Today we spotlight a local Richardson, TX law firm featuring the best attorneys in the Richardson area. Lawyer contact info and testimonials from Richardson residents coming soon. Included is info on civil jurisdiction of county courts in Texas and how they affect you.
Civil Jurisdiction of County Courts in Texas
We present this reference to Richardson, TX citizens in need of quality local lawyers to help with all manner of legal council. County courts have concurrent civil jurisdiction with the justice of the peace courts where the amount in controversy exceeds $200 but does not exceed $5,000, exclusive of interest. Constitutional county courts have concurrent civil jurisdiction with the district courts where the amount in controversy exceed $500 but not $5,000, exclusive of interest. Neither type of county court has jurisdiction over suits involving slander or defamation of character, the recovery of land in Richardson, TX, the enforcement of liens upon real property, escheats, divorce, the forteiture of the character of a corporation, or suits involving execution, sequestration, or attachment on personal property valued at more than $500.
Although the Texas Constitution does not grant the county court jurisdiction over condemnation proceedings, this jurisdiction has been granted by statute. Condemnation, which is sometimes called the power of eminent domain, is the right of a government body or a public utility to take privately owned real estate for public use by paying a reasonable compensation for the condemned property. A Richardson real estate lawyer can assist in such matters. The county judge appoints three disinterested landowners, usually experts familiar with property laws in the area of Richardson where the property is located as condemnation commissions. These commissioners sit to hear evidence from attorneys concerning the fair value of the property. After hearing all of the attorney's evidence, the commissioners make a monetary award that they believe represents the fair value of the property. If a party's lawyers object to the commissioners' award, the question of fair value is tried before a county judge, lawyers, and a jury.
Although the Texas Constitution does not grant the county court jurisdiction over condemnation proceedings, this jurisdiction has been granted by statute. Condemnation, which is sometimes called the power of eminent domain, is the right of a government body or a public utility to take privately owned real estate for public use by paying a reasonable compensation for the condemned property. A Richardson real estate lawyer can assist in such matters. The county judge appoints three disinterested landowners, usually experts familiar with property laws in the area of Richardson where the property is located as condemnation commissions. These commissioners sit to hear evidence from attorneys concerning the fair value of the property. After hearing all of the attorney's evidence, the commissioners make a monetary award that they believe represents the fair value of the property. If a party's lawyers object to the commissioners' award, the question of fair value is tried before a county judge, lawyers, and a jury.