How Do I Resolve a Boundary Dispute with My Neighbor in Missouri?

A boundary dispute with a neighbor is always a difficult thing. Since you have to continue to live next to a neighbor, it’s always best to keep good relations if at all possible. Calling a Kansas City, MO real estate lawyer early on in the process can often help things be done more smoothly while protecting your rights.

How Do I Resolve a Boundary Dispute with My Neighbor in Kansas City, MO?

Contact a Real Estate Lawyer

One of your first steps should be to contact a real estate attorney. An attorney can give you legal advice about where you stand, what the laws are, and how they might apply to your situation. An attorney can also help you to negotiate or draft an agreement with your neighbor and serve as a buffer between you and the neighbor if you’re having trouble talking things through amicably.

Communicate, If You Can

Since we have to live next to our neighbors, it’s always best to resolve disputes cordially. Communication is often the best way to get this done. Once you’ve talked to your lawyer, you’ll know exactly what the laws are and how they apply. This gives you the information you need to go and first try a polite conversation with your neighbor. If you can come to an agreement, discuss the possibility of formalizing it in a written document. This will make it easier for both of you in the future, particularly if either one of you wants to sell your property later.

Hire a Surveyor

If you aren’t aware of exactly where the boundary lines are or if this is under dispute and you can’t come to an agreement, you may need to hire a licensed surveyor. A surveyor will be able to determine the precise boundary lines for you so that both you and your neighbor know what to do next.

Try Mediation or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

In these situations, Missouri courts like to encourage neighbors to resolve their dispute outside the courtroom if that’s possible. Mediation or ADR are both great ways to avoid litigation. They’re also cheaper than going to court. In both situations, a neutral third party helps you discuss the issue and reach an acceptable compromise. With ADR, the decision of the mediator is binding, whereas in mediation it is not.

Pursue Litigation

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a lawsuit may be required. A lawyer can tell you that this should be your very last resort, since going to court is usually expensive, emotionally difficult, and a huge drain on your time and energy. But there are cases where there is no alternative.

For help with your boundary dispute in Kansas City, reach out to Troppito Miller Griffin, Attorneys at Law, today for a consultation. We bring over 80 years of combined experience to every case we take and include three Super Lawyers in our firm. We offer free confidential consultations and will be happy to put our award-winning experience to work for you.

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