Michigan Eminent Domain Attorneys

At Sever Storey, our mission is to hold condemners, whether they be state, federal, local, utility, or any other entity vested with the power of eminent domain, accountable to the landowners whose land they are acquiring. Our entire firm is built around serving you, the landowner who is facing eminent domain or condemnation.

When you need support, advice, or legal expertise regarding your eminent domain case in Michigan, the attorneys at Sever Storey are ready to serve you. Every condemnation case is important to us. Whether it’s a small residential taking or a large retail space, we’ll help you get the justice you deserve.

What Is Eminent Domain Law In Michigan?

When the government or another condemner takes private property away from a landowner to use for a public project, it is known as eminent domain. The exercise of this power is traditionally limited to acquisitions for a “public use,” and while the large majority of eminent domain actions in Michigan and in other states are for publicly owned and operated projects like roads and highways, in some instances the “public use” may be privately owned–e.g. redevelopment projects, pipelines, and powerlines. Condemnors cannot merely take land, however, and are required under the U.S. Constitution to provide “just compensation” to the landowner in exchange for this property.

Prior to Michigan condemners initiating litigation against landowners for their property, they must notify the landowner of the impending litigation and issue an offer of compensation on the property. Most landowners are caught off guard when they receive an eminent domain notice or offer. Even if the government has been planning to take the land for years, you may only have a few months, if that, to take action.

Though it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless in this situation, a skilled and qualified eminent domain attorney should be able to look out for your best interests and walk you through every step of your case–or simply handle it themselves. Be sure to contact an attorney quickly after receiving an offer to get expert advice and learn more about your rights as a landowner.

If you decide to reject the government’s compensation offer, think first before issuing a counteroffer or negotiating on your own. What you may think is a good deal could be far from it. Your eminent domain lawyer should have the experience and knowledge necessary to fight for your rights. Let them handle the negotiations to get the best possible outcome.