After the settlement meeting, what key action still needs to be completed by the closing attorney?

The key action that needs to be completed by the closing attorney after the settlement meeting is disbursing the funds. During the closing process, once all parties have signed the necessary documents and the closing statement has been prepared, the attorney is responsible for ensuring that the funds are properly distributed according to the terms of the agreement. This includes paying off any existing mortgages, distributing the proceeds to the seller, and ensuring that all closing costs are covered.

Disbursing the funds is a critical step that finalizes the transaction, allowing the buyer to take ownership of the property and ensuring that all parties involved receive their entitled payments. This reinforces the importance of the closing attorney's role in managing the financial aspects of the closing process to ensure everything is handled accurately and in accordance with the law. Understanding this responsibility highlights the attorney's crucial role in facilitating a smooth real estate transaction.