Easements are an area of law that can be complex and confusing to the average person. Easement disputes can turn neighbors against neighbors, citizens against governments, and utility users against the companies that provide services.
Moreover, the rights of the person who does not own the land in question can seem to outweigh the rights of the person who does. This alone can be the source of easement disputes throughout the state of California.
At The Heritage Law Group, we understand why easement disputes arise and the laws that affect them. We help those who own the land and those who use it understand their rights and opportunities under the law. We serve clients throughout Northern and Southern California from our offices in San Jose and Aliso Viejo.
An easement gives a person who doesn’t own the property the right to use it. This nonpossessory right to use the land does not give the easement holder the right to occupy the land or block access. Neither does it prohibit the owner of the land from using it. An easement provides access to someone who needs it regardless of the fact that that person does not own the land itself.
There are utility easements for placement of utilities, private easements granted by the landowner to someone else, easements by necessity which provide someone access to their landlocked property via someone else’s property, and prescriptive easements established by the adverse use of someone else’s land over time.
Three of the more common easement disputes include trespassing, interference, and zoning issues.
Some easement disputes may be resolved privately between the parties, particularly in cases where a new landowner is unaware of an existing easement. In many cases, however, easements are contentious, so it’s wise to work with an experienced real estate lawyer to understand your rights under the law and to put the other party on notice of those rights. Disputes can be resolved through negotiation—and if that fails, through the courts.
Real estate attorneys who have represented clients in easement disputes fully understand the laws that establish and protect easements. If a dispute has arisen between you and another party, you can save yourself a tremendous amount of time and effort by consulting with a real estate attorney from the outset. Your attorney can advise you of your rights under the law which may help you resolve the dispute short of going to court. Of course, if necessary, your attorney will represent you and your interests in court.
Real estate law can be complex. At The Heritage Law Group, we take the time to educate our clients so they fully understand how easements work, as well as their rights and the rights of the other party. Our offices in San Jose and Aliso Viejo serve clients throughout Northern and Southern California. If you have an easement dispute, put us to work for you. Call The Heritage Law Group to schedule a consultation.