Eminent domain is the “unilateral taking of private property for the benefit of the public.” This is perhaps one of the most heated and emotional issues that landowners can face in the state of Georgia. “The benefit of the public” can be very subjective, and the process of eminent domain is heavily weighted in favor of the government and against the landowner. Plunkett, Hamilton, Manton & Graves, LLC, offer experienced representation for those in an eminent domain dispute or other real estate cases.

The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires governments to fairly compensate the owners of a property, but the proper valuation may be subject to debate. Our eminent domain attorney and law firm can help you negotiate fair and just compensation for your property. Too many citizens sign away their rights without first obtaining legal advice about eminent domain and condemnation. If the government or a utility is trying to condemn your land or take it away from you for governmental progress, you need legal representation to advise you of your rights and to obtain fair compensation. Contact Plunkett, Hamilton, Manton & Graves, LLC today.

What Options Do Landowners Have in Georgia?

In Georgia, landowners should receive notice from the government before eminent domain intents are brought before the public. Once notice is given, landowners need to take proper steps in order to fight the taking of their property or to ensure that they receive fair compensation. Landowners can and should attend public hearings to obtain information regarding the purpose of the condemnation. Attending any and all meetings will be in the benefit of landowners. Landowners should thoroughly investigate the Internet website of the government to find information about how the proposed project and will effect the landowner’s property. Talking with any surveyors or other people who will enter the property will also help to give landowners valuable information. Landowners have every right to do this, and should not be bullied in anyway by government officials.

Finding out what your property is worth is extremely important. Checking real estate sales information will help to determine the value of your property. This will help you ensure that you are going to be fairly compensated for your property. If only a portion of your property will be taken, then it is also important to understand how the condemnation/take over will affect the property that remains. If the condemnation will negatively affect the remaining property, then condemnation compensation should also be considered for the remaining property.

Attorney Dan Hamilton has practiced extensively in the area of eminent domain or condemnation, for nearly twenty years. He represents local and state governments as condemning authorities. He also represents property owners who have been contacted by such authorities before a legal action has been filed in Court. He has assisted countless owners and interest holders, for the purposes of negotiating receipt of adequate compensation for the property interests sought to be acquired before legal action has been taken, and seeking greater amounts of compensation for the property owner once a government has begun legal action in court.

It is important that you seek experienced and effective advocacy in an eminent domain case. In order to understand your rights as a landowner and to ensure fair compensation, please contact Plunkett, Hamilton, Manton & Graves, LLC today. We will stand by you every step of the way to ensure that your best interests will be met.