What We Do

We promise to provide innovative and effective legal representation that is targeted to business owners’ issues, goals and budgets in a challenging business economy.

Business Sales & Escrow Closings

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As your escrow agent, we recognize that every transaction is unique and requires a tailored approach.

We collaborate with commercial lenders and real estate title and escrow companies, serving as a trusted neutral party throughout the process.

We verify corporate status of any corporate parties; order searches of the records of the Nevada Secretary of State and of the county in which the business is located for any liens or encumbrances on the personal property; and draft the documents as may be necessary to fulfill the terms of the LOI or Purchase Agreement which may include: Purchase Agreement, Corporate Resolution, Spousal Consent, Bill of Sale, Promissory Note, Security Agreement, Guaranty, UCC Financing Statements, Covenant Not to Compete, Sales Tax Indemnity Agreement, Business Tax Indemnity Agreement, Unemployment Tax Indemnity Agreement, Closing Statements, and an Addendum to the Closing Statements.  Each of these documents is prepared in accordance with the Purchase Agreement and the laws of the State of Nevada.

We hold and distribute the cash portion of the purchase price in our IOLTA Trust account, pay-off existing liens if any, work with demands from the franchisor (if applicable), calculate prorations for county personal property tax and the lease (if applicable), provide a conference room and notary and attend the closing.

Following the Close of Escrow, we will file UCC Financing Statements in the event the Seller carries a portion of the Purchase Price in a Note secured by the assets of the business and hold tax withholds until the Sales Tax, Business Tax and Unemployment Tax Department clears the Seller of any tax liability prior to escrow.  

Homeowners Associations

Supporting Nevada HOAs/CICs with Governance & Dispute Resolution

At Matuska Law Offices, we provide comprehensive legal services for Common-Interest Communities (CICs), often referred to as Homeowners Associations (HOAs), throughout Nevada. Our firm assists with the organization of new communities, serves as general counsel, and represents CICs in litigation. We regularly advise governing boards, resolve disputes between homeowners and associations, and work closely with HOA managers to ensure smooth operations.
With decades of experience, we understand the unique challenges CICs face and the requirements of Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 116. Whether you need help with governance, compliance, or dispute resolution, we are committed to safeguarding the interests of your community while fostering positive relationships among its members.

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Our Nevada CIC/HOA services include:
  • Drafting, interpreting, and amending CC&Rs, bylaws, and rules
  • Advising boards on governance, compliance, and fiduciary duties
  • Handling disputes between homeowners and associations
  • Representing CICs in litigation and mediation
  • Guidance on dues, assessments, and reserve funding compliance
  • Supporting HOA managers with day-to-day operational legal issues
 
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FAQ — CICs/ HOAs
What is the difference between a CIC and a Landscape Maintenance Association (LMA) / Limited-Purpose CIC??
The key difference lies in their scope and legal requirements. A Common-Interest Community (CIC) is a broad term for a community with shared property and amenities, such as pools, clubhouses, and parks. A CIC is subject to all regulations under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 116. It is responsible for a wide range of functions, including managing common areas, enforcing community rules, and handling homeowner relations.
In contrast, a Landscape Maintenance Association (LMA), also known as a Limited-Purpose CIC, has a much narrower focus. It is primarily established for the sole purpose of maintaining common landscape elements. Because of its limited function, an LMA is exempt from certain requirements of NRS Chapter 116, which significantly reduces the administrative and regulatory burden. An LMA’s responsibilities are limited to landscaping and exterior maintenance, and do not extend to enforcing broader community rules.
 
