When disputes arise relating to real estate matters, Whitaker Chalk has attorneys experienced in federal and state litigation, and in mediation and arbitration as alternate dispute resolution techniques.

Real estate disputes regularly handled by our firm include matters such as seller-purchaser disputes, landlord-tenant disputes, Residential Construction Liability Act cases and other builder-buyer disputes, condemnation and eminent domain proceedings, foreclosure proceedings, partition proceedings, ad valorem tax disputes, boundary disputes, title insurance disputes, storm water drainage and flooding disputes, and environmental liability and cleanup disputes.

Disputes involving governmental agencies (ad valorem tax assessments, condemnations and eminent domain) are particularly important to property owners because of the complexity of the issues and the power of the authorities that property owners must face. Whitaker Chalk’s attorneys can level the playing field with their legal knowledge and their business, finance, and accounting experience.

Ad Valorem Taxes

Paying taxes on real estate is a continuing obligation that affects a property owner forever. Valuing property, particularly business property and even more especially special use property, is complex. Assumption concerning the market value of your property or the tranferability of your rights to a special use are subject to errors and miscalculations that can cost you money and perhaps even render your property unmarketable.

Taxing authorities are an important part of our government structure and, consequently, have a great deal of influence over your property. Property owners and taxpayers often need representation and access to expertise in order to assure a fair tax assessment.

Condemnation And Eminent Domain

Public needs often come into conflict with the interest of individual citizens. Roads, schools, and other public projects can bring a taking of private property by a public entity. This process is often complicated and adverse to the interests of the private property owner. There are a number of considerations that comprise the economic value of a particular property to an owner and each owner of property that is subjected to a public taking should seek expert advice.