Houston Real Estate, Business Litigation, Insurance & Estate Attorneys

Your Trusted Houston Attorneys Protecting your interests across real estate, business litigation, storm insurance claims, and estate planning.

Hayes Hunter PC represents property owners, investors, developers, contractors, businesses and families across Harris County and Texas.

  • 20+ years of Texas practice
  • State & federal court experience
  • Se habla español
Houston Chronicle Best of the Best 2025 Finalist

The firm, in brief

A Houston law firm built around real estate disputes and deals

Hayes Hunter PC is a Houston, Texas law firm led by attorney Charles Hunter. Its primary practice is real estate litigation and transactions, including quiet title, partition, mechanic's liens, commercial leases, broker disputes and contract enforcement. The firm also handles business litigation, storm insurance recovery and estate planning from its office at 4265 San Felipe St, Suite 1000, in Houston's Galleria/Uptown area.

Larger firms often hand real estate disputes to junior associates. At Hayes Hunter PC, an experienced attorney reviews your title documents, contracts and liens from the first consultation and builds a strategy around the result you need: a clean title, a closed deal, or a judgment you can collect.

Primary practice
Real estate litigation & transactions
Also handles
Business litigation, storm insurance recovery, wills & probate
Principal attorney
Charles Hunter, UT Austin (BBA 1977, J.D. 1980)
Clients
Owners, investors, developers, contractors, landlords, tenants & businesses
Office
4265 San Felipe St, Suite 1000, Houston, TX 77027
Phone
(346) 363-0334
Languages
English & Spanish
First step
No-obligation discovery call

Practice focus · Real Estate Law

Real estate legal services in Houston

From the first contract draft to a jury verdict, we handle the full life of a Texas real estate matter. Most clients come to us with one of four kinds of problems.

Construction & Liens

Texas Property Code Chapter 53 makes mechanic's and materialman's liens a powerful tool, but one with strict notice and filing deadlines. We perfect liens for contractors and suppliers, and we move to remove invalid liens for owners through summary motions under §53.160.

Houston attorney Charles Hunter of Hayes Hunter PC
Charles Hunter · Principal Attorney

Principal attorney

Charles Hunter

A finance-trained litigator who reads a deal the way a lender, a title company and a jury will.

Charles Hunter earned his BBA in Finance with honors from The University of Texas at Austin, then his J.D. from UT Law, where he served as Note Editor of the Review of Litigation. He is admitted to practice in Texas, California and Washington.

His practice goes to the heart of how real property changes hands. He has represented county governments across the nation in actions to collect deed recording fees and real property transfer taxes from banks, title companies and government-sponsored enterprises. Today he leads the firm's real estate and business litigation practice for Houston owners, investors and companies.

  • BBA, Finance (with honors), UT Austin
  • J.D., The University of Texas School of Law
  • Licensed in Texas, California & Washington
  • Complex, multi-party litigation experience
About Charles Hunter

Also serving businesses

Business Litigation

Business disputes often start with a contract or a broken partnership. We represent Houston companies, owners and executives in breach of contract, partnership and shareholder disputes, fraud and fiduciary claims, and trademark and trade-secret litigation. We also draft the contracts and formation documents that help prevent those disputes.

What to expect

From first call to resolution

  1. 01

    Discovery call

    A brief, no-obligation call to understand your property or business issue and whether we are the right fit.

  2. 02

    Initial consultation

    An in-depth review of your deeds, contracts, liens and correspondence with an attorney, and a preliminary strategy.

  3. 03

    Your strategy

    A tailored plan with clear action items, realistic timelines and a direct line to the attorney handling your matter.

  4. 04

    Resolution

    Negotiation, closing or litigation in Harris County and Texas courts, with you informed at every stage.

What Our Clients Say

Reviews from Houston property owners, investors and business clients.

5 out of 5 stars

I am sincerely grateful for your faith in me.

Mr. Hunter, You took my little case against Shoprider, et al., when no one else would. I thank you for that. Now I have had to prioritize my well-being.  I felt you could take over my fight and I could just let go while you took them on for me.

My faith in being able to let this go to your trusted care broke when I received what I thought was the final draft of the complaint.  I learned that I did need to stay engaged to a level I cannot meet. At any rate, I probably would not be here to the end of the legalities. I must now realize 87 year olds are, after all, vulnerable. Not self-pity.  Just accepting reality. I am sincerely grateful for your faith in me.

