Can You Dispute A Land Survey?
In situations where people live close together, it’s often inevitable that at some point there may be a dispute involving land boundaries. When this happens, it’s crucial to have a good understanding of how these disputes can best be resolved. Because these incidents may evoke strong feelings, most people involved have no idea how to peacefully resolve them to everyone’s satisfaction. If you’re wondering how and when can you dispute a land survey, here are some of the most common methods used today.
Obtaining Land Titles
When there is any question as to how can you dispute a land survey, the first step to take is to obtain the titles of the properties in question. Since they will give basic information about property boundaries, they provide good starting points. However, because titles sometimes contain inaccurate information, they should not be relied upon exclusively.
Locating a Property Plat
Along with a title, a property plat may also be useful in helping resolve a land survey dispute. Depending upon how old the property is, a plat can be obtained either through the local courthouse or from a developer if the property is relatively new.
Get a Second Opinion
In many of these disputes, it may be worthwhile to have an independent land surveyor physically examine the parcel of property in question. By using this option, the actual property line may be identified, enabling the dispute to be resolved. However, before the survey takes place, it’s a good idea that both parties involved agree on the surveyor to be used.
Retain an Attorney
If a dispute simply cannot be resolved even after the property lines have been verified by an independent land surveyor, it may be time to speak with an attorney who specializes in real estate law. By retaining an attorney with this specialization, you will be able to not only explain your side of the dispute, but have an expert on your side who can examine court records, interview land surveyors who measured the property, and examine other legal information pertinent to the case.
If deciding when you can dispute a land survey, it’s important to remember they are not issues that cannot be resolved. By using independent experts, attorneys, and documents such as land titles and property plats, disputes that may seem as if they will never be resolved can instead be done so to the satisfaction of everyone involved.