Get the Just Compensation You

Deserve with Help from Lauren Taylor Law

Do You Have a Case?

Free Consultation. No Obligation. Completely Confidential

shield

We guarantee 100% privacy. Your information will NOT be shared.

Eminent Domain Attorney Conway, SC

Eminent Domain Attorneys Near Me Conway, SC

Most people who buy a home and the land it sits on expect that it will be theirs for as long as they choose to reside there. They may choose to pass that home and land along to children or other family members once they pass. It's a very common scenario, but for some residents of Charleston County, it may not be possible due to a highway expansion. Once the expansion starts, these residents could actually lose their land. And while you wouldn't think such an action would be legal in America, truth is often stranger than fiction.

The newly proposed expansion on Highway 41 will expand the highway to two lanes, increasing it to a total of four lanes on most of the roadway and from two to three lanes near the Phillips Community. The project would also start construction of Laurel Hill Parkway - a two-lane road that intersects through the outskirts of Laurel Hill County Park. For the Phillips Community, which sits adjacent to the highway, it could mean the loss of residents' homes and land that have been in their families for generations.

So, what can people like those in the Phillips Community do? They don't want to lose their homes or bear the burden of significantly more traffic around them. On their own, the options can be dour. But with the help of eminent domain attorneys Near Me Conway, SC, these families can receive the just compensation they deserve.

Abbeville Lawyer Conway, SC

Understanding Eminent Domain in South Carolina

Remember that when you purchase or are given a plot of land, your property rights aren't as absolute as you may think. According to the United States Constitution, the government has the authority to take your property under specific circumstances. Essentially, your property rights are not absolute.

What's interesting is that the government's ability to take your property is actually stated in the Constitution. Even though the Constitution states that "private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation," in essence, this means the government can take your property if the intended use is valid and they compensate you fairly. The Supreme Court upheld this view in 1876, interpreting that the government had this power based on the Constitution. Eminent domain was frequently used during the construction of the nation's railroad system, often without sufficient limitations on the government.

Unfortunately, many South Carolina residents end up being on the wrong end of the cost-benefit analysis when it comes to fair compensation. That's why, if the government is trying to take your land, it's so important to get in touch with eminent domain attorneys Near Me Conway, SC, as soon as possible. That way, you have someone by your side for any legal proceedings or disputes. At Lauren Taylor Law, we have a proven track record of achieving positive outcomes for our clients in cases where the government has failed to fulfill its legal responsibilities.

How Can the Government Take Your Property?

There are typically two different ways that the government may take your property. Those include:

Property Rights Conway, SC
  • Inverse Condemnation: This happens when you must take action and declare that your property or land was taken (even though you may still own it) so that you may receive compensation.
  • Directly: This happens when the government takes explicit action to own your property.

In both scenarios, you could be forced into litigation in order to protect your rights, even though you had no plans on doing so.

The Process of Eminent Domain in South Carolina

When the government wants to acquire your land, they will typically begin by making a formal offer to buy your property. At this point, you may have the opportunity to negotiate with them. If you decide that selling your property is the best option, it's important to work towards reaching an agreement with the government on the sale price. This isn't always a straightforward process because the government may not be willing to offer you a fair amount.

To determine the price of your property, the government will have their appraiser assess the value of the property. This appraiser functions much like an adjuster for an insurance company, many of whom offer lowball pricing. You should know that you have the right to hire your own appraiser to determine an independent valuation. This is often the best course of action if you're considering selling to the government.

If you choose not to sell to the government, they may proceed by filing a lawsuit to initiate the condemnation process. At this point, you can challenge the taking itself by working with eminent domain attorneys Near Me Conway, SC. You can also ask the court to determine the fair market value of the property if the government's valuation is lower than what you believe is fair.

Limits to Eminent Domain in South Carolina

While the government can use its power to take your land, there are limits on its ability to do so. Namely:

  • The government must pay landowners a fair market price for their property.
  • The land the government takes must be for public use.

