Boundary-line disputes can be complex and deeply personal, especially when they involve neighbors. We recently represented a homeowner in a contentious dispute over property boundaries that lasted more than two years and ultimately went to trial. Our client, a homeowner, was embroiled in a dispute with their neighbor over the true boundary line between their properties. Over the years, both parties had conflicting views about the ownership of certain areas, leading to the filing of a lawsuit to resolve the matter.
The case required determining whether the doctrine of acquiescence applied and how the boundaries had been treated by both parties and their predecessors over time.
Legal Issues Involved
The case centered around key legal questions:
- Doctrine of Acquiescence: Whether the parties’ long-term treatment of the boundary established a new property line, even if it differed from the original deeded boundary.
- Evidence of Use: Establishing how both parties and their predecessors treated the disputed land over the statutory period.
- Allocation of Land: Demonstrating that the portion of land near our client’s driveway was integral to their property and should remain under their ownership.
This required analyzing decades of property use, testimony from witnesses, and historical documents to build a compelling case for our client.
The Outcome
After extensive litigation and a trial, the court issued a split verdict:
- In Favor of Our Client: The court awarded our client the area nearest to their home, which was crucial for their use and enjoyment of the property.
- For the Opposing Party: The remaining disputed area was awarded to the neighbor under the doctrine of acquiescence, based on evidence that the land had been treated as belonging to the neighbor for the requisite statutory period.
This verdict allowed our client to protect the portion of land they cared about most while bringing closure to a long-standing dispute.
What This Means for You
Boundary disputes can escalate quickly, but they don’t have to define your relationship with your property—or your neighbors. This case highlights our firm’s ability to navigate complex property issues, protect our clients’ interests, and resolve disputes through litigation when necessary.
Contact Us for Help
If you’re involved in a property dispute or have questions about your boundary lines, contact us today. Let us help you protect your investment and resolve the matter effectively.