Can The Government Legally Take Your Home In Michigan?

It seems like the government can do whatever it wants.

However, there are a few ways you can handle this particular situation.

Have you ever heard of eminent domain?

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What is eminent domain?

Well, it is quite simple actually.

Michigan's website shares that eminent domain is

"the right of government to take private property for public use."

Can Your House Be Legally Taken By Michigan?

Sadly, the answer is a simple YES.

However, the government cannot just take your home for no reason.

"Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation therefore being first made or secured in a manner prescribed by law. A condemnation action is the legal action taken by government to acquire private property for public use (exercising eminent domain power)."

When it comes to compensation, Owner's Consuel of America says that Michigan law defines that as

"the amount of money which will put the person whose property has been taken in as good a position as the person would have been and had the taking not occurred. The owner must not be forced to sacrifice or suffer by receiving less than full and fair value for the property. Just compensation should enrich neither the individual at the expense of the public nor the public at the expense of the individual.”

Can You Stop The Eminent Domain Process?

Well, you can definitely try.

Biersdork & Associates shared that the process can be stopped only if the proposed property does not meet all of the requirements for public use or necessity.

"Remember, even if the government has the right to condemn your property, they cannot dictate the price they are willing to pay; compensation is determined by the highest and best use laws for your property."