What does a closing attorney NOT do?

A closing attorney plays a crucial role in the real estate transaction process, which includes several specific responsibilities. Preparing closing documents is a primary obligation of the attorney, ensuring that all legal paperwork is correctly completed and compliant with state law. Conducting the closing is also a key duty, as the attorney often oversees the finalization of the transaction, ensuring that all parties understand their obligations and rights before the property officially changes hands. Additionally, the attorney may issue title opinions to validate the title, ensuring that there are no liens or encumbrances that would affect ownership.

However, negotiating the terms of the contract falls outside the typical responsibilities of a closing attorney. This task is generally handled by the real estate agents or the parties involved in the transaction. The attorney's role is more about ensuring that the established terms are legally enforced rather than altering or negotiating those terms. Therefore, it's accurate to identify negotiating contract terms as a task that the closing attorney does not perform.