– Josephine R
5 out of 5 stars

Attorney Charles Hunter represented me in a tough lawsuit

“Attorney Charles Hunter represented me in a tough lawsuit and won this case although he has several attorneys come against him, he is not only a winner of my case but also a winner of several cases he has represented, his winning reputation and winning ways makes him the best of referrals and recommendations ever.”

 

– Dr. Gem L. Dunn, TV ANCHOR FOR THE WORLD TELEVISION SHOW, The GEM OF THE CARIBBEAN..
5 out of 5 stars

Thank you Luke Miller,

You solved that high-pressure situation with your brilliant argumentative skills and this has positively affected my situation.

– Marco Escobar
5 out of 5 stars

Knowledgeable, Highly Competent and Professional

After Hurricane Harvey damaged our condo, our insurance and HOA were pointing fingers at each other regarding liability. It got really complicated, and after trying to resolve the issue on our own, we began to realize we needed legal assistance. Thankfully, we found Charles Hunter who helped us navigate our legal options. He was knowledgeable, highly competent and professional, and won our case. I would definitely recommend Mr. Hunter if you are looking for an experienced attorney who will work hard for you.

– Holly Holt
5 out of 5 stars

First-Rate Knowledge of the Law

Charles Hunter has provided excellent services and put his first-rate knowledge of the law on full display. He is professional, extremely reachable and responsive. He takes time to get to know you and your case. Because of my own experiences with Charles, I have referred several new clients to him and they are super pleased. Charles has made all legal matters a walk in the park for me and several friends and we couldn’t be happier. I highly recommend Hayes Hunter law firm – they do not disappoint!

– sharyl mcgrew
5 out of 5 stars

Smart, Responsive and Has Incredible Judgement

As a real estate investor and cryptocurrency investor, I encounter complex legal issues on a regular basis. It’s comforting to know Hayes Hunter and in particular, Charlie Hunter, is available to handle most of what arises. Charlie is smart, responsive and has incredible judgement. He’s my go-to attorney, and I will continue to recommend him to my business colleagues.

– Doug Smith
5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Job, Impressed by How Responsive

Charles Hunter represented me in connection with a debt collection matter. He did an excellent job of handling the case, which was successfully resolved. I was particularly impressed by how responsive he was. I have worked with a number of attorneys over the years who may do good work, but are slow to respond, or do not complete the needed work in a timely fashion. This was never a problem with Charles.

– Past Client
5 out of 5 stars

He Did an Excellent Job

Charles Hunter represented me in connection with a debt collection matter. He did an excellent job of handling the case, which was successfully resolved. I was particularly impressed by how responsive he was. I have worked with a number of attorneys over the years who may do good work, but are slow to respond, or do not complete the needed work in a timely fashion. This was never a problem with Charles.

– Ross Smith
5 out of 5 stars

I Would Definitely Recommend Mr Hunter

After Hurricane Harvey damaged our condo, our insurance and HOA were pointing fingers at each other regarding liability. It got really complicated, and after trying to resolve the issue on our own, we began to realize we needed legal assistance. Thankfully, we found Charles Hunter who helped us navigate our legal options. He was knowledgeable, highly competent and professional, and won our case. I would definitely recommend Mr. Hunter if you are looking for an experienced attorney who will work hard for you.

– Holly Holt
5 out of 5 stars

Deep Experience Gets the Matter Handled

Charlie has become my company’s attorney this past year. We have had several incidents where he has been remarkably responsive and thorough. He is very fair about his time, and with his deep experience gets the matter handled much more effectively and at lower cost then our prior firm’s associates delivered.

– Glenn Dickson
5 out of 5 stars

Remarkably Responsive and Thorough

Charlie has become my company’s attorney this past year. We have had several incidents where he has been remarkably responsive and thorough. He is very fair about his time, and with his deep experience gets the matter handled much more effectively and at lower cost then our prior firm’s associates delivered.

– Glenn Dickson
5 out of 5 stars

Deal with Multiple Eviction Cases Successfully

Charlie and Jessica has been answering a lot of legal questions and help me to deal with multiple eviction cases successfully

– Anderson Au
5 out of 5 stars

Everything Went So Smoothly

Atty Jessica Chan is my lawyer that helped me in buying out my business partner. Everything went so smoothly and faster than I expected. She is very accommodating and very professional. I will definitely recommend her. Thank you so much Atty Chan!

