North Carolina Land Disputes: Protecting Your Property Rights
Owning property is a significant achievement, but with it comes the responsibility of safeguarding your rights. Land disputes can arise unexpectedly, causing stress and uncertainty. At Keel Lassiter, PLLC, established in 1908, our land dispute attorneys understand these challenges.
For over a century, we have provided effective legal services at reasonable fees to clients throughout North Carolina. This includes helping clients in Rocky Mount and the surrounding North Carolina communities with real estate transactions and the conflicts that arise with property disputes or land ownership disagreements.
What Are Common Types Of Land Disputes In North Carolina?
Conflicts and disagreements with property and real estate can evolve relatively easily. Land disputes can take many forms, each with its own unique challenges. Common types of land disputes in North Carolina include the following:
- Boundary disputes: A boundary dispute erupts when neighboring property owners disagree on where their property lines are located.
- Easement disputes: An easement dispute involves a disagreement over the right to use another person’s land for a specific purpose, such as a driveway or utility line.
- Zoning issues: Disputes can arise when a property owner wants to use their land in a way that conflicts with local zoning laws.
- Title disputes: A title dispute involves a conflict over who holds legal ownership of a property.
- Encroachment disputes: In an encroachment dispute, a property owner builds on or uses land that belongs to someone else.
Whatever type of conflict has evolved and escalated into a dispute, our real estate attorneys at Keel Lassiter, PLLC, have the litigation experience necessary to assist you. We provide affordable legal services for property owners in North Carolina. Our experienced real estate lawyers will work diligently to resolve your dispute in the most efficient manner possible. They also recognize that if your dispute is with a neighbor, there is a good chance that your neighbor will still be your neighbor. Therefore, they will also work to resolve your conflict while consciously attempting to preserve the relationship between you and the other property owner, if possible.
Types Of Contract Disputes In Land Disagreements
Sometimes, real estate disputes arise over disagreements regarding the terms of the contracts involved in real estate transactions. Real estate deals often involve multiple contracts, each with terms that can significantly impact the outcome of a disagreement. Common contracts involved in real estate deals include:
- Purchase agreements
- Lease agreements
- Easement agreements
The clarity and enforcement of these contract terms are vital in preventing and resolving disputes. Our real estate attorneys can help you understand the implications of your real estate contracts and agreements. In addition, they can defend your interests and protect your rights under the terms of your signed contracts.
What Is Adverse Possession?
When someone openly occupies land that is not theirs for a continuous period of time, they may be entitled to claim ownership of that land under the legal doctrine of adverse possession. Claiming a piece of land, or defending a claim to land under the legal principles of adverse possession is complicated. If you are dealing with an adverse possession scenario, an experienced land dispute attorney can help you understand your rights and defend your property interests.
How Do Property Disputes Get Resolved?
Many property conflicts are resolved through alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation and arbitration, as specified in the applicable contracts. Mediation involves a neutral third party helping both sides reach a mutually agreeable solution, while arbitration involves a decision by an arbitrator after hearing both sides. These processes can save time and money compared to traditional litigation. If you are dealing with a dispute that is governed by an alternative dispute resolution clause in your contract, then our real estate lawyers can still represent you and protect your legal rights and best interests.
What Happens If A Land Dispute Ends Up In Litigation?
When a land dispute proceeds to litigation, the court will examine the evidence and make a binding decision. Possible outcomes include:
- Upholding or altering property boundaries
- Awarding damages to one party to be paid by the other part
- Enforcing the terms of the real estate agreement or contract
Litigation can be lengthy and complex, but if a resolution cannot be reached before a trial, our legal team is equipped to represent your interests vigorously in court.
How Can A Real Estate Lawyer Help You With Your Land Dispute?
A real estate lawyer can provide invaluable assistance by reviewing your situation, helping you understand the laws that govern your situation, advising you of your rights, negotiating on your behalf and representing you in any legal proceedings. Our real estate attorneys at Keel Lassiter, PLLC, will provide you with quality legal representation and personalized guidance to help you resolve your property dispute while protecting your rights and looking out for your best interests.
Consult A North Carolina Property Dispute Attorney
If you’re facing a dispute over property or land, you don’t have to manage it alone. Our real estate dispute attorneys are available for an initial consultation to further discuss your situation. To schedule an appointment, you can reach our offices by calling 252-557-4582 or sending us an inquiry through our website. Our experienced legal team is ready to help you protect your property rights and find a resolution that works for you.