If your neighbor initiates a property line dispute, you may not know how to protect your rights or prove ownership of the land.
It is important to learn what to do in these situations to keep the land you believe belongs to you. Take these steps to settle a border dispute in Georgia without a lengthy legal battle.
Fact check the neighbor’s claim
First, get the facts about the property. There are a few ways to determine the true boundaries of your property, as well as the identity of the legal owner. First, you could hire a land surveyor. Land surveyors can take new, accurate measurements of a property line. A surveyor can provide proof of the exact location of the land boundary in writing. You can then show the document to your neighbor to hopefully end the dispute.
Check public records
If you do not want to pay for a land surveyor (they can cost $500 or more depending on the size of the lot), it may be possible to obtain proof of a land boundary through a public records search. Visit your county clerk’s office and ask to see the public records regarding your piece of land. These records may also be available online. Public records could contain legal descriptions of your land, including property lines. They are often free or come with a low fee.
Take your neighbor to court
In most cases, a neighbor will drop a boundary dispute claim if you can prove you own the land and where the property line begins. Sometimes, however, reaching an agreement may take legal intervention. You and your neighbor may need to meet with a mediator to resolve a fence line dispute.
Stay calm and courteous during a property line dispute in Canton. The law may be on your side. Find out your rights, the exact location of the property line and the details of an alleged violation before you engage in a dispute with your neighbor.