Do I need a CIC for my development?That depends on the scope of your project. If your development includes shared amenities, open spaces, or maintenance responsibilities, forming a CIC may be required to manage them. We can review your development plans and provide guidance on whether establishing a CIC is required or advisable.
What happens if our CIC needs to raise dues, but the CC&Rs limit the amount of increase?When the CC&Rs pose a conflict, the association must typically pursue an amendment to the governing documents to raise the dues to a sufficient level. However, under NRS 116, your CIC is required to budget for all necessary operating expenses and reserves. This legal mandate takes precedence over any restrictions on dues increases found in your CC&Rs. Our team assists associations in understanding these legal requirements and navigating the process of amending their CC&Rs to ensure financial stability and compliance.
 Are we required to have a manager for our CIC?Under Nevada law, there is no requirement for a CIC to hire a licensed manager. However, it is important to be aware that self-management can be a complex and demanding undertaking. For CICs that opt to be self-governed, it may be necessary to employ staff and ensure both they and the board members receive proper training. This training can be found through classes or sessions offered by the Ombudsman's office. Many CICs find that hiring a professional manager helps reduce risk, ensures smoother operations, and may save costs in the long run.
What should we do if a homeowner disputes an executive board decision?Disputes between homeowners and their associations are common and can quickly escalate if not handled properly. The first step is always to review the association’s governing documents (CC&Rs, bylaws, and rules) to confirm that the decision was made in compliance with those terms and with Nevada law. Open communication can often resolve misunderstandings, but when conflicts persist, mediation or arbitration may be required under Nevada’s dispute resolution framework. Our firm represents the executive boards in these situations, helping resolve disputes efficiently while minimizing the risk of costly litigation.
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Real Estate Law in Nevada

Protecting Your Investments & Avoiding or Resolving Disputes

At Matuska Law Offices Ltd., we provide trusted legal counsel for every facet of real estate law, helping clients protect their investments and resolve issues with confidence. We represent buyers, sellers, developers, apartment owners, commercial and residential landlords, and commercial tenants in matters ranging from routine transactions to complex property disputes.

Our services include drafting and reviewing purchase and sale agreements, residential leases (landlord only), and commercial leasing matters for both landlords and tenants. We guide clients through title and boundary issues, water law, easements, and contract negotiations, as well as reviewing contracts, conducting title searches, and finalizing real estate closings with care and precision. We also represent contractors, property owners, and developers in construction disputes, including the enforcement and defense of mechanic’s liens.

Whether you are acquiring property, negotiating a lease, or resolving a dispute, we deliver clear, strategic advice and effective representation to help you achieve your goals while safeguarding your interests.

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Real Estate Transactions & Closings
  • Drafting and reviewing purchase and sale agreements
  • Reviewing contracts, conducting title searches, and finalizing real estate closings
  • Guidance on title and boundary issues, water law, and easements

 Landlord–Tenant & Leasing Matters
  • Residential leases (landlord only)
  • Commercial leasing matters for landlords and tenants
  • Representing clients in evictions and other landlord-tenant disputes

Property Disputes & Construction Matters
  • Representing contractors, property owners, and developers in construction disputes
  • Enforcement and defense of mechanic’s liens
  • Resolving complex property disputes
 
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FAQ — Real Estate Law
Do I need a lawyer to buy or sell property in Nevada?
It’s not required by law, but working with a real estate attorney can help protect your investment and prevent costly mistakes. An attorney can review contracts, ensure title reports are accurate, and address potential issues before they become problems. If you’re not working with a real estate agent or broker, your lawyer can also prepare the purchase and sale agreement to make sure the transaction is handled properly from start to finish.
What is a mechanic’s lien, and who can file one?
A mechanic’s lien is a legal claim against a property for unpaid labor, materials, or services provided to improve it, as authorized by Chapter 108 of the Nevada Revised Statutes. In Nevada, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and other construction professionals may file a mechanic’s lien and, if necessary, obtain a judgment to foreclose the lien. Property owners and developers may need to defend against such claims. Because mechanic’s liens can significantly affect property rights and sales, it’s important to seek legal guidance if you are filing or disputing one.
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant?
While Nevada law does not require landlords to hire an attorney to file an eviction, the process can be complex and time-sensitive. Strict rules govern notices, filings, and hearings, and even small mistakes can result in delays or dismissal of the case. An experienced eviction attorney can help ensure the process is handled correctly, protect your rights as a landlord, and improve the chances of a successful outcome.
How long does an eviction take?
In Nevada, most evictions follow the summary eviction process under NRS 40.215–40.425. The timeline depends on the reason for ending the lease and whether the tenant contests the eviction. Some cases resolve in as little as one to two weeks, while contested matters that require court hearings can extend up to 90 days. Because each situation is unique, it’s often wise to consult with an attorney to ensure you’re following the proper procedures and deadlines.
How much does an eviction cost?
We do not handle eviction matters on a flat-fee basis. The cost depends on several factors, including the grounds for lease termination, the type of summary eviction process used, and whether the tenant contests the eviction. Because every case is different, we recommend consulting with us directly to better understand the likely costs for your situation.
How are water rights transferred in Nevada?
Under NRS 111.167, water rights, permits, and certificates are generally presumed to transfer with the land unless the deed specifically states otherwise. However, it is often recommended to prepare a separate water rights deed to avoid confusion. In all cases, a change in water rights ownership must be registered with the Nevada Division of Water Resources, State Engineer’s Office, to be legally recognized.
 
