Steps to be taken before you see a lawyer about a boundary line dispute.
Step one - investigate the features on the ground.
When you learn a neighbor disputes the location of a common boundary with your property start your investigation by searching for survey markers, metal rods in ground, and any other feature you think might indicate that someone located a corner or boundary of your property. Also make note of fences, plants, lawn boundaries and mowing patterns, and other property maintenance boundaries that have been consistently observed and respected.
Step two - read your documents and go to your title company to see what documents are on record.
After you review all of your own documents, go to the title company that insured your title and ask them to check to see if any surveys of your property have been recorded, and if there are any documents on record that address a prior boundary line issue with your property or neighboring properties. It is not uncommon for a boundary line to affect a "row" of properties.
Step three - consult with a surveyor.
Sometimes boundary line disputes occur due to the inability of an owner to understand their legal description or a survey map. A surveyor can help you assure that you have properly identified the location of your "legal boundary." In some cases it will be obvious from the contact with the surveyor that a survey is needed before you confer with an attorney.
Step four - take pictures.
Although in most cases the attorney will need to go to your property, pictures or a video will make your first appointment with your attorney much more productive, and will enable your attorney to quickly determine what additional information might be needed before he issues an opinion on your case.