As such, there are two reasons why you can sue the government as part of an eminent domain case:

  • The government won't compensate you fairly for your property.
  • The government is taking your land but not for public use.

Given the history of these cases, you can never trust the government to act fairly. Why? Because local officials often have interests in such matters, and your rights are getting in their way. Sometimes, the only viable route you have is to lawyer up and fight the case in court.

The Process of Eminent Domain in South Carolina

When the government wants to acquire your land, they will typically begin by making a formal offer to buy your property. At this point, you may have the opportunity to negotiate with them. If you decide that selling your property is the best option, it's important to work towards reaching an agreement with the government on the sale price. This isn't always a straightforward process because the government may not be willing to offer you a fair amount.

To determine the price of your property, the government will have their appraiser assess the value of the property. This appraiser functions much like an adjuster for an insurance company, many of whom offer lowball pricing. You should know that you have the right to hire your own appraiser to determine an independent valuation. This is often the best course of action if you're considering selling to the government.

If you choose not to sell to the government, they may proceed by filing a lawsuit to initiate the condemnation process. At this point, you can challenge the taking itself by working with eminent domain attorneys Near Me Conway, SC. You can also ask the court to determine the fair market value of the property if the government's valuation is lower than what you believe is fair.

Limits to Eminent Domain in South Carolina

While the government can use its power to take your land, there are limits on its ability to do so. Namely:

  • The government must pay landowners a fair market price for their property.
  • The land the government takes must be for public use.

As such, there are two reasons why you can sue the government as part of an eminent domain case:

  • The government won't compensate you fairly for your property.
  • The government is taking your land but not for public use.

Given the history of these cases, you can never trust the government to act fairly. Why? Because local officials often have interests in such matters, and your rights are getting in their way. Sometimes, the only viable route you have is to lawyer up and fight the case in court.

What Constitutes "Public Use" of Your Land in South Carolina?

Landowners commonly contest whether the taking is genuinely for public use. There are constraints on the government's actions and the reasons for which they can seize your land. The interpretation of these terms by the courts often favors the government. "Public use" does not simply mean that your property would be open to the general public. Instead, the term is more akin to "for the benefit of the public."

Historically, the government expropriated private lands for projects such as bridges and highways. Numerous legal battles arose during the period when the nation was constructing its railroad system. In these instances, the courts typically interpreted "public use" more broadly.

Some of the most common reasons why government landtaking is upheld include the building of structures like:

  • Pipelines
  • Highways
  • Public Buildings
  • Utilities
  • Railroads and Transit Lines
Legal Compensation Conway, SC
court

These are the more "traditional" uses of eminent domain, where the public use would be less in question. However, the law also permits certain utilities to wield the power of eminent domain. For instance, in a recent case in South Carolina, Dominion Energy was granted the authority to acquire homes in order to construct an energy pipeline.

law

Regrettably, governments have historically tended to misuse this authority, and some courts have even condoned such actions. As an example, courts in Toledo, Ohio, allowed 83 homes to be taken from residents in order to construct a manufacturing plant for Chrysler, which said the plant would create jobs for the public.

domain

If the government is trying to take your land, you should never give up on your property. By working with eminent domain attorneys Near Me Conway, SC, you may be able to stop them by challenging the taking itself. You can also challenge the purpose of the taking and argue that the reason for "public use" is really for private use.

Partial and Easement Taking of Your Land in South Carolina

domain

Many people worry about the government taking over their entire piece of land. However, in some cases, the government may not need all your property and might not want to compensate you for it. They may only require a portion of your land.

domain

In such instances, the government not only has to pay you for the part of the land they are taking, but they also have to compensate for the decreased value of the remaining land that you still own. Additionally, the government may seek to obtain an easement on your land through eminent domain. This easement could be for utilities or access to another area. Once again, the government must compensate you for the land taken and for the reduction in value of the rest of your property.

