The government wants to take your land. Now what? Most likely an agent of the Department of Transportation, the city, or the county has reached out to you concerning a project that will require a portion of your property. You may have let them conduct an appraisal and they came up with an offer to present to you as compensation for taking your land.

If you are not satisfied with the purpose of their taking or you believe you are entitled to a higher price for your land, consider hiring an attorney. An attorney can help you with some of the following steps in your case:

1. Determine whether the agency’s appraisal is accurate
2. Hire a qualified, local, independent appraiser to value your property who will perform well in front of a jury, if needed
3. Establish your property’s “highest and best use” to ensure your sales price is for the appropriate purpose
4. Find any expert witnesses needed
5. Make sure you do not sell more land than necessary
6. Respond to and request discovery such as interrogatories and requests for production to determine all information available
7. Advise you through negotiations and potential settlement offers
8. Negotiate with lienholders or mortgagees which would be paid out of any final deposit or settlement
9. Conduct mediation
10. Walk with you through a trial to ensure your “just compensation” for the taking of your property

You can hire an experienced attorney on a contingency basis and pay nothing upfront. You and your counsel will work hand in hand to get the return you deserve.

Contact Hyde Law Firm, P.A. to schedule a consultation today, 864-804-6330.