When it comes to property ownership, disputes can
arise for a variety of reasons. Disputed properties are those that more than
one person or entity claims. These disputes might be because of the following:
1.
Minor disagreements between neighbours over
property lines or
2.
Complex legal battles involving large corporations
and government agencies.
There are many reasons why a property might get
disputed over upon. Sometimes, the issue may arise due to a mistake or
oversight in the land registry or other legal documents. In other cases, it may
result from a disagreement over ownership or rights to use the land. Here are
some common examples and reasons for the disputes:
Boundary Disputes:
One of the most common types of disputed properties
involves property boundary disputes. These can arise:
1.
When the actual location of the boundary line is
unclear, or
2.
When one party believes that the other party has
encroached on their property.
Boundary disputes are majorly unsure, often
involving emotions and longstanding relationships.
Land Use Disputes:
Land use disputes can arise when two or more
parties have conflicting land-related ideas. For example, one party may want to
build a commercial development on the land, while the other wants to save it as
a natural habitat. These often involve a range of legal and environmental
considerations and might get complicated.
Ownership Disputes:
Ownership disputes occur when many parties claim
ownership of a piece of property. This can happen when:
1.
There is a dispute over the validity of a sale or
transfer, or
2.
Many heirs or beneficiaries claim ownership rights.
Due to the involvement of extensive legal research
and documentation, they are complex sometimes.
Eminent Domain:
The government has the legal authority to take
private property for public use through eminent domain. But property owners
might get compensation for the value of the property taken. Disputes can arise
when:
1.
The government and the property owner cannot agree
on the value of the property or
2.
The amount of compensation still needs to be paid.
Adverse Possession:
Adverse possession is a legal doctrine that allows
a person to get ownership of a piece of property by using it for a specific
time. Disputes can arise when:
1.
A person claims adverse possession of a property
that another party believes is rightfully theirs.
Disputed properties can be a significant stress and
frustration for property owners. This is because:
1.
Some legal and financial costs might arise at any
point in time.
2.
Also, it can significantly impact the emotional
well-being of the parties involved.
So, it becomes important to take a proactive
approach to prevent disputes from arising in the first place. Be ready if you
have no other option to solve the ongoing dispute.
Here are some tips for preventing and resolving
property disputes:
Hire an experienced attorney:
An experienced attorney can help you understand
your rights and options regarding property ownership disputes. They can guide
you on how to avoid potential disputes and resolve disputes that arise.
Know your boundaries:
Make sure that you have a clear understanding of
your property boundaries. One way of doing this is by communicating with your
neighbours and potential buyers.
Get everything in writing:
Make sure that all property transactions and
agreements are in writing. This helps avoid misunderstandings and conflicts in
the future.
Be willing to compromise:
Disputes might get solved through negotiation and
compromise. Be an active listener by:
1.
Hearing the other party's concerns and
2.
Be willing to work together to find a beneficial
solution.
Be prepared to take legal action:
If negotiations fail, you may need legal action to protect your rights and interests. It is essential to clearly understand your legal options and be prepared to act if necessary. Disputed properties can cause significant stress and financial costs. Hiring an experienced attorney and proactive measures can prevent and resolve disputes.
