputes with their associations based upon differing interpretations of the CC&Rs, failures of association boards to meet their fiduciary obligations, and other matters. The associations are generally represented by counsel who may have little concern for the cost of dispute resolution or litigation. To even the playing field, and to best present their interests favorably and convincingly, homeowners benefit from the services of the firm’s experienced attorneys.

Specific Performance Actions:
While California law generally does not allow a seller of real property to sue to force the buyer to complete the purchase, and instead only allows the seller to seek monetary damages often equal to the amount of the down payment deposited into escrow, the same is not true for a buyer. Since California treats all real property as “unique,” a buyer may file a lawsuit for “specific performance” of the terms of the purchase agreement, and thereby to force the seller to transfer title to the buyer pursuant to the terms of a reasonable real estate sales contract. The firm’s attorneys are experienced in such matters, and know how to tie up the property with the recording of a “lis pendens” and to represent the buyer’s interests in mediation, and ultimately in arbitration or a lawsuit should that prove necessary.

Business and Commercial Litigation:
In addition to real estate matters, the firm provides experienced representation in all types of legal disputes arising from contracts and business relationships. These disputes range from basic collection actions for unpaid debts through complex disputes arising from complicated business transactions. Such cases may involve temporary restraining orders and injunctions, writs of attachment to place holds on business assets, analysis of complicated underlying transactions and various other matters.

Alternative Dispute Resolution:
Since it is understood that most civil cases settle prior to trial, it has become very common to minimize litigation expenses by submitting matters early to alternative forms of dispute resolution, including mediation. The firm’s attorneys have handled dozens of such cases, and are adept at evaluating cases for settlement and presenting client’s positions in a manner calculated to optimize their chances of achieving a satisfactory result. In some instances, the parties are not yet prepared to settle the case, whether through mediation or other means, and it is necessary instead to have the case decided by an independent third party. This may be a judge or jury in the court system, or a trained arbitrator if the underlying contract calls for arbitration, or the parties agree that would be a more efficient way of obtaining resolution. Generally parties are entitled to be represented by counsel at mediations and arbitrations, and find that the process is much more successful if their case is presented through experienced counsel.

If you or someone you know needs the skilled legal services of an experienced Irvine, California Real Estate Litigation lawyer, call The Dreyfuss Firm, PLC, today at 866-435-3884, or complete the contact form provided on this site to arrange for a free telephone consultation. Visa and Mastercard are accepted.

If you or someone you know needs the skilled legal services of an experienced Irvine, California Real Estate Litigation lawyer, call The Dreyfuss Firm, PLC, today at 866-435-3884, or complete the contact form provided on this site to arrange for a free telephone consultation. Visa and Mastercard are accepted.

ADDRESS OF THE FIRM:
The Dreyfuss Firm, PLC
7700 Irvine Center Drive,
Suite 710
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: 866-435-3884
Hours: M-F, 8:30AM-5:00PM

MEMBERS OF THE FIRM:

• Attorney Lawrence J. Dreyfuss, Esq.

Lawrence Dreyfuss, Esq., a 1974 graduate of UCLA and a 1977 graduate of the UCLA School of Law (where he was a member of the Law Review) has the highest rating of AV for legal ability and ethics, with more than 30 years experience handling real property litigation and business litigation matters in state and federal court as well as arbitrations and dozens of mediations. Mr. Dreyfuss has particular expertise in addressing foreclosure and secured lending disputes. He has also successfully handled numerous matters on behalf of real estate brokers and agents as well as property owners and purchasers concerning non-disclosure, fraud, breach of contract, specific performance, and other real estate transaction issues.

Mr. Dreyfuss has experience addressing boundary disputes and encroachments and contested easements. He has handled partition and quiet title actions to resolve ownership disputes, as well as title insurance issues. He also deals with other business and contract disputes that are not limited to real property issues. He has experience in collection matters and in obtaining the appointment of receivers for real property security. Mr. Dreyfuss has successful appellate experience before the Federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the California Courts of Appeal. His reported decisions include First Nationwide Savings v. Perry 11 Cal.App.4th 1657, Fountain Valley Chateau Blanc Management v. Cunningham 67 Cal.App.4th 743, and Goffney v. Family Savings and Loan Association 81 Cal.App. 4th 1175 (since decertified for publication).

Due to his experience with foreclosure issues, Mr. Dreyfuss has been selected to draft briefs to the court of appeal on behalf of the California Trustee’s Association. He is a member of the State Bar of California as well as the Business Litigation and Real Estate Sections of the Orange County Bar Association. Mr. Dreyfuss has written articles for the California Trustee’s Association and United States Foreclosure Network, has appeared as an expert witness on foreclosure issues, and has led seminars for creditor groups, real estate agents and brokers, and consumers on various real estate litigation and foreclosure issues. He is admitted to practice before all California State and Federal Courts and handles cases throughout the State of California.

• Jurisdictions Attorney is Licensed in: California
• Date Admitted to the Bar: November, 1977
• Education: UCLA, 1974; UCLA School of Law, 1977
• Professional Memberships & Achievements: UCLA Law Review; State Bar of CA; Orange County Bar Association, Business Litigation and Real Estate Sections; Orange County Association of Realtors Associate Member; Martindale Hubble AV Rated.

• Attorney Bruce Dannemeyer

Bruce Dannemeyer is an AV rated attorney with more than 25 years experience in real estate and commercial litigation. He graduated from Valparaiso University with High Honors and from the law school at the University of California, Berkeley (Boalt Hall). He has personally handled numerous trials and appellate cases, and appeared before the California Supreme Court in the case of Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority v. Continental Development Corporation (1997) 16 Cal.4th 694. He has led continuing education seminars for lawyers, has been a featured speaker for a professional real state association, has testified before a State Senate Committee on legislation to protect property owners, and has been an assistant editor of continuing legal education publications.

Bruce has extensive experience in landlord-tenant disputes and in enforcing judgments. He has served as a temporary judge in the Orange County Superior Court. He is a member of the Business Litigation and Real Estate Sections of the Orange County Bar Association. He is admitted to practice in the state and federal courts in California and in the United States Supreme Court.

• Jurisdictions Attorney is Licensed in: California
• Date Admitted to the Bar: November, 1982
• Education: Valparaiso University (High Honors), 1979; University of California (Boalt Hall), 1982
• Professional Memberships & Achievements: State Bar of California; Orange County Bar Association, Business Litigation and Real Estate Sections.