In condemnation, unlike other areas of the law, the government is your opponent - not your protector. Condemnation, formally known as eminent domain, is the process whereby your property, and often your business, is taken by the government against your will for a public project. Sometimes, the condemnation is to benefit a for-profit developer. As a result, you are at great risk as an owner of property being taken in condemnation.

Your responsibility is to protect your property rights and, if necessary, secure maximum financial recovery from the government. The government's goal is to acquire your property, with or without your consent, at the lowest possible price.

The process is an adversarial one, involving a commissioners hearing and, possibly, a jury. It is a situation where otherwise competent attorneys who lack specialized knowledge of condemnation law can cost their clients thousands, even millions of dollars.

In condemnation, we believe many issues affect the value of your property. With Denlow & Henry, you have knowledge, skill and experience helping answer these questions:

• How do I protect my business in condemnation? How do I handle business damages?
• Will the taking of part of my property affect the value of what remains?
• How do I obtain commercial value when the property is zoned residential or agriculture?
• How do I know which experts are suitable in a condemnation case?
• How do I deal with contamination?
• How do I maximize my relocation benefits?
• When does fighting condemnation make sense?
• Will my pre-condemnation negotiations without a lawyer hurt my case if I cannot settle?