Title 18 — Title 18

The defendant may respond by answer but is not required to do so unless defendant challenges the right to condemn or questions or disputes the area to be acquired or remain. If a defendant claims no interest in the just compensation to be awarded he may file a disclaimer. History…

(a) In addition to other matters required or permitted by law, a defendant may state in an answer: (1) The nature and extent of the interest claimed by him in the property sought to be taken; and (2) The nature of and basis for any preliminary objections. (b) The preliminary obje…

(a) A disclaimer need not be in any particular form, shall be signed by the defendant or his attorney, and shall contain a statement that the defendant claims no interest in the property that is the subject of the action or in the compensation that may be awarded. (b) A disclaime…

Preliminary objections shall be heard and determined by the probate court on the court’s own motion, or on notice and motion by a party, before final determination of the amount of just compensation. The probate court may consolidate for hearing all preliminary objections asserte…

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), the plaintiff has the burden of proof on all issues of fact raised in connection with a preliminary objection. (b) If in support of a preliminary objection a defendant alleges fraud, corruption, bad faith, or gross abuse of discretion on …

Defendant. (a) If the probate court determines that a preliminary objection is meritorious, the court shall make an appropriate order including: (1) Dismissal of the action, in whole or in part, if the plaintiff is not authorized to take the property, or some part thereof, or the…