In Illinois, once the condemning authority files its lawsuit to condemn the property by eminent domain, a property owner may file a “traverse” to challenge the condemning authority’s right to acquire the property through the power of eminent domain. If a property owner is successful, the condemning authority’s lawsuit to condemn the property will be dismissed. Any of the allegations in the condemning authority’s complaint for condemnation can provide a basis for the traverse, which can include: whether legal authority exists to take the property by eminent domain; whether the taking is for a public purpose; whether the taking is necessary for the public purpose; whether the condemning authority made a bona fide attempt to agree on compensation before filing the lawsuit; and whether the property was adequately described by the condemning authority.