Property line disputes can ruin relationships with your neighbors and potentially cost thousands of dollars to resolve, so it’s best to be proactive when disagreements arise. Many of these disagreements are owed to a genuine confusion about the exact boundaries of a property, which an attorney can often clarify before the conflict escalates into expensive and potentially damaging litigation. Below are a few tips for resolving these issues as quickly and smoothly as possible.

How to Handle Property Disputes With Neighbors

1. Hire an Attorney

Many homeowners worry that hiring a lawyer will inflame an already tense situation, but an attorney will usually have the legal expertise and negotiation skills to identify the source of the confusion and explain your rights. They’ll discuss all your legal options and the likely outcomes of each approach, and try to forestall costly lawsuits.

2. Conduct a Boundary Survey

Property deeds and plat maps can be confusing and do sometimes contain errors. Perhaps you and your neighbors each have a claim to the same piece of property, or there may be mistakes in the legal documents. A survey helps you both understand where the boundaries of your property lie, including any easements or rights-of-way to which your neighbors might have access.

3. Schedule a Meeting

Your attorney can facilitate a meeting with your neighbors, in which all parties bring their documentation, deeds, and survey maps to try to work out a solution. In this non-confrontational environment, you may be able to resolve the situation without resorting to a courtroom trial.

If you’re involved in a property boundary dispute, the legal team at Bernardini Law PC in North Andover, MA, will protect your rights and the value of your investments. With their in-depth expertise, they will work to negotiate a peaceful resolution but aren’t afraid to take the matter to court if necessary. Follow their Facebook for more tips and insight, and call (978) 794-5525 to schedule a consultation with an attorney today to begin discussing your situation.