A homeowner whose family expands or lifestyle alters may choose to renovate their household to accommodate these changes. As a result of their lifestyle change, the homeowner may want to get an addition on their home or build a fence. These renovations can be helpful for a family, however, the homeowner may encounter a title or boundary dispute if their neighbor believes the renovation is impeding on their property. These disputes can lead to additional problems over time if the issues are not resolved. Homeowners dealing with a boundary or title dispute with their neighbor should contact a real estate lawyer. A real estate lawyer can help identify the boundary between two properties and represent an individual if the case goes to court.
When two landowners dispute over property, they are likely dealing with a title or boundary dispute. These disputes ultimately deal with the property lines between adjacent properties. Identifying the boundary between two properties is crucial in determining who is entitled to the land. When one neighbor believes that another is encroaching on their property, it can lead to further complications, including a lawsuit.
A title dispute is when two neighbors argue over who owns the title of a particular piece of land. A boundary dispute on the other hand, is when two neighbors disagree where the land boundary is on their adjacent properties. Ultimately, issues can arise when one neighbor is interested in renovating their home and the other neighbor feels that their property is being encroached upon. This can lead to additional complications that may require mediation.
What Steps Should I Take if I Have a Boundary Dispute with My Neighbor?
Before a dispute occurs, a landowner is encouraged to look at their title or property deed before performing a renovation on their home. A landowner interested in looking at their property deed can obtain a copy of it by going to the local county clerk’s office. They can also request a copy of their property deed online. There are many physical and digital resources for those looking to avoid the hassle of a title or boundary dispute with their neighbor. However, not all disputes are preventable. When this happens, a landowner should work with their neighbor to help rectify the situation before taking the case in front of a judge.
Before filing a lawsuit, the landowner should try to approach their neighbor and see if they can resolve the dispute outside of court. Many neighbors can reach a compromise once discussing their concerns about the property. Those who are looking to avoid a dispute should offer their neighbor any information they have on their title work, surveys, or appraisals. This shows that they advocate for transparency on the issue and are not looking for a dispute. There is also the option of settling the dispute by offering a monetary reward for compromising on the property boundaries. This option may help a landowner prevail in their dispute while avoiding court.
However, a dispute is not always preventable. When a landowner is unable to reach an agreement with their neighbor, they should contact a real estate lawyer. A real estate lawyer can help their client find the necessary documentation to resolve the issue. They can also offer to mediate the dispute between the neighbors to reach a mutual decision on the rights to the property.
How can I Determine the Boundaries of My Property?
A landowner can identify the property boundaries through a property survey. Property surveys are often performed when an individual purchases a home or property. Since this is a regular procedure, a homeowner may already have their property survey in their possession. If they do, they can simply read their survey to see where the land boundaries are located. If they reach a complication with the survey due to its age or the wording of the document, they may need to order another survey or take other steps to solve the dispute, such as a quiet title lawsuit.
A quiet title lawsuit is another option for landowners looking to identify their land boundaries. A quiet title lawsuit allows a judge to determine where the boundary is between two adjacent properties. This is a good option for those who are unable to utilize a property survey, however, one should note that it is a bit more expensive due to the associated legal fees.
When discussing property boundaries, it is important to understand the concept of adverse possession. Adverse possession means that one neighbor may claim ownership to certain land if they have occupied a portion of the land for a number of years. This can make property boundary issues even more complicated and may require a lawyer for clarification.
If the dispute is over natural resources, it may require other documentation or a lawyer’s help. For instance, if one neighbor is disputing the other neighbor over the property rights of a river, the landowner may need to contact a riparian lawyer or look up their state’s laws on riparian ownership. This advice is also true for other resources, such as oil or gas. If a property owner needs help with real estate litigation matters, they should contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Towson Real Estate Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Help Property Owners with Title and Boundary Disputes
Are you and your neighbor disputing over property? If so, it is in your best interest to contact a Towson real estate lawyer at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC. Our lawyers help clients resolve title and boundary disputes by finding the necessary documentation to identify the boundaries. If you are interested in exploring your legal options, contact us online or call us at 443-589-0150 for a free consultation. With office locations in Hunt Valley and Towson, Maryland, we proudly serve clients throughout Baltimore, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Bentley Springs, Columbia, Freeland, Hereford, Hampton, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks Glencoe, Parkton, Phoenix, Pikesville, White Hall, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County.
