Boundary Dispute is a popular and important issue that requires expert dealing as it can result in financial loss and most of all falling out with neighbours.
What are Boundary disputes?
Having a proper knowledge of where your boundary ends is crucial for a healthy relationship. The same is applicable when land and property are involved.
Countless times, we encounter neighbours who find themselves in conflict over the boundary of their land. This conflict is not normally related to a large part of land but a very small portion. Just because of boundary disputes of a few inches, a landowner takes their neighbour to court.
Even though the hearing resolves the case in favour of one neighbour, the relationship between the two parties is forever shattered.
So rather than dragging this boundary issue and making it way more personal than it should be, hiring an expert mediator is the most feasible solution.
Reasons for Boundary Disputes Between Neighbours
Boundary disputes arise due to several reasons. Here are a few that may sound familiar,
Neighbour Disputes
The conflict between neighbours over boundaries is common and it often leads to one of them dragging the other to court.
Unclear Property Lines
Unclear property lines displayed on the map often create a conflict between landowners.
Land Registry Errors
There are often errors in the land registry that result in the rise of conflict.
Lack of Evidence
A popular cause of boundary dispute is when there is a lack of evidence that could give way to a concrete resolution.
There can be tons of other reasons for a boundary dispute. You can contact a mediator or a litigation solicitor to discuss your case.
Is there a time limit on boundary disputes? In terms of claiming ownership
Yes, if you have the property for over 10-12 years, then you have an adverse possession of the land.
Best ways to resolve boundary disputes with neighbours
Boundary disputes can be resolved without heading to court. There are different ways of resolving the issue and they are all the least expensive.
Consult with your Neighbour
This might not look as much of a solution but actually consulting your neighbour regarding your boundary speaks volumes. Because so far, there is tension between both parties and part of the conflict is that you haven’t spoken eye to eye.
With a normal sit down, both parties can address the actual problem at hand and address what they think is the right way to proceed.
Normally, not discussing the problem face to face often leads one to go to court.
Go the Mediation Route
By involving an unbiased mediator, both parties can resolve their dispute efficiently because an expert mediator can find a resolution or guide both parties toward a settlement.
The boundary dispute mediator will play a neutral role and have a grip on boundary disputes protocol. They do not declare the solution however help both parties understand each other a lot better and carve out a space where everyone feels comfortable.
Hire a Litigation Solicitor
The last resort would be to hire a litigation solicitor who will fight for your rights in court. Now you need to consider that going to court with a boundary dispute won’t be cheap. You have to pay the legal cost and the paperwork etc. And still, if you manage to win the case, either party has all the right to introduce the latest information and documents to reopen the discussion.
So, if you need an expert solicitor, Legal Assist can connect you with one. We have an experienced property law panel and are also involved with the finest mediators across the country who can elegantly resolve the dispute between the two parties without costing you loads of money.
You can contact us anytime anyday as we offer an uninterrupted 24/7 helpline. Book a consultation session with our expert today and we look forward to helping you resolve your boundary dispute.
