When large-scale projects are planned and underway in Texas, it is not uncommon for the state to use the law of eminent domain to seize property it deems essential to its completion. However, land owners may not agree with various aspects of the case and choose to...
The basics about eminent domain
Our readers in Texas may have heard the term “eminent domain” and perhaps have a general idea of what this area of the law involves. For landowners, understanding the basics of eminent domain can be crucial. The government's rights For starters, the most basic premise...
Eminent domain dispute involving church heads to litigation
Eminent domain is a complex area of Texas law in which it may be difficult to categorize “right” and “wrong.” People who own property might not be aware that the government can seize land if it determines it is necessary to do so. The property owner will be...
Plans for Atlantic Coast Pipeline canceled
The Atlantic Coast Pipeline, a multi-billion dollar natural gas pipeline that was planned for a 600-mile section of North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia has been scrapped. The two companies that partnered on the project, Duke Energy and Dominion Energy of...
Public use of property requires adequate homeowner compensation
The proposed changes for eminent domain in Texas died on the house floor this past spring. With no change to the law, homeowners still retain the same rights as before. However, the eminent domain must be used in accordance with the law and not for any purpose the...
Could eminent domain change in Texas?
While you generally have the right to be safe in your own home and on your own property, there is one concept that could take that property right out from under you. Eminent domain is a legal right for the government or an approved entity to take your land for fair...
What is eminent domain?
As a Texas landowner, you should feel fairly confident that neither local, state or federal government officials can take your land away from you. Generally speaking, the right to your own property without unreasonable government interference ranks alongside your...
The government may owe landowners for lost profits
Nobody in Texas likes the idea of giving up hard-won land, but that is exactly what could happen when the government attempts to claim eminent domain. This limited power could allow the federal government to take over personal property rights from land- and...
Getting the facts on fair market value
When the government decides that it wants to use your Texas property, it will invoke eminent domain to acquire it from you in exchange for what the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution calls “just compensation.” However, you might not agree with what the government...
