Boundary Dispute Lawyer Bozeman, MT
Purchasing your own property is often an exciting time. Owning property can also provide many benefits, as well. If you are considering purchasing a property in Montana, however, you will want to make sure that you have done all that you can in order to protect that purchase, especially to avoid any kinds of issues when it comes to boundary lines. Boundary disputes is one of the most common issues in real estate litigation. If you find yourself in this situation, you will want to make sure you consult with a boundary dispute lawyer Bozeman, MT clients recommend so that you’re protected.
What Is a Boundary Dispute?
A boundary dispute occurs when neighboring owners disagree over where the property lines are that separate their properties. Property surveys can determine where property lines are, however, there are also some situations where a person may be able to claim ownership of their neighbor’s property based on their own use of the property. This is legally referred to as adverse possession.
A person may be able to claim adverse possession of their neighbor’s property if they have maintained continuous and exclusive possession of property for a certain period of time. Each state has determined what that amount of time is. A real estate lawyer Bozeman, MT residents trust can explain what the laws are in Montana and how these laws could affect you.
For example, let’s say a person puts up a fence or a shed on land that is actually their neighbor’s property. Even if they did not intend that the fence or shed be placed on the property, if they maintained exclusive use of the property, they may be able to eventually claim ownership and have the boundary lines of the properties redrawn.
If you are the property owner whose property is being “taken,” you may be wondering if there is a way to fight an adverse possession. One way is to show that your neighbor making this claim did not maintain continuous use or exclusive possession as they are claiming.
There are also many situations where adverse possession is not an issue between the neighbors but only becomes an issue when one of the neighbors is selling the property. Many buyers will pay to have a survey of the property done before the closing occurs. The survey will reveal that the neighbor could claim a piece of the property based on how long they have been using the property and what that use was. In these situations, the court may have to determine where the boundaries of the properties actually are.
Call Our Office Today
If you are involved in any kind of boundary dispute or are purchasing or selling a property where this has become an issue, contact the Silverman Law Office to schedule a free consultation with a Bozeman, MT boundary dispute lawyer to find out how we can protect your interests and bring the issue to an agreeable conclusion.
