What is the process for determining the public use of my property?
In California, if the government wants to use your private property for public use, they must first acquire the property through a process called eminent domain. This process is used when a government agency wants to acquire private property for a project that benefits the public, such as a highway or a school. The process begins when the government agency presents a written offer to you, which contains the amount of money they are offering to you for your property. If you accept the offer, you will receive the money and the government agency will be able to take possession of the property. If you reject the offer, the government will then file a complaint with the Superior Court to start the process of condemnation. The court will then hold a hearing to determine the value of your property and decide whether it is necessary for public use. If the court agrees that your property is necessary for public use, they will order the government to take possession of the property. The government will then have to pay you fair market value for the property. In some cases, this will be more than what the government initially offered. Once the court orders the government to take possession of the property, the government will be able to start the public use project. While this process can be lengthy and stressful, it is important to remember that the government must pay fair market value for the use of your property.
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