An "attorney closing state" or "attorney-only state" are states that require a lawyer to attend or supervise the closing of real estate transactions. Laws in these states have determined that real estate transactions involve complex legal concepts and rights that may be difficult for the layperson to understand, and as such require an attorney to perform or be present during the closing to protect all parties to the transaction.
In attorney closing states, lawyers ensure the legal requirements of the purchase or refinance loan are met, and that the interests of seller, buyer, or borrower are protected. While an attorney must be present, a notary may still handle the notarization of loan documents.
LodeStar supports attorney closing states by supporting attorney fees in the same way we do settlement agents in other states.
Current Attorney States are:
Connecticut
Delaware
Georgia
Massachusetts
North Carolina
South Carolina
Vermont
West Virginia