An agency or a utility has told you it needs part or all of your land. Understanding how acquisition begins in Virginia tells you what to expect and what to ask.
Acquisition rarely starts with a lawsuit. It starts with a project, a design, and a decision that a particular strip or parcel is needed. Only after that does anyone contact you.
In Virginia a condemnor must make a genuine effort to purchase before it may file a condemnation petition. That requirement exists to give the negotiation stage real weight.
Fee title, a permanent easement or a temporary easement each take something different.
ExploreWho is acquiringA state agency, a locality or a public service company.
ExploreWhether it is partialA strip taking leaves you with a residue that may be worth less than before.
ExploreHow value is setAn appraisal is prepared for the condemnor before an offer is made.
ExploreWhat public use requiresIn Virginia the condemnor carries the burden of proving it.
ExploreWhat the process looks likeFrom first contact through to resolution.
ExploreThe alignment is set and the land needed is identified.
Ownership and boundaries are confirmed.
Value is established for the condemnor.
A written offer and a genuine attempt to reach agreement.
A petition is filed only if agreement is not reached.
Tell us what you have been asked for and we will point you to the Virginia resources that explain it.
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