You may come across a variety of problems and disputes in your personal life which can include the following:

• Neighbour and Boundary Disputes
• Right of Way and Access Disputes
• Inheritance Claim

We will work with you to protect your rights and resolve disputes in the most cost effective ways. We will explore with you whether disputes can be sorted out by negotiation, mediation or arbitration, or if court proceedings are going to be necessary.

We appreciate that you may be concerned that the costs involved in disputes can outweigh the benefits of winning your case. We will discuss the issues with you and provide clear advice about costs from the outset.

Boundary Disputes

Disputes with neighbours over land can sometimes be unavoidable. The precise position of a boundary can often not be determined by a title plan alone.

We would advise you to try to resolve neighbour disputes by talking to your neighbours and reaching an agreement between you amicably. These disputes can lead to the destruction of neighbourly relations and years of bad feeling and resentment. In addition disproportionate amounts of time, energy and money can be expended.

However, there are cases where legal assistance can help to resolve the issues quickly and efficiently. We understand how stressful it is to be at loggerheads with a neighbour.

It is often the case that sending a solicitors letter can exacerbate the situation. We will work with you in dealing with your problems as quickly and effectively as possible.

We can advise you on a wide range of neighbour disputes including:

• Boundary disputes
• Party Wall Act
• Trees, tree root and high hedge problems
• Nuisance
• Building Disputes
• Access to Neighbouring Land Act

Rights of Access

Many properties enjoy various rights across neighbouring land. This may be a right of way across land or a right to run service pipes or wires over or under the neighbouring land.

Examples of disputes include excessive use of, failure to maintain and failure to repair a right of way.

Disputes over rights of way and access can be drawn out and unpleasant. Relations with neighbours can break down irretrievably.

If a dispute does arise, we would first of all advise the parties to try to discuss the matter and come to an amicable agreement.

However, if agreement just isn’t possible, you will need legal assistance.

We can offer common sense advice and we understand the need to resolve these disputes in a cost effective way.

If your dispute cannot be resolved, we can advise you about issuing court proceedings against your neighbour, or what to do if you are the one being taken to court.

Inheritance Dispute Resolution

Sometimes people feel unhappy about the way the estate of someone who has died has been divided.

In certain circumstances a claim can be made against the estate, especially if a dependent has not been left reasonable financial provision.

Challenging a will or making a claim against an estate can be a complex process. If you think you might have a claim please contact us as soon as possible, as there are strict deadlines in making claims.

See also: Wills, Trusts & Probate – Claims