Fuqua, Willard & Schab

"My husband and I purchased a property in Millford, DE a couple weeks ago. This law firm was one of two provided by our realtor. We also considered a third firm. Our choice of this firm was due to their local presence. In my experience, local companies vs national chains are often motivated to give excellent services to keep a stellar reputation in the community that they serve. In addition, the firm also worked the real estate company with whom our realtor was affiliated. All went well until the day of settlement. My husband and I had researched possible Home Owners Insurance but because of multiple demands on our time and attention, we neglected to contact the insurance agent and request that the Home Owner's Insurance be active effective the date of the settlement. The settlement attorney Mr. Schab asked if we had home owners insurance during the signing of the settlement documents. I said "No" but we had selected an agency and reviewed quotes. His guidance was that we could complete the settlement paperwork and get coverage "right after" we were done. He noted that we were now "owners" since this was a cash deal. I was the only woman at the table, and decided that I was not going to sign any more documents until I stepped out and contacted the insurance agent to have the policy put in place prior to the closing. My husband appeared not to understand that to sign off on the settlement documents would now make us liable for a $465K in the somewhat unlikely event (but possible) that there was a loss before we got insurance. I was truly dismayed that Mr. Schab did not halt the settlement proceedings and allow us to call the State Farm office and execute the policy....instead of proceeding with the settlement. He even noted that had a loan been involved a bank would not have allowed us to proceed without home owner's coverage. My husband and I are immigrants from the Caribbean so we are of color. I could not discern if Mr. Schab's stance was because of that factor, or I was a woman taking a stances or we were not his typical clients, wealth investors or home owners for whom such a potential loss would not have been a big deal. What is even more disconcerting is that to date although I sent an email to the firm describing my dissatisfaction , absolutely no one has reached out to me."

"I want to share how wonderful and helpful this law firm was to me when I needed it! Lisa was kind and very knowledgeable when I spoke to her on the phone. She made me feel very comfortable in a VERY uncomfortable situation. Hopefully, we don't need legal help in the future, but if we do my husband and I will definitely call this firm again. Thank you again for all of your help and kindness."

"Great experience"