Benefits of Hiring an Eminent Domain Attorney

Suppose you receive a notice that the government wants to take your property or a part of your property under the power of eminent domain. You can accept the offer that the government makes for your property; however, it may not be the full value of your property.

An Eminent Domain Scenario
The property taken will be used for a new highway or road that will make commuting through town easier and may help attract new businesses to the area. The offer that the government gives you seems fair and so you decide to accept the offer and agree to sell the property. As the property owner, it is important to understand your rights when property is being taken under eminent domain. Hiring an experienced eminent domain attorney who is able to negotiate on your behalf is the best way to get more for your property.

An experienced eminent domain attorney can help you understand your rights, receive fair compensation and help you navigate the legal process.

Understanding Your Rights
The government or condemning authority has to meet certain qualifications before they can take a property under the power of eminent domain. The agency will need to prove that the property was taken for a public use. The agency may need the private property for new power lines, water lines, gas pipes, a new bridge, road or school building. An eminent domain attorney can help navigate how much of the property is needed for the public use and ensure that only the amount needed is taken. With an experienced eminent domain attorney, you can be assured that you are getting an expert objective legal analysis that considers your interest and rights.

Getting Fair Compensation
The goal of the agency taking private property under the power of eminent domain pays the lowest amount possible for the property. The amount that the government or condemnor offers may not be the amount that an owner deserves for the property. The experienced eminent domain attorneys at K&C Eminent Domain Practice Group are devoted to helping private property owners get just compensation for their property. Just compensation includes:

• Fair market value for your property, and compensation for damages if a portion of the property is taken and it negatively impacts the remaining property
• Compensations for fixtures and improvements to the property if appropriate
• Any relocation expenses through the Virginia Relocation Assistance Act

At K&C Eminent Domain Practice Group, we will help you maximize your compensation.

Navigating the Process
Eminent domain laws are complicated and subject to change and you will need experienced attorneys who will protect your interest and rights. Hiring an eminent domain attorney can help guide you through the process from beginning to end. Consulting an eminent domain attorney can help you take the right steps from the beginning. Whether engaging in negotiation on fair market value of property or filing litigation to protect your rights and interests, consulting an eminent domain attorney early will ensure the best outcome.

If you have received a notice that your property is being taken by the power of eminent domain, contact K&C Eminent Domain Practice Group at (757) 873-6351 today.