Answers to the questions we hear most often from real estate, construction, and foreclosure defense clients across Southwest Florida. If you don’t see your question here, call us at (239) 231-2222 or contact us online — we respond within one business day.
Our Practice
What areas of law does Prell Spearing Law Firm practice?
We focus on real estate and contract law, construction disputes and litigation, foreclosure defense and short sales, FIRPTA (foreign seller withholding), and estate planning. Attorney Irina Prell-Spearing is also a licensed Florida real estate broker and a licensed general contractor, which is unusual for an attorney and means she brings hands-on property and construction experience to every case, not just legal theory.
What makes Prell Spearing Law Firm different from other real estate attorneys?
Most real estate and foreclosure attorneys have only ever practiced law. Irina has also closed deals as a licensed broker and managed builds as a licensed general contractor. That combination lets her spot title issues, construction defects, and valuation problems that a purely legal background can miss, and argue them more effectively because she has seen the other side of the transaction.
Do you provide services in Russian?
Yes. Irina and our team serve the Southwest Florida Russian-speaking community fluently, with no language barrier standing between you and clear legal advice.
Offices & Service Area
Where are your offices located?
Our main office is in Cape Coral, with a second office in Downtown Naples. We also maintain satellite offices by appointment in Punta Gorda and Venice, and we serve nearby areas including Fort Myers, Bonita, Sanibel, and Sarasota. We represent clients throughout the State of Florida.
Do I have to live near one of your offices to work with you?
No. Florida real estate, construction, and foreclosure matters can typically be handled remotely by phone, email, and video call, with in-person meetings available at our Cape Coral, Naples, Punta Gorda, or Venice locations when it’s useful. We represent clients throughout the state.
Consultations & Fees
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, for most foreclosure defense and real estate matters. Call (239) 231-2222 or fill out our contact form to get started, and we’ll let you know upfront if your specific matter falls outside that.
How much does it cost to hire an attorney?
It depends on the matter. Real estate closings are typically flat-fee, foreclosure defense and litigation are usually billed hourly or in phases, and we’ll always explain the fee structure for your specific situation before you commit to anything. Ask us directly during your consultation — we’d rather you know the real number upfront than guess from a general answer here.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
Whatever paperwork you have related to your matter: for a foreclosure case, that means any notices, letters, or lawsuit documents you’ve received from your lender; for a real estate matter, your contract and any title or inspection reports; for a construction dispute, your contract, invoices, and any correspondence with the other party. If you’re not sure what’s relevant, bring what you have and we’ll sort it out together.
Foreclosure Defense
I’m facing foreclosure. What are my options?
Depending on your circumstances, options typically include contesting the lawsuit, negotiating a loan modification, arranging a short sale, or completing a deed in lieu of foreclosure. The right path depends on your finances, how far along the case is, and whether you want to stay in the home or move on from it. See our foreclosure defense overview for more detail, or call us to talk through your specific situation.
I was just served with a foreclosure lawsuit. What do I do?
Don’t ignore it. Florida gives you only 20 days to file a response after being served, and missing that deadline can result in a default judgment against you. Call us as soon as possible so we can review the timeline and your options.
Real Estate, Construction & Estate Planning
Can you help with a construction dispute?
Yes. We handle construction defect claims, contractor billing disputes, and disputes arising during rebuilds, informed by Irina’s own experience as a licensed general contractor. See our construction disputes page for more.
Do you handle real estate closings?
Yes, both residential and commercial, including contract review, title examination, and resolving title defects that surface during a purchase or sale. See our real estate & contract law page.
Do you offer estate planning services?
Yes. We help Florida property owners with wills, trusts, and asset protection planning, particularly where real estate is a major part of the estate. See our estate planning page.
What is FIRPTA and does it apply to me?
FIRPTA is a federal law requiring buyers to withhold a portion of the sale price when purchasing U.S. property from a foreign seller. If you’re a foreign national selling Florida property, or a buyer purchasing from one, it likely applies to your transaction. See our FIRPTA page or call us before closing.
Getting Started
How do I schedule a consultation?
Call (239) 231-2222, email irina@spearinglaw.com, or use the contact form on our website. Let us know briefly what you’re dealing with and we’ll get back to you within one business day.