Tips for Solving Land Disputes
Even when real estate boundaries are well established, land disputes between neighbors are common. These disputes can become aggressive quickly, so it’s important to have a plan in place and an attorney to contact as quickly as possible. Here are a few tips for navigating and solving land disputes with neighbors.
Learn all the Facts
If a land dispute is inevitable, it’s always better to know as much as possible about the property boundaries in question at the outset of the controversy. A real estate attorney will need to have all the facts about the properties and the dispute before working on the case, so a professional analysis of the properties will be necessary. Analyses typically involve hiring a professional to survey and appraise the properties, as well as perform a full title search.
Try to Work it out
Litigation in land disputes is often time consuming and expensive. If the value and area of the property in question are insignificant enough, it’s probably in everyone’s best interest simply to work out the issue outside of the courtroom. Assuming relations between neighbors are friendly, meeting a few times to discuss the facts and reach a solution may be all that is required to solve the land dispute. On the other hand, if one or both neighbors are unwilling to discuss the issue politely, it will be quickly obvious that attorneys are needed.
Bring in an Attorney
When solving a land dispute becomes impossible due to uncooperative neighbors, it’s time to get a real estate attorney involved. The first step for a lawyer is usually to send a letter to the other neighbor to request action or to make a sensible settlement offer. If exchanging attorneys’ letters doesn’t resolve the dispute, it may be time to file an official complaint in court so that all the evidence can be examined. Remember, most land disputes end in settlements, and this may be the best option to avoid a lengthy and costly trial process.
If you’re experiencing a land dispute with a neighbor, please consult The Law Offices of Stephen P. Levesque as soon as possible. Our office has helped many clients reach their desired results in real estate, bankruptcy, divorce, estate planning, and other legal matters. We also provide services to handle easements, adverse possession, subdivision, and cases involving forced sales or partitions. For a free, no-pressure consultation, contact us online or call (401) 490-4900.