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Corporate Law in Nevada

Helping Nevada Businesses Form, Grow, & Succeed

Nevada’s business-friendly climate makes it one of the best states to launch a startup or grow an existing company. At Matuska Law Offices Ltd., we provide the legal guidance your business needs to navigate challenges, minimize risks, and achieve long-term success.

As a Nevada Commercial Registered Agent, we assist clients ranging from large corporations to family-owned businesses. Our services include preparing and filing Articles of Incorporation and Articles of Organization for LLCs with the Secretary of State. We also draft and negotiate vital agreements, including operating agreements, bylaws, shareholder agreements, buy-out agreements, NDAs, asset purchase agreements, and stock purchase agreements to fit each client’s unique goals.

From corporate governance and compliance with Nevada law to mergers, acquisitions, and even business dissolution, we help companies stay legally sound through every stage of growth. Our mission is to help Nevada businesses build strong foundations, protect their interests, and thrive in a competitive marketplace.

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Our Corporate Law Services


We offer comprehensive legal support for businesses in Nevada, including:
 
  • Business Formation – LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships
  • Registered Agent Services – ensuring compliance and maintaining good standing with the Nevada Secretary of State
  • Corporate Governance – operating agreements, bylaws, shareholder agreements
  • Contracts & Agreements – NDAs, asset purchase agreements, stock sale agreements
  • Mergers & Acquisitions – negotiation, due diligence, and structuring deals
  • Business Dissolution – closing entities while protecting your legal interests

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FAQ — Corporate Law

Do I need a lawyer to start a business in Nevada?
While it’s possible to file basic paperwork on your own, working with a corporate lawyer helps ensure your business is properly structured from the start. An attorney can guide you on whether to form an LLC, corporation, or partnership, prepare tailored agreements, and make sure you remain compliant with Nevada state law.
What is a Nevada Commercial Registered Agent, and why do I need one?
Nevada law requires most business entities to maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the state. A registered agent receives important legal documents on behalf of your company, helping you stay in good standing. As a Commercial Registered Agent, our firm provides reliable support to protect your business and keep it compliant, and help avoid claims to pierce the corporate veil.
What is piercing the corporate veil?
“Piercing the corporate veil” is a legal concept that allows courts to hold business owners personally liable for the debts or obligations of their corporation or LLC. Normally, corporations and LLCs protect owners’ personal assets, but if the company is used to commit fraud, avoid legal obligations, or if corporate formalities aren’t properly followed, a court may “pierce the veil” and look past the business entity. A Nevada corporate attorney can help ensure your business is structured and operated properly to maintain liability protection and avoid situations that could put personal assets at risk.
What contracts should a Nevada business have in place?
Key contracts often include operating agreements, bylaws, shareholder agreements, buy-sell agreements, and NDAs. Depending on your industry, you may also need asset purchase agreements, stock sale agreements, or other tailored contracts to protect your interests and clarify business relationships.
What happens if I want to dissolve my Nevada business?
Business dissolution involves more than closing your doors. A lawyer can guide you through required state filings, settle outstanding liabilities, and protect you from future claims. Proper dissolution ensures you remain in compliance with Nevada law and avoid costly mistakes.
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Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

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MEDIATION

Mediation is the fastest growing method of ADR. Mediation is a process in which an impartial third party, the mediator, assists the parties in considering options for settlement of their dispute. The mediator doesn’t decide the outcome of the case, but rather assists the parties in communicating their positions and interests in order to promote understanding, reconciliation, and a mutually acceptable solution to the dispute.

