How long does the eminent domain process take?

The process of eminent domain in New Jersey can take anywhere from a few months to several years depending on the nature of the case. The process starts with a public entity, such as a government agency, reviewing a potential property that is needed for a public purpose. Once the targeted property is identified, an offer of compensation for the owner will be made to them in the form of an appraisal of the property’s value. This offer may then either be accepted or rejected by the property owner. If the property owner accepts the offer, the government agency will then proceed with its condemnation process. This involves filing a complaint of condemnation in the superior court of New Jersey and serving the complaint to the property owner. A hearing will then be held so the government entity can prove its case for the taking of the land. After the hearing, if the court determines that the taking is justified, the government agency may take immediate possession of the land and issue a final judgment of condemnation. The entire process from the initial offer of compensation to the final judgment of condemnation may take anywhere from a few months to several years depending on how contested the case may be and other factors. Ultimately, the length of the eminent domain process in New Jersey will be determined on a case by case basis.

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