Boundary disputes might arise because one neighbor has much different standards for their lawn than the other. They could also occur because one neighbor intends to build on land that belongs to another owner.
Regardless of what causes the boundary dispute, neighbors may find themselves struggling to settle their disagreement about where each parcel begins and ends. If they cannot resolve the matter amicably by reviewing the recorded legal descriptions for their properties or hiring a professional surveyor, then the matter may require the review of a civil court judge.
How could a judge help with a boundary dispute?
A judge can determine the legal boundary line
Neighbors litigating a boundary dispute must present information about the properties in question to the courts. The judge can then read the legal descriptions, review the relevant maps and even analyze conflicting surveyor reports.
They can then determine where the legal boundary line actually falls between the two properties. They can order the correction of county title records to reflect the appropriate boundary line on the legal description for both parcels. In cases where neighbors simply cannot seem to agree about where the line between their properties actually falls, litigation may be the only way to prevent or address boundary incursions that could have devastating financial consequences.
A judge can potentially settle a boundary dispute once and for all. They can issue injunctions to prevent construction over the boundary line or order the removal of existing improvements that cross the boundary. Reviewing property documentation with an attorney can help people determine if they are in a position to pursue real estate litigation over a boundary disagreement.