What is the best course of action if I purchased a house that had a “homestead” exemption but my attorney failed to file the necessary extension papers?
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What is the best course of action if I purchased a house that had a “homestead” exemption but my attorney failed to file the necessary extension papers?
At closing, I was told by our closing attorney, that he would file the necessary papers so the homestead exemption would extend through the rest of this year. He failed to do so and now I have a tax bill for $3000 instead of $400.
Asked on July 4, 2015 under Real Estate Law, Illinois
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
If the attorney failed to file the papers despite knowing that he had to and telling you that he would, you may have a malpractice case against the attorney for the increased amount of taxes you had to pay ($2,600). Since bringing a malpractice case can itself be costly, however, you are best off trying to settle this with the attorney without litigation (i.e. contacting him, explaining what happened, and stating that you believe that under the circumstances, the lawyer should cover the increased bill). This may mean accepting only part of what you feel you are owed, but that is most likely better than having to go through litigation. If you can't settle it, you can sue.
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