Eminent domain law, or condemnation law, is the government’s power to exercise eminent domain. This gives the government the right to take private land from landowners to use for public needs and purposes.
When the government seeks to acquire land, the government is required by law to give landowners just compensation. Sometimes, the government does not offer or agree to fair compensation for the land or they may not have a valid reason for taking the land. Cases like this are known to happen everywhere, even in North Carolina. What is there to do?
What Should I Do If I Face Eminent Domain in NC?
It’s easy and fair to feel overwhelmed and even lost about what to do when you receive an eminent domain notice. There are many landowners in North Carolina that are not even aware of their rights in this situation and don’t know where to turn for help. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do when receiving an acquisition notice.
GET AN ATTORNEY
The first thing you should do when you have received an acquisition notice is contact and consult with a North Carolina eminent domain attorney. The state or federal government has likely spent large amounts of time researching your property. Consulting with an attorney can provide you with knowledge and understanding of the situation and whether or not you are being offered fair compensation.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
It’s vital that you know your rights as a landowner of North Carolina, or whatever state you live in for that matter. Landowners can challenge the acquisition of their property or refute the compensation amount that the state offers. Be sure to research your rights.
NEGOTIATE WITH HELP
Remember, you may not be aware of everything you are or aren’t entitled to. Often, when landowners negotiate on their own without an attorney, they miss out on compensation they didn’t even know they could have received. Condemnors will take advantage of those situations, don’t be a victim.
Facing eminent domain can be daunting and even scary, but don’t let it set you back. Be prepared and immediately seek aid from professionals who know the system. Eminent domain attorneys are there to help you get everything you can back from the land that’s being taken from you.
