Pre-Condemnation
Lawyers Helping Owners With Pre-condemnation Preparation
Pre-Condemnation
Prime Law Group, LLC. helps clients deal proactively with an impending eminent domain proceeding. We believe the best strategy when confronted with condemnation is to know what the government is planning, and to start preparing right away during the pre-condemnation phase utilizing the experience of a lawyer who understands every step of the process. As a result of Prime Law Groups preparation, you will be in a much stronger position to fight for the compensation you deserve once condemnation proceedings begin, and to ensure you receive payment not only for your property taken, but also for any negative impact to your property not taken.
Prime Law Group, LLC. can help corporations, investors, businesses, property owners, and homeowners with our experience, knowledge, and case-specific preparation. We know the law and the best methods for compiling the strongest valuation evidence to help secure the just compensation you deserve. Let us help you throughout the pre-condemnation process.
How The Process Begins
After you hear that your property might be subject to a condemnation action, whether it is through news in the community, articles in the newspaper, surveyors mapping the area, receipt of a notice in the mail, or contact from a government representative, it is essential to understand the project and to seek experienced counsel right away. It is important to know that you are under no legal obligation to allow any government official or appraiser onto your property let alone into your home or business, nor are you required to speak with the government about any matter, including the proposed condemnation project, your thoughts, or the perceived value of your property. Further, you do not have to provide them with any documents that they might ask for, sign any forms, or fill out any materials they may send you concerning your property.
- Trust Construction
- Qualified Terminable Interest Property Trusts (QTIPs)
Government 'Negotiators' Are Representatives Of The Government
Often, during the pre-condemnation period, the government will send out ‘negotiators’ who are government representatives hired to contact you, present the government’s offer, and report to the government all communications they have with you, including anything that you may tell them. These individuals are hired by the government — therefore they represent the state, and their job is to obtain your land at the government’s appraised price, as well as provide you with brochures about steps in the condemnation process. Everything you say and any documents you provide to the negotiator will be entered into their ‘log,’ provided to the government’s lawyers, and may be used against you later in the condemnation process.
If the government does ask to inspect your property, Prime Law Group, LLC. will be there with you at your property and answer any questions you may have. We will evaluate the government’s proposal and start assembling information and documents regarding your property, including its present use, possible alternative uses, zoning requirements and compliance, the surrounding area, and the history of your property, including any improvements. Our firm is experienced in handling pre-condemnation matters; we understand all areas of analysis needed to prepare a strong case supporting the value you deserve for your property taken and for any reduction in the value of your property not taken, working with any necessary real estate professionals such as appraisers and engineers.