There are times when the government acts in the interests of the people, making decisions to expand roads, install utility lines and take other steps that will lead to improvement of quality of life or safety. However, these efforts may sometimes come at a cost to...
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Government
Can the government take your property?
A Texas private property owner likely assumes that he or she has the right to do with that property as he or she pleases. That individual may want to build a home, open a business or even develop land for a specific purpose. However, it may come as a surprise to learn...
What is just compensation in eminent domain cases?
One of the last things any property owner in Texas wants to deal with is the government seizing their land for public use, but unfortunately, it happens. Landowners can attempt to fight the government’s use of eminent domain laws, but sometimes those attempts prove...
Are there positive aspects to eminent domain?
Property ownership grants you certain rights. However, in particular circumstances, the government has the right to forcibly separate you from your property according to the principle of eminent domain. There are rules that apply to this practice; the government must...
Will the government take your land for the border wall?
If you own commercial or any other type of private land along the Mexican border of the Rio Grande Valley, you need to know about the continuing efforts of the U.S. government to take such land by eminent domain in order to construct portions of the border wall across...
How does eminent domain work in Texas?
If you own a home or other real estate in Texas, you expect that you will exercise all ownership rights in and to that property. The last thing you expect is that someone can take your property away from you without your consent. Unfortunately, however, under the...
What does condemnation law mean by “public use?”
If you learn that the Texas government plans to appropriate your land through condemnation, you may wonder if its plans are legal and, if they are, if there is anything you can do to fight the appropriation. Fortunately, though condemnation is certainly legal, you and...
What should you do if a company wants your land?
You receive notice that a company wants to build a pipeline on your land. This is your family’s land that has passed through the generations. Your farm and raise cattle. This is your livelihood. Do you have options? You do not want to sell it, but you may not have a...
Texas Legislature
This new Year brings with it new Texas legislature. The Texas legislature meets every other year in odd numbered years to enact, repeal, or modify the laws of the state. The 85th Texas Legislature began on Janaury 10, 2017, and will remain in regular session for hte...
Changes To Texas Justice Courts
Changes to Texas Justice Courts By: R. Scott Alagood In response to legislation adopted in 2011, the Supreme Court of Texas has issued new rules governing civil cases filed in justice courts. These new rules go into effect on August 31, 2013, and...