About Us
At Tonelli Law, we pride ourselves in ensuring that the title to a piece of real estate is genuine and lawful. We do so through a comprehensive search of the chain of title dating as far back as physically possible. We also personalize and issue top-notch insurance policies, facilitate seamless closings, immediately release the disbursement of funds, and promptly record the necessary paperwork to transfer legal title.
In addition, as Real Estate Attorneys, we fight to clear the title if necessary. We do this by drafting legal documents, tracking down previous parties to the chain of title, and litigating cases in court when necessary. We understand that time, and accuracy, is of the essence for our clients.
Our Services
All phases of Residential and Commercial Real Estate Closings:
- Escrow agent
- Pre-Closing file processing
- Ordering the title search
- Effectively resolving clouds on title (defects, encumbrances, adverse claims and other matters)
- Drafting and filing quit claim deeds/warranty deeds
- Ordering & reviewing survey(s)
- Preparation of the preliminary Settlement Statement calculations
- Preparing the GFE HUD-1 / Closing Disclosure Form (CDF) and balance sheet
- Closing document preparation
- Conduct closing
- Electronically record closing documents, distribute lender packages
- Immediately Distribute Funds
Why Choose Us
We Specialize in Mobile, Long-Distance, and Virtual Closings
Featured Properties
Winter Park, FL 32789
$845,000 value
Closed early and remotely with an out of state seller and an out of state buyer.
Meet The Team
Charity Tonelli
Attorney, Charity Tonelli
Charity Tonelli focuses her law practice in the areas Real Estate Title Closings and Criminal Defense with her firm, Tonelli Law. Prior to entering private practice, Charity was a prosecutor in the Ninth Judicial Circuit working to ensure justice for felony, juvenile, domestic violence, and misdemeanor cases. Charity attended Barry School of Law where she received the highest grade in the class in multiple courses and graduated with Honors in Trial Advocacy and Honors in Children & Family Law. Charity has always been passionate about defending the rights of others. Charity now uses her experience as a trial attorney to fight for personal rights and liberties, including property rights. Charity and her team run a full-service title insurance practice offering lenders, brokers and real estate purchasers a complete range of residential and commercial title and closing services throughout the state of Florida.
In addition to her legal practice, Charity enjoys giving back to her legal community as the Chairperson of the Orange County Bar Association’s Real Property Committee, Board Member of the Orange County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section, Board Member of the Central Florida Real Estate Attorney’s Council, Treasurer of the National Association for Divorce Professionals, and Board Member of the Women’s Resource Center. Charity has been recognized as the recipient of the Leader in the Law Award presented by the Florida Association of Women Lawyers, as well as Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers.
Lindsay Johnson
Escrow Reconciliation Specialist, Lindsay Johnson
Lindsay Johnson has over 20 years experience across a wide variety of industries and functions. She has held positions in purchasing and supply chain management at a media conglomerate as well as accounting and operations at a financial services firm.
Lindsay earned her MBA in strategic leadership and an MA in arts administration from Southern Methodist University. She now uses her extensive skills in both finance and business management to provide thorough escrow and reconciliation services.
Emi Brand
Processor/Closing Agent, Emi Brand
Emi Brand is passionate about helping businesses and homeowners bring their goals to fruition. Emi utilizes her knowledge and skills to create and seamlessly execute real estate transactions regardless of size.
She focuses on all the details involved in both residential and commercial real estate transactions and thoroughly enjoys helping our clients every step of the way.
FAQs
Why hire an Attorney instead of a Title Agent?
1. Contracts can be Confusing
When you hire Tonelli Law to handle your real estate closings you get the added benefit of working with an experienced attorney who is able to provide legal advice and guidance throughout the transaction. It is always a good idea to have an attorney review any contract you intend on signing. It’s even more important when you consider the stakes involved in a real estate deal.
You may think that is what your real estate agent or broker is for. It’s true that your agent should guide you on the best course of action and help you protect yourself. But agents aren’t lawyers. Although they have other specialties, they aren’t trained in the law and they aren’t contract experts.
2. The Title Search
One of the most important phases of a real estate deal is ensuring a clean and clear title is conveyed in the transaction. It is imperative that the title document is correct and accurate. This is what gives you the legal right to own the property. If there is something wrong with the title you could end up owing money for prior liens, not having access to portions of your land, or you may not be able to sell the home in the future. Tonelli Law will carefully review a complete title history search and ensure there are no errors or “clouds” on the title from previous owners and will also ensure there are no errors in the legal description of the property.
Tonelli Law educates their clients on all issues affecting their property like easements, restrictions put in place by previous owners, and zoning laws.
3. The Closing
A real estate attorney is immensely helpful in ensuring that all of the paperwork in a real estate closing is handled properly. Closing a real estate deal can be stressful because it is both complicated and confusing. A lawyer can help you sort through all of the unfamiliar terms so you know exactly what you are signing. They can also explain things like how closing costs are calculated and distributed.
Lawyers have the ability to provide legal advice and to advocate on behalf of their clients in court when necessary to correct issues that affect the title or when necessary to resolve a dispute over the transaction.
Is a Lawyer more expensive than a title-closing agent?
Our efficient systems allow Tonelli Law to handle your closing at a cost comparable to a title closing agent. In fact, the amount you pay for a title insurance policy in Florida is fixed by the State and will be the same regardless where you purchase it.
Does Tonelli Law provide Escrow services?
Yes. We pride ourselves with trustworthy and meticulous escrow services. We perform trust account reconciliations on a monthly basis pursuant to best practices and standards.