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Eminent Domain

Eminent Domain Proceedings Are Complex and Multifaceted

You need sound legal counsel and direction from an experienced attorney when faced with eminent domain issues

For many people, one of the most satisfying accomplishments in life is acquiring and purchasing a parcel of land to use for whatever purpose they deem favorable or necessary. Land is one of the most precious commodities a person can obtain given the fact it can be used in a myriad of applications including personal estate development, farming, ranching, commercial expansion and many others. However, there is an implied power the government exercises from time to time that allows seizure of private property for public use. This governmental power is known as eminent domain.

At Hayes, Berry, White & Vanzant, LLP, we understand how important your property is to you and realize the whole idea of eminent domain can seem wrong or unfair. If you own property that has come under eminent domain scrutiny, you need experienced legal counsel from our eminent domain attorneys to help you navigate the complex world of eminent domain law and ensure you know your rights as a property owner in Texas.

Our Eminent Domain Attorneys

  • Richard Hayes
  • Don White

What is Eminent Domain?

Eminent domain is the power of the federal and state government to seize private land or property for public use without the property owner’s consent. People can lose their land or property at the hands of gas companies, electric companies, highway departments, water authorities and other entities.

“The Fifth Amendment of the Constitution allows the government to exercise this power only if it provides property owners with just compensation.”

There are a number of moral philosophies that question the ethicality of eminent domain but the fact of the matter is the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution allows the government to exercise this power only if it provides property owners with just compensation. Businesses, corporations and landowners can benefit from sound legal counsel when faced with eminent domain issues.

At Hayes, Berry, White & Vanzant, LLP, our eminent domain attorneys are highly skilled at helping property owners receive the compensation to which they are entitled and ensure the property taken did not exceed what was required for the government’s designated civic purpose.

Eminent Domain and Just Compensation

A common inquiry that often accompanies the question “What is eminent domain?” is “What is just compensation?” Just compensation refers to the price of a parcel of land that a buyer would pay for the property under normal circumstances. Further, it also takes into account the selling price for which the property owner would sell his or her land to a buyer under non-condemnation circumstances. Just compensation does not, however, account for other costs associated with eminent domain proceedings such as court, attorney and appraisal fees. To ensure your just compensation takes into account all aspects of your property’s value, you need a skilled eminent domain lawyer on your side.

Contact our lawyers when facing eminent domain issues

If you find yourself in a situation where eminent domain proceedings are inevitable, call us at 940-230-2386 or contact us online to set up a consultation regarding our representation for eminent domain issues.

  • "Absolute best in the business hands down! Don White is absolutely amazing wouldn’t ever consider using anyone else, we highly recommend this firm!" - Alyssa McKissaack

  • "The best! Richard has been my family’s attorney for 35 years. Integrity best describes Richard Hayes." - John Grafa

  • "From my first meeting with Mr. Berry and his staff, I was immediately relieved. The bankruptcy process was explained to me simply and objectively and I was made to feel at ease through the entire ordeal. I was especially impressed by his helpful and knowledgeable assistant, Jackie Cox. I would hope to be able to retain Byron Berry for any future needs." - Anonymous

  • "Great Firm with Great Lawyers! It was a great pleasure working with William and his team." - Collin R. Geis

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