Property Dispute Conway, SC

Under Eminent Domain, You Must Be Paid Fair Market Value

In essence, fair market value represents the amount a willing buyer would offer to a seller for their property. While this concept seems straightforward, applying fair market value in reality can be quite challenging. In many instances, negotiating with the government may be necessary to receive proper compensation for your land. Just like any negotiator, the government typically begins with a low offer and anticipates a counteroffer from you to reach a mutual agreement. Rarely does the government present its best offer right from the start.

Eminent Domain Claim Conway, SC

Several valuations may be considered to determine your property's fair market value:

The amount of income your property could have produced

Comparison of sales to other similar properties in the area that were recently sold (there could be disagreements pertaining to what is comparable)

The amount of money it would cost to replace your property (and the structures built on it) minus depreciation

In reality, during a trial, both you and the government would have valuation experts testify. First, you'd have to choose the relevant valuation, which the government might dispute. Then, you'd need to apply the appropriate valuation method. There might be a significant difference between your numbers and the government's.

However, even if you couldn't prevent the seizure of the property, many have successfully challenged the government's valuation of their property. Property owners have compelled the government to pay more, and our team of eminent domain attorneys Near Me Conway, SC, has represented many of them in the legal process over the years.

How the Government Condemns Your Land with Its Actions

  • The government may not need to attempt to seize your land to potentially owe you money. There are situations where government actions could prevent you from using your land. In many ways, the government has the authority to dictate how you can use your property. They can enact laws and zoning regulations that limit your property usage. To constitute a regulatory taking, the government's actions must completely prevent you from using your land for any economic purpose.
  • The government may have a valid justification for its regulations. However, when it comes to compensating you for your land, the government's intentions are irrelevant. What matters is the impact the regulation has on your land usage.
  • In addition to regulatory taking, the government may take your land if its actions have caused damage to your property. For example, a neighboring construction project could have flooded your property. They might have trespassed on your land, either temporarily or permanently. This type of taking is referred to as a "de facto" taking, and the government still needs to compensate you when it happens.

For Any Help, Questions or Suggestions, Contact Us

What Should You Do if Your Land Can Be Taken by the Government?

Typically, you'll receive notice regarding the potential acquisition of your property through a letter. But if you're like the residents of the Phillips Community, you might have already heard murmurs that something might happen to your land. If you suspect or find out that the government plans to take your land through eminent domain, you need the help of seasoned eminent domain attorneys Near Me Conway, SC, right away.

The truth is that the government can be just as challenging to deal with as an insurance company. Despite your constitutional rights, they might try to conceal information or offer far less compensation than your property is worth.

In an eminent domain lawsuit, you're essentially challenging the government. While some courts might show some level of deference to the government, they are not given free rein to do as they please. It's within your rights to stand up and contest the government's actions if they violate your rights. But to fight back effectively, your best bet is to work with an eminent domain lawyer from Lauren Taylor Law.

Your attorney will assess the best legal approach for your case, which could involve suing the government or vigorously defending against their lawsuit. You could also negotiate compensation, either before or after the case goes to court.

Abbeville Law Firm Conway, SC

Top 3 Reasons to Hire an Eminent Domain Lawyer in South Carolina

If you receive notice that your property is being targeted for eminent domain action, also known as condemnation, it's important to seek advice from an eminent domain attorney. Many people won't reach out to a lawyer when dealing with this kind of legal issue because they:

  • Mistakenly believe that the government has their best interests at heart and will actually offer fair compensation
  • Feel intimidated and believe they must cooperate
  • Believe that the taking of their land is really for "public good."

Unfortunately, these assumptions are rarely, if ever, true. In fact, you may actually be more vulnerable and at risk than you originally thought. This misunderstanding illustrates exactly why you should enlist the services of a reputable eminent domain attorney. With the assistance of a legal expert who is well-versed in South Carolina eminent domain law, property owners can safeguard their rights and secure maximum compensation.

