I received a letter from the government asking for me to “donate” my property.  What should I do?

 By:         Brent A. Bartlett, Esq.

You have a constitutional right to be paid just and adequate compensation for any property rights taken from you by the government. During these tough economic times, governments have been searching for ways to reduce the amount of compensation they need to pay when acquiring property for a project. One of their methods is to ask a property owner to “donate” the property. They send you all of the paperwork you need in order to sign away the rights to your property. In other words, the government wants you, the taxpayer, to fill out paperwork to give away your property, which may have cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars, for no compensation whatsoever.

If the government is asking you to “donate” your property, or made you a nominal offer that you feel does not fairly compensate you for your interests, you have the right to say NO. You have the right to be paid the just and adequate compensation for your property. If you are unsure of how to handle the government’s request for you to donate your property or how to get them to offer the just and adequate compensation you deserve, be sure to contact the Law Offices of Mark Weinstein. Our experienced eminent domain lawyers can assist you in understanding:

• all of the paperwork sent to you by the government about your property;

• how the acquisition by the government will affect your property;

• how to negotiate with the government to ensure you are paid just and adequate compensation for your valuable property;

• the necessary steps, including litigation, that may be necessary to ensure you are paid the just and adequate compensation you deserve; and,

• questions you may have regarding the government’s acquisition of your property.

If you have received a letter from a condemning authority* looking to take your property, or if you believe you may receive one in the near future, then it is imperative that you act NOW to fully preserve and protect your rights. The Law Offices of Mark Weinstein has handled hundreds of condemnation matters. We are committed to fighting to ensure our clients receive the just and adequate compensation they deserve. Contact our office at 770-888-7707 for a free consultation. Our experience is YOUR advantage.

* The firm can accept all condemnation cases except those against the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Brent Bartlett is a real estate attorney with the LAW OFFICES OF MARK WEINSTEIN, P.C. in Cumming, GA. Mr. Bartlett’s practice focuses on eminent domain law, real estate transactions, real estate litigation, and HOA law. A graduate of Emory University School of Law, Mr. Bartlett is admitted to practice law in Georgia.