How Long Is Attorney Review in New Jersey?
Buying or selling a home in New Jersey often involves coordinating inspections, financing, moving plans, and a long list of deadlines. The attorney review period can create uncertainty because a signed contract doesn't always mean the transaction is ready to move forward.
Attorney review typically lasts three business days under the standard New Jersey residential real estate contract, but the timing and next steps can depend on how the contract is written and whether either attorney raises concerns. Knowing what happens during this window can help you plan your next move without making assumptions.
At NJ Real Estate Law Group, we help buyers and sellers throughout New Jersey understand their contractual rights and obligations during real estate transactions. If you have signed a contract or received one for review, contact us to schedule a free consultation to discuss your questions and the timing that may apply to your transaction.
How Long Is the Attorney Review Period?
In a typical New Jersey residential real estate transaction, attorney review lasts three business days after the fully signed contract is delivered to the parties. During this period, the buyer's and seller's attorneys can review the agreement and decide whether to approve it, disapprove it, or propose changes.
The three-day period is generally measured in business days, not calendar days, so weekends and applicable holidays can affect the timeline. The precise start and end of the period should be confirmed from the contract and the circumstances of delivery rather than estimated from the date you signed.
For example, if you sign a contract on a Friday, the attorney review period will not end on Monday. Confirming the deadline with an experienced New Jersey real estate attorney can help prevent you from relying on an incorrect date.
What Happens During Attorney Review?
Attorney review gives both parties an opportunity to have a lawyer examine the contract before proceeding under its terms. Our attorneys can identify unclear provisions, explain your obligations, and recommend changes to better protect your interests. Depending on the transaction, we may review:
The purchase price, deposit, and other financial terms.
Inspection provisions and responsibilities for addressing property defects.
Financing conditions and related deadlines.
Closing dates, included fixtures, and other negotiated terms.
Contract language that may create uncertainty or unwanted obligations.
We may also communicate with the other side's attorney to request revisions. Not every concern leads to a change, and the other party does not have to accept every proposed revision. The goal is to clarify the agreement and address material issues before the transaction moves forward.
Can Attorney Review Be Extended?
Yes. The buyer and seller may agree in writing to extend the attorney review period. An extension can provide additional time to negotiate revisions or resolve questions that cannot be addressed within the original three business days.
This does not mean you should assume the deadline has changed simply because negotiations are ongoing. If your attorney is discussing proposed revisions with the other side, ask whether the review period has been formally extended and what that means for your contract.
New Jersey Admin. Code § 11:5-6.2 outlines the regulations governing the review period and the required contract language for covered transactions. Work with an experienced attorney to confirm the steps needed to preserve your rights.
What Happens If an Attorney Disapproves of the Contract?
An attorney may disapprove of a contract during the review period, potentially preventing the transaction from proceeding under the original agreement unless the parties reach acceptable revised terms. Disapproval differs from requesting a minor change, and the notice must comply with any applicable contract requirements.
If an issue arises during review, our attorneys can explain your options and communicate proposed changes to the other side. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to negotiate revisions that allow the transaction to continue, but the other party must agree to changes that require mutual consent.
Under Conley v. Guerrero, the New Jersey Supreme Court addresses how to communicate an attorney's disapproval under the contract's attorney review clause. The decision illustrates the importance of confirming that a notice of disapproval is timely, sent to the appropriate recipients, and transmitted by an accepted method.
If you are concerned about a contract provision or a deadline, contact our attorneys promptly rather than waiting until the review period is almost over. Missing a deadline or providing ineffective notice can affect your legal position.
What Should You Do While Your Contract Is Under Review?
You can help keep the transaction moving by responding promptly to requests for information and staying in contact with your attorney. Although the review period is short, you do not need to resolve every question independently before seeking legal guidance. Consider taking these practical steps:
Send your attorney the complete signed contract and any related documents.
Identify any terms you do not understand or want to negotiate.
Ask which deadlines apply and whether they change after attorney review.
Keep copies of written communications about proposed revisions.
Avoid assuming the contract has been canceled or finalized until your attorney confirms its status.
Attorney review should not be confused with the entire period before closing. Once the review period ends, the transaction may still involve inspections, mortgage approval, title work, and other contractual obligations. Those steps have their own requirements and timelines, which can vary with the agreement and circumstances.
If a deadline is approaching, ask your attorney what action is needed now and whether any extension or revision must be documented in writing. This can help you coordinate the purchase or sale without treating the three-day review period as a guarantee that everything else will be completed on the same schedule.
Contact Our New Jersey Real Estate Attorneys for Guidance
In New Jersey, the attorney review period typically lasts three business days, but written extensions, notice requirements, and contract-specific terms can affect what happens next. Understanding the process early can help you address concerns before the agreement becomes binding.
At NJ Real Estate Law Group, our attorneys, Michael Weber and Heather Fabiyan, are dedicated to helping buyers and sellers throughout New Jersey understand their contracts and options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss how we can help you move forward with a clearer understanding of your obligations.