If you’ve been sued or need to bring legal action, you may be eligible for assistance from the Texas REALTORS® Legal Fund.
Who Is Eligible for Legal Fund Assistance?
Real estate brokers and agents who are Texas REALTORS® may apply for assistance. Local REALTOR® associations may also apply.
What Kind of Assistance Is Available?
Monetary assistance may be provided to help defray legal costs. Other assistance, such as filing a friend-of-the-court brief, is sometimes offered as well.
If Approved for Assistance, Will the Legal Fund Pay All My Costs?
No. You will be required to pay the first $1,000 plus 10% of legal costs over $1,000 up to a maximum of $2,500. Money from the Legal Fund may only be used for litigation costs, not for other expenses, such as a judgment should you lose your case.
What Criteria Are Considered?
Requests must satisfy several criteria. The most important is that the litigation involve an issue that could affect all Texas REALTORS® or the real estate industry at large.
How Do I Apply?
First, present your request to your local REALTOR® association’s board of directors. The local board of directors can forward the application to the TAR Legal Review Committee. The committee can approve applications with amounts up to $50,000. If the committee recommends approval above that dollar amount, the request is forwarded to the TAR Executive Board, which votes on whether to approve the application.