– remedios sudario
5 out of 5 stars

Knowledgeable, Attentive and Never too Busy

Jessica Chan and the team at Hayes Hunter are amazing! Amidst the solar headache that I was going through, she was able to help me through it all by being knowledgeable, attentive and never too busy to answer all 500 hundred of my questions. Her calm nature was definitely contagious where I often just put this nightmare in the back burner. I one hundred percent know that she and her team will handle this as best as they can! Anyone having solar issues SHOULD and MUST reach out to Hunter Hayes for their help!

– Maggie Tsan
5 out of 5 stars

Hayes Hunter, You’re a Life Saver!!!

Jessica and her team at Hayes Hunter firm have been SUPER helpful in assisting me with my solar case. When I contacted the firm and explained my situation, they were very knowledgeable and just had recently settled on a similar case. She was very responsive and explained the process from end to end and knew exactly what to do in order to have the Mechanics Lien removed from our property. We are so thankful for all of their help and support and would absolutely reach out to them again for any legal issues or advice. Thank you again Hayes Hunter, you’re a life saver!!!

– Linda Tsan
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Frequently asked questions

Texas real estate law, answered

Straight answers to the questions Houston property owners ask us most. For advice about your situation, talk to an attorney.

Ask Us Your Question

What is the difference between a quiet title suit and trespass to try title in Texas?

A trespass to try title action under Chapter 22 of the Texas Property Code is the statutory method for deciding who holds title to real property. The plaintiff must prove superior title. A suit to quiet title is an equitable claim that removes a specific cloud on otherwise valid title, such as an invalid deed, lien or forged instrument. The right vehicle affects your burden of proof and whether attorney's fees can be recovered, so the choice matters before anything is filed.

How do I remove an invalid mechanic's lien in Texas?

Chapter 53 of the Texas Property Code imposes strict notice, filing and content requirements on lien claimants. If a lien is invalid or unenforceable, for example because deadlines were missed or the work was not performed, the owner can file a summary motion to remove it under §53.160. The court may award costs and reasonable attorney's fees. A knowingly fraudulent lien can also create liability under Chapter 12 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code.

What can I do if the other party backs out of a real estate contract?

Under the default paragraph of the standard TREC residential contract, the non-defaulting party generally may enforce specific performance, seek other relief allowed by law, or terminate and receive the earnest money. Commercial contracts set their own remedies. Specific performance requires showing you were ready, willing and able to close, so documenting your performance early is important.

How does adverse possession work in Texas?

Texas recognizes 3-, 5-, 10- and 25-year adverse possession periods under Sections 16.024–16.028 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. The shorter periods require title, color of title, or a recorded deed and payment of taxes. In every case, possession must be actual, visible, continuous and hostile to the owner's claim. These claims are fact-intensive and are often paired with boundary and easement disputes.

Can a co-owner force the sale of inherited property in Texas?

Yes. Any joint owner can compel partition under Section 23.001 of the Texas Property Code. The court divides the property in kind when that is fair, or orders a sale and divides the proceeds. For heirs' property, Chapter 23A (the Uniform Partition of Heirs' Property Act) gives co-owners buyout rights and additional protections before a sale.

Can my HOA foreclose on my home in Texas?

In some cases, yes, but Chapter 209 of the Texas Property Code limits it. An HOA cannot foreclose for amounts made up only of fines or attorney's fees, must provide specific notices first, and generally needs a court order. After a foreclosure sale, the owner has a statutory right to redeem the property within a set period after the association sends notice of the sale.

Can I sue my real estate agent or broker?

Texas brokers and agents are licensed under Chapter 1101 of the Texas Occupations Code and owe duties to their clients. Depending on the facts, claims can include negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud and Deceptive Trade Practices Act violations, along with a complaint to the Texas Real Estate Commission. In qualifying cases, the Real Estate Recovery Trust Account may pay certain unpaid judgments against licensees.

Does Hayes Hunter PC only handle real estate cases?

Real estate litigation and transactions are our primary focus. We also represent clients in business litigation (breach of contract, partnership disputes, fraud, trademark and trade secrets), business contracts and formation, storm insurance recovery, and wills, trusts and probate.

How do I get started?

Book a no-obligation discovery call or call (346) 363-0334. We will learn the basics of your situation, answer introductory questions and, if it is a fit, schedule an in-depth consultation with the attorney who would handle your matter. Se habla español.

This information is general in nature and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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Visit our Houston office

Serving Houston, Harris County & Texas

Our office is on San Felipe Street in Houston's Galleria/Uptown area. We represent clients across Greater Houston, including Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria and Galveston counties, and handle matters throughout Texas.

Hayes Hunter PC
4265 San Felipe St, Suite 1000
Houston, TX 77027
(346) 363-0334