In so doing, the mediator may ask questions, help define issues, and assist in the generation and evaluation of settlement proposals. Mediation provides the parties with an opportunity to resolve their case themselves.

ARBITRATION

Arbitration more closely resembles traditional litigation in that a neutral third party hears the disputants’ arguments and imposes a decision that is enforceable by the courts. The difference is that in arbitration, the disputants generally agreed to the procedure before the dispute arose; the disputants mutually decide who will hear their case; and the proceedings are typically less formal than in a court of law. One extremely important difference is that, unlike court decisions, arbitration offers almost no effective appeal process. Thus, when an arbitration decision is issued, the case is ended.

Final and binding arbitration has long been used in labor-management disputes. For decades, unions and employers have found it mutually advantageous to have a knowledgeable arbitrator—whom they have chosen—resolve their disputes in this cheaper and faster fashion. One primary advantage for both sides has been that taking disputes to arbitration has kept everyone working by providing an alternative to strikes and lockouts and has kept everyone out of the courts. Given this very successful track record, the commercial world has become enthusiastic about arbitration for other types of disputes as well.

Now a new form of arbitration, known as court-annexed arbitration, has emerged. Many variations of court-annexed arbitration have developed throughout the United States. One can be found in Nevada, where, in the mid-1990s, the Nevada Supreme Court adopted a program making civil cases involving less than $50,000 subject to mandatory nonbinding arbitration. The program has been adopted by the state district court in Carson City and in Washoe, Clark, and Douglas Counties. As of 2003, most cases were channeled through an ADR process before they could be heard in the courts. A growing number of other federal and state courts were adopting this or similar approaches.
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EARLY NEUTRAL EVALUATION

An early neutral evaluation (ENE) is used when one or both parties to a dispute seek the advice of an experienced individual, usually an attorney, concerning the strength of their cases. An objective evaluation by a knowledgeable outsider can sometimes move parties away from unrealistic positions, or at least provide them with more insight into their case's strengths and weaknesses. Of course, the success of this technique depends upon the parties’ faith in the fairness and objectivity of the neutral third-party, and their willingness to compromise.

MINITRIAL

The minitrial, a development in ADR, is finding its greatest use in resolving large-scale disputes involving complex questions of mixed law and fact, such as Product Liability, massive construction, and antitrust cases. In a minitrial, each party presents its case as in a regular trial, but with the notable difference that the case is “tried” by the parties themselves, and the presentations are dramatically abbreviated.

In a minitrial, lawyers and experts present a condensed version of the case to top management of both parties. Often, a neutral adviser—sometimes an expert in the subject area—sits with management and conducts the hearing. After these presentations, top management representatives—by now more aware of the strengths and weaknesses of each side—try to negotiate a resolution of the problem. If they are unable to do so, they often ask for the neutral adviser’s best guess as to the probable outcome of the case. They then resume negotiations.

The key to the success of this approach is the presence of both sides’ top officials and the exchange of information that takes place during the minitrial. Too often, prelitigation work has insulated top management from the true strengths and weaknesses of their cases. Minitrial presentations allow them to see the dispute as it would appear to an outsider and set the stage for a cooperative settlement.
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INITIATING ADR

ADR may be agreed upon by the parties to the dispute. ADR may also be compelled by a contract with a specific ADR clause. ADR may also be compelled by statute, either before a lawsuit is filed or through a mandatory referral process after a lawsuit is filed. For example, the Nevada Revised Statutes require that certain types of cases must be submitted for ADR before a lawsuit is filed, and may result in the dismissal of a lawsuit that is filed without fulfilling the ADR requirement. Most disputes involving a homeowners association must be submitted to the State Ombudsman for ADR prior to filing a complaint. Nevada’s Arbitration Rules also mandate that most civil cases with an amount in controversy of less than $50,000 must be submitted to the Court Annexed Arbitration Program.

Not all of Nevada’s lower courts (referred to as District Courts) have adopted the Court Annexed Arbitration Program. Although the decision resulting from the Court Annexed Arbitration Program is non-binding, parties typically do not request a trial de novo in the district court. 
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