Effective Legal Solutions
Focused legal expertise in real estate, business, banking, estate planning, and tax-deferred exchanges.
At Walt Fair, PLLC, our attorneys focus on select areas of the law. Because we do not attempt to provide legal services in every area, we deliver the highest level of competence and legal representation in a responsive, expert, and personal manner. Our firm has earned an “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale-Hubbell – the highest rating available – recognizing Walt Fair among the top 5% of attorneys nationwide for legal ability and professional ethics.
We are lifelong residents of the Waco area with an intimate knowledge of local culture and close relationships with community leaders and members of the judiciary and local bar.
Real Estate Law
With more than 40 years of experience, Walt Fair, PLLC has an extensive and sophisticated real estate practice covering all areas of real estate law. Our lawyers represent individuals, real estate investors, land developers, construction companies, title companies, and management companies in a variety of real estate matters.
Because Walt Fair, PLLC is also a title company, we have the added ability to assist and represent buyers and sellers throughout the closing process.
Our real estate attorneys assist clients with:
- Purchases and sales
- Construction and development
- Foreclosure
- Title examination and opinions
- Mechanic's lien filings and perfection to judgment
- Property management counsel
- Restaurant and retail projects
- Easements
- IRC Section 1031 Exchanges
- Lease negotiation, forcible entry and detainer, and lockout
Corporate and Business Law
Our attorneys have helped form hundreds of businesses and assisted business owners throughout the state with a wide range of legal needs. Walt Fair has extensive experience in the formation and operation of complex series limited liability companies and the creative use of the liability compartmentalization features these entities offer.
Our business law services include:
- Business entity formation (LLCs, corporations, partnerships)
- Series LLC structuring and operations
- Operating agreements and corporate governance
- Business counsel and contract review
- Buy-sell agreements
- Business succession planning
Banking and Finance Law
Walt Fair, PLLC has served Central Texas financial institutions for decades. Our attorneys provide trusted legal counsel on residential and commercial lending, regulatory compliance, and transaction documentation. Our representative client list reflects the confidence that local and regional lenders place in our firm.
Our banking and finance services include:
- Loan structuring and document preparation
- Residential and commercial lending counsel
- Regulatory compliance guidance
- Transaction settlement and closing service
- Title searches and title opinions for credits of all sizes
Estate Planning and Probate
Protecting your family and your assets requires careful planning. Our attorneys work with individuals and families to create estate plans that reflect their goals and provide peace of mind. From simple wills to complex trust structures, we provide clear guidance and thorough documentation.
Our estate planning services include:
- Wills and codicils
- Revocable and irrevocable trust
- Powers of attorney
- Medical directives
- Probate administration
- Estate and asset protection planning
1031 Exchange
Walt Fair, PLLC and its affiliate, Central Escrow Services, provide experienced qualified intermediary services for IRC Section 1031 tax-deferred exchange transactions. Tax-deferred exchanges have been part of the tax code since 1921 and remain one of the most significant tax advantages available to real estate investors.
Exchanges allow investors to sell real estate without incurring capital gains tax liability, keeping the earning power of deferred taxes working for the investor. The IRS allows up to 180 days between the sale of the relinquished property and the purchase of the replacement property, with a 45-day identification window within that period.
There are specific requirements that must be met to qualify for tax deferral, and it is essential that these transactions be handled by knowledgeable professionals. All sales proceeds must be held in escrow by a qualified intermediary pending identification and purchase of replacement property.