A real estate transaction is often one of the most significant financial steps in the life of an individual or a company. For this reason, an error in a contract, an undiscovered encumbrance, or a boundary dispute can be costly. We help clients prepare transactions securely and, in the event of a dispute, protect their property rights before public authorities and in court.
We provide legal assistance in all matters relating to real estate, including the acquisition, disposal, use, and management of property, as well as apartment ownership matters. Where necessary, we engage specialists who provide property valuations or opinions regarding the actual condition of a property.
The law firm provides daily assistance with:
Legal due diligence. Before a transaction, we examine the legal status of the property, including Land Register entries, encumbrances, easements, mortgages, prohibitions, and other risks that may affect the security of the transaction or the value of the property. This is the simplest and least expensive stage at which to prevent problems — before signing the contract rather than afterwards.
Contracts and legal documents. We draft and review purchase, exchange, donation, lease, maintenance, and other contracts, as well as other documents required for a transaction, including provisions governing payment, the transfer of rights, and the allocation of risks.
Easements and encumbrances. We advise on the establishment, amendment, or termination of easements, including rights of way, utility easements, and other easements. We assist in preparing the relevant documents and resolve disputes concerning the scope and use of encumbrances.
Administrative matters. We prepare submissions to state and municipal authorities and contest and appeal decisions affecting the client’s property rights.
Property disputes. We resolve disputes concerning the termination of joint ownership, arrangements for the use of jointly owned property, rights to property, and other real estate matters through negotiations, settlement, or court proceedings.
Representation. We represent clients before state and municipal authorities and before courts of all instances.
Practical approach:
We begin by assessing the property and the circumstances in order to clearly identify the client’s legal position and potential risks. In transactions, our objective is to protect the client at the preparatory stage, as a properly drafted contract prevents most subsequent disputes. Where a dispute has already arisen, we first consider a faster out-of-court solution and proceed to court only where necessary.
Latvian legal framework
Real estate law in Latvia is primarily governed by the Civil Law, particularly its sections on property law and the law of obligations, including provisions concerning ownership, easements, joint ownership, and transactions. Property rights and encumbrances are registered in the Land Register in accordance with the Land Register Law, while the management of apartment properties and jointly owned property is governed by the Apartment Property Law and the Residential Property Management Law. The contesting of administrative acts is governed by the Administrative Procedure Law, subject to the deadlines established therein.