Eminent Domain Attorney in St. Louis, MO

Eminent Domain Overview

Eminent Domain/Condemnation

Is your property facing condemnation or acquisition by eminent domain? Contact us, eminent domain and condemnation attorneys, Denlow & Henry, at our St. Louis, Missouri, office. We have advocated on behalf of Missouri and Midwest property owners for more than 30 years. Our clients have included commercial, residential and agricultural property owners. In every instance, we have fought government and private agencies to protect the property owner's rights and financial interests.

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

Eminent domain and condemnation are complicated. If you try to work through these issues yourself, you may end up compromising your rights and lose a significant amount of the compensation. Keep in mind that you will be dealing with an entity that has full knowledge of its rights under eminent domain law.

It is important that you seek an attorney as soon as you can in the process. Any communication between the government or private development agency and you, the property owner, should be made via your eminent domain attorney.

•  Refrain from discussing property value with the agency involved.
•  Do not attempt to obtain permits, variances, zone changes, subdivision approvals or curb cuts without consulting your attorney.
•  Refrain from appealing the real estate tax assessment. Your valuation of the property in the appeal could work against you. Consult your attorney.
•  Do not turn over any financial documents to the agency involved. Contact your attorney with any request you receive.
•  Any requests for environmental testing or drilling should be referred to your attorney.
•  Concerns about relocation benefits should be discussed with your attorney. Let him advocate on your behalf.

Steps Taken

First, we investigate the project and determine if it will be a partial or complete takeover of the property. Next, we investigate the property and identify its physical and legal characteristics. We then determine what the effect will be and take into account the impact. If necessary, we will consult appraisers and engineers to help analyze the case. Once we gather all of the necessary information to make your case, we will move forward into negotiations.

Most cases are resolved before they go to trial. There is an initial stage where three commissioners are appointed to decide damages. Cases are usually settled during this stage. However, if you are not satisfied with the results of negotiation, we are prepared to take your case to trial.

Areas of Practice

• Eminent Domain
• Real Estate Law