Here are the top three ways an eminent domain lawyer can help:

Compensation

1. Help You Get Just Compensation

It's important to keep in mind that the initial offer from the government for your property is often the lowest amount they think they can get away with. This rarely represents the full and fair compensation you deserve. An attorney has the expertise and resources to ensure that you receive proper compensation for the value of your property, including relocation expenses and more.

In some instances, an eminent domain attorney may be able to secure a higher amount than what the government is proposing. The eminent domain lawyers at Lauren Taylor Law are dedicated to safeguarding your rights and protecting your property

Rights

2. Help You Understand Your Rights

Government agencies are not permitted to simply take any property they desire. According to the 5th Amendment, they must prove that the condemnation is genuinely for public use and meets other specific criteria. You have the right to demand that the state fulfill these criteria before seizing your property. Plus, if only a portion of your property is necessary to complete the project, you have the right to safeguard the ownership of the remaining part of your property.

Complicated

3. Provide Guidance Through the Complicated Process of Eminent Domain in South Carolina

Eminent domain cases and their related laws can be quite intricate and overwhelming for the average property owner. You shouldn't be expected to grasp all the technical terms, and you certainly shouldn't be penalized for not fully understanding the process. That's why having an experienced eminent domain lawyer by your side is valuable on many levels. A skilled eminent domain attorney will assist you through each stage in plain language that you can grasp. With an eminent domain attorney advocating for you throughout your case to safeguard your rights, you stand a better chance of receiving the compensation you rightfully deserve.

What Clients Say About Us

Eminent Domain Attorneys Near Me Conway, SC Fighting for Your Rights

If the government takes your property or prevents you from using it, you have the right to file a lawsuit. The law provides you with the opportunity to stand on equal ground with our government, allowing your lawyer to advocate for your rights in court.

At Lauren Taylor Law, our eminent domain lawyers step in so you don't get pushed around. Our goal is to fight the government on your behalf, so you get the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today to learn more about eminent domain in South Carolina and how our firm can help.

Latest News Near Me Conway, SC

‘It’s a shame’: Conway IGA to close in early September

CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW) — The Conway IGA grocery store, a long-standing staple in the community, is scheduled to close in early September, according to a spokesperson with IGA’s corporate.The grocery store has been a fixture in Conway since the 1960s, and its impending closure has saddened many residents.The decision to close was described by an IGA Corporate spokesperson as a “difficult business decision,” and said employees of the Conway IGA will be offered positions at other KJ’s Market or IGA store...

CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW) — The Conway IGA grocery store, a long-standing staple in the community, is scheduled to close in early September, according to a spokesperson with IGA’s corporate.

The grocery store has been a fixture in Conway since the 1960s, and its impending closure has saddened many residents.

The decision to close was described by an IGA Corporate spokesperson as a “difficult business decision,” and said employees of the Conway IGA will be offered positions at other KJ’s Market or IGA stores.

The store is currently holding a closing sale, with select departments marked at 33% off and others at 25% off.

Conway IGA shopper Kathy Russell shared her disappointment about the closure.

“I like coming here, but this store is going to be closed, and I hate to see this store closed; now I guess I’m gonna have to shop at Walmart,” Russell said.

She also noted her family’s long history with the store.

“My mother said that she used to come here when she was younger,” Russell said. “She was born in 1936, you know, and now I started coming here.”

Another Conway IGA shopper, David Russell, expressed concern about limited store options in the area.

“There’s not many grocery stores in Conway,” Russell said. “It’s a shame this one’s closing.”

Lloyd Burroughs, a frequent shopper at the Conway IGA, highlighted the inconvenience of the closure.

“I come here usually two or three times out of the week to pick up odds and ends; I’m going to hate to see it go,” Burroughs said. “I hate to make that left turn going into Walmart on Highway 501, so it was a great location too.”

