Many people feel compelled to settle quickly with an entity that is taking their property. This usually happens for one of three reasons:
- They feel that they do not have the power to fight the government or a large private corporation for more money.
- They feel that they need the money quickly in order to finance their purchase of a new home or for other expenses.
- They don’t feel that they can afford to hire an attorney to help.
However, none of these issues should prevent you from seeking more money.
First, the Constitution guarantees your right to fair compensation when the government or any other entity takes your property. Fair compensation is not just what the other side says it is. You have the right to take the other side to court and let a jury of your peers decide how much you should be paid as fair compensation for your property. However, considering this right can lead to roadblocks number 2 and 3 above.
Fortunately, if you decide to fight the other side in court to get more money for your property, you can get access to the amount of money that they say your property is worth immediately. Once settlement negotiations break down, the entity taking your property will file suit to condemn and take your property. At that time, depending on who is taking your property, title to your property may immediately transfer to the party condemning the property. However, simultaneously the other side has to deposit with the Clerk of Court the amount they believe your property is worth. You can immediately withdraw those funds from the Clerk of Court and use them to help you relocate or pay expenses, while fighting to get more from the other side.
Finally, you may feel that you cannot afford to pay an attorney out-of-pocket to represent you. While each attorney works on a different fee structure, Young Moore eminent domain attorneys do not require you to pay an hourly rate out-of-pocket. Instead, we will be paid a percentage of the final amount that we are able to recover for you, assuming it exceeds the amount of your initial offer.