Answers by Carl Hawthorne

Anytime a dispute exists with easements or property lines, the best first step is to review the last recorded plat or survey for your property. This will clearly show where property lines and easements are located. If questions remain, contact the surveyor who prepared the survey, as well as your city or county zoning department, for clarification. Also, if you purchased title insurance, your title company can be a valuable resource. They can help resolve questions about easements or property rights, especially if something was not disclosed to you at closing.