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Services for Business Owners and ChurchesCommercial Transactions

The Virginia real estate attorneys at Szabo, Zelnick and Erickson are experienced in performing all types of commercial transactions, including purchases, refinances, defeasances, and construction loans.

Real Estate Transactions Involving Churches


Under Virginia law, there are special requirements when Churches sell or encumber real estate. By statute, title to church property generally must be held by trustees appointed for that purpose by the circuit court of the city or county in which the church’s land is located. However, an ecclesiastical officer or bishop of the church may hold title to the property if the laws or rules of the church so provide.

Prior to selling or encumbering church property, the trustees must first be appointed by the Circuit Court in the jurisdiction in which the Church lies,  Court approval must also be obtained for the specific transaction taking place..

Apart from handling all phases of the actual settlement of the transaction, a Virginia real estate attorney at Szabo, Zelnick and Erickson can prepare any necessary petitions and submit them to the court for approval, including the petition to appoint church trustees.

As part of our commitment to our clients, our attorneys will answer your questions and help you understand the aspects of real estate law that apply to your situation.

You can get the process started today by requesting a case review. Or, if you prefer, you can call our office at 703-494-7171. Either way, we promise that someone from our legal team will address your questions in a timely manner.




From Our Clients

“Cathy Christiansen went out of her way to make the refinancing of our mortgage go smoothly. She explained things thoroughly and was professional in answering our questions.”

-Anonymous

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