For Conway residents seeking grocery options, a Food Lion is located about a mile up the road on Main Street, and there is a Walmart 2 miles away on Church Street.

Below is the full statement from IGA’s corporate office:

“It is always difficult to make a decision to close a store, and we regret any impact these closings may have on the communities we serve. Our hosts will be offered positions at other Kj’s Market or IGA stores. If this is geographically impractical, we will provide financial assistance to help with their transition. The Conway store will close in early September.”

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WBTW. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat information into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WBTW staff before being published.

* * *

Morgan Baker is a multimedia journalist at News13. She is from Altoona, Pennsylvania, and joined the News13 team in December 2025. She graduate magma cum laude from Coastal Carolina University in May 2025. Keep up with Morgan on Facebook and X, formerly Twitter, You can read more of her work here.

"Clavicular" event moved to 3001 Nightlife in cooperation with local law enforcement

CONWAY, S.C. (WPDE) — The controversial social media influencer known as "Clavicular" will now be stopping at 3001 instead of Coop Bar and Grill in "cooperation with local law enforcement," the establishment announced in an Instagram post on the day of the event.Clavicular is known for promoting the social media trend “looksmaxxing” and has more than 2.2 million followers between TikTok and Instagram."Looksmaxxing" refers to attempts to improve appearance through behavioral, cosme...

CONWAY, S.C. (WPDE) — The controversial social media influencer known as "Clavicular" will now be stopping at 3001 instead of Coop Bar and Grill in "cooperation with local law enforcement," the establishment announced in an Instagram post on the day of the event.

Clavicular is known for promoting the social media trend “looksmaxxing” and has more than 2.2 million followers between TikTok and Instagram.

"Looksmaxxing" refers to attempts to improve appearance through behavioral, cosmetic, or surgical changes. Some of those changes can involve dangerous practices perceived as harmful.

Ahead of the visit, some people said they were concerned about the influence they believe Clavicular could have on campus.

“I am very much on the internet, so I've seen a lot of Clavicular, I guess, clips and things about it. And it all, it seems like, is that he's ruining his life and that he's setting himself up for failure,” Shannon McGoff said.

Mackenzie Miller said, “I think that his, like, morals and ideals are going to affect our campus negatively.”

Others said they were not particularly bothered by the visit and viewed it as something people can choose to ignore.

“I think at the end of the day, it comes down to if you don't want to see him, then don't go. But I think overall it would be a good thing just to have sort of like a pseudo celebrity come visit campus,” Lance Bays said.

READ MORE: Arrest helps solve string of thefts in Marlboro County

Tia Russell said, “I think it's controversial, but in a good way. Like, there's nothing really bad that can come from it.”

Some also described the visit as more of a spectacle than anything else.

“I will be attending. Only because my hometown friends said if I don't go, they will be very mad at me. So, I spent $30 to go see a guy that is very much canceled on the internet,” McGoff said.

Miller said, “I'm only interested because I think it's funny. I hate clavicular.”

Miller also said, “My friend at Penn State just saw him. He was there two nights ago. Last night, I'm not sure. Got water thrown on him.”

At Coop Bar and Grill, a bouncer said staff are preparing for the expected crowd ahead of Clavicular’s arrival, including cleaning and building new benches for guests.

Sean Quinlivan, a bouncer at Coop Bar and Grill, said, “There's probably going to be some crowd that's going to come in here and just not even like care about seeing him and being like, I guess cordial is the best word for it. They're probably going to want to come, maybe try and get at him throw some drinks.”

Quinlivan added, “I wouldn't be surprised if people have signs are going to be yelling a lot of obscene things at him.”

The focus tomorrow night will be on controlling the crowd and de-escalating any situations that may occur, as staff look to keep the influencer safe.

ABC 15 reached out to Clavicular for comment on his attendance but had not heard back.

