Patrons who attend our Lawyer in the Library program frequently ask how to handle conflicts with their neighbors. This is such a common concern that there are countless sources on relevant law, or lack thereof, governing overhanging tree branches, fence placement, etc. For example, look at the number of search hits on Westlaw after entering some relevant keywords in Figure 1.
Below, I have collected print and electronic secondary sources available through the library that cover neighbor law for attorneys and laypersons. We also have a page on mediation resources, which may be a preferable first step in resolving many of these conflicts.
On the shelf and online through the Maryland Judiciary network:
- Neighbor law: fences, trees, boundaries & noise / Emily Doskow & Lina Gullen
- SELF HELP KF639 .J67 2014
On Lexis Advance:
- A practical guide to disputes between adjoining landowners–easements / James H. Backman, David A. Thomas; current update author, Brigham Daniels
- Thompson on real property, Third Thomas Edition / David A. Thomas
- §§ 67-69, 73, 90, & 105
- Powell on real property / Michael Allan Wolf, ed.
- Ch. 55-68
On Westlaw:
- Neighboring property owners / James Charles Smith
Possible further reading:
- Surveys and related boundary law 1993 / James J. Demma and Russell E. Lowman
- KFM1327.5 .S9 1993
- Clark on surveying and boundaries / Nettleman, Charles A., III. (on Lexis)
- Law of Easements and Licenses in Land / Jon W. Bruce and James W. Ely, Jr. (on Westlaw)
- All of the library’s alternative dispute resolution resources, filed under “ADR.” For a list of these, go to the catalog, search by “Call Number Prefix,” select “ADR,” then click “Search.”
AACPLL Blog: Law Library News 