Legal assistance is required in the home-buying process in some US states, but not others. States that currently require a real estate attorney to be involved include: Alabama Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Kansas Kentucky Maine Maryland Massachusetts Mississippi New Hampshire New Jersey New York North Dakota Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina Vermont Virginia West Virginia As states pass new legislation, this list may change, so check local laws. Even if a lawyer is not required, the agreements and documentation in a home purchase do involve legal commitments. Engaging a legal representative may be helpful.