A new shopping complex with a big-box anchor and a grocery store could be coming to Conway

CONWAY — A developer wants to build a shopping complex with a big-box anchor and a grocery store in Conway, and city leaders expect to discuss the plans next week.No retailers have been identified by city officials, but records indicate the project would include a 50,887-square-foot grocery store and a major anchor spanning more than 140,000 square feet. There would also be five shops on the grocery store's side of the center and nine outparcels, according to city documents. A portion of the property would be set aside for multi...

CONWAY — A developer wants to build a shopping complex with a big-box anchor and a grocery store in Conway, and city leaders expect to discuss the plans next week.

No retailers have been identified by city officials, but records indicate the project would include a 50,887-square-foot grocery store and a major anchor spanning more than 140,000 square feet. There would also be five shops on the grocery store's side of the center and nine outparcels, according to city documents. A portion of the property would be set aside for multifamily housing, too.

The shopping center would be built along Mill Pond Road at the Lochwood Lane intersection, according to city records. That's behind the Circle K and the standalone emergency room under construction on U.S. Highway 501 (Church Street).

New traffic lights and repainting a water tower

Along with new stores and housing, the plans call for additional infrastructure, including a road and two traffic lights. One new signal has been proposed for U.S. 501 and another has been recommended for Mill Pond Road, but those would have to be approved by the S.C. Department of Transportation.

City leaders are considering a development agreement for the project that would permit the developer to use larger signage than city code allows because the property being eyed for the project has limited frontage on U.S. 501.

A city-owned water tower that's adjacent to the property could also be repainted to provide advertising for the center, according to a draft copy of the development agreement.

That agreement is still being revised, and the city may add language encouraging the center to participate in Conway's annual Christmas and Halloween decorating, according to city documents.

There are other exceptions that would also be included in the agreement, such as relaxing the parking requirements for the outparcels. The city is considering lifting some of those restrictions to accommodate restaurants.

A familiar developer is involved

The proposal comes from Rise Partners, the same commercial real estate firm that bought the nearby Coastal Centre in October 2024 and transformed the moribund property by bringing in retailers like Marshalls, PetSmart, Burlington and Ulta Beauty.

A representative for Rise, which has offices in North Carolina and Tennessee, could not be reached for comment.

"This is something that we've all wanted to see happen for a number of years," City Councilman William Goldfinch said of additional commercial development. "It just took partnering with the right group that not only had the resources (and) the wherewithal, but the relationships with retailers to bring them in."

Goldfinch said the revitalization of the Coastal Centre spurred interest from retailers, leading to the proposal for the Mill Pond Road project.

"We really needed this to lay the foundation for even more retail and commercial development that people would come to expect in a town the size of Conway," he said. "But this had to happen first."

Which stores could be coming?

While the sketch plans don't mention specific companies, city officials have long been vocal about wanting to attract popular retailers such as Target, Publix and Kroger.

They've also hoped that Conway's growth would eventually generate interest from big-name brands.

The city's population hovers around 30,000, but it's part of a region that was the second-fastest-growing metro area in the nation in 2025, according to Census Bureau estimates released in March.

Between the 2020 and 2024, the city's population swelled by about 18 percent, according to Census estimates.

As more people have arrived, the city has seen interest in commercial projects on its eastern and western edges.

A major shopping complex with a home improvement store, restaurants and other offices has been proposed for property across from the Carolina Forest Walmart, and a new Food Lion is expected to anchor a shopping center near the corner of Highway 548 and U.S. Highway 501.

But the Mill Pond Road project would add retail in the center of the city. Conway leaders are being asked to rezone just over 67 acres for that project.

City officials said plans for the new center are still in the early stages, and they could not confirm which stores are being considered for the site.

But talks are moving quickly.

City Council is scheduled to discuss the proposed development at its Aug. 17 meeting. The city's planning commission could then hold a public hearing about the rezoning and the development agreement on Sept. 3, and, if the commission makes a recommendation, the council could take its first vote on the deal on Sept. 21.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.
Legal Representation Conway, SC

Service Areas