Sharing. It is such a simple act in many cases, and one we are usually encouraged to enjoy at an early age—as challenging as that may be. And while it may be one thing for kids to share toys or adults to share a meal or give money to charity, when it comes to your property you may be extremely territorial; in fact, disputes over land have been an issue for humans since they found a place to lay their heads at night. Even the smallest issues such as fences, landscaping that looms into a neighbor’s yard, and issues with noise, pets, and more, can come between neighbors.
The easement, however, is a unique issue in real-estate as neighbors must share a part of their land—or may even have agreed to (or bought a parcel with the agreement already grandfathered in) allow utility companies right of way for electric and cable lines, telephone lines, pipes for water, and more. For many, the relationship works out well, with little inconvenience or conflict. For others though, the easement can blow up into a major point of contention that leads to a legal battle. Find out more about purchasing properties with easements in one of our recent blogs, ‘Easements? Think Twice Before Buying that Property.’
What about the original paperwork that goes into recording such agreements to share land though? Because legalities can be complex, creating and documenting easements should be performed with the assistance of a skilled real estate attorney. Whether you are granting an easement to an individual or a company, or whether you are the party requesting one, a land survey should be used to examine the precise boundaries of the land and then outline where the easement will fit in.
Once the details of the easement have been negotiated, your attorney can draft the agreement granting the sharing of the land. The individuals involved should be included, along with stating any exchange of funds for the easement, why it was granted and what it will be used for, and if there are any time limitations or other restrictions. The area should be described in full, with a copy of the land description attached pointing out where it is.
The agreement granting the easement should also go into detail regarding whether it can be transferred to others, any issues with exclusivity, as well as stating who is responsible for maintenance on that area. Once signed and notarized, the agreement should be recorded with the proper county office.
If you are concerned about an easement or encroachment on your real estate, or if you would like to grant an easement and create a contract, consult with Shane Coons. Call now at 949-333-0900 or email us at Shane.Coons@seclawoffices.com. We will be glad to meet with you to review your case and explain your legal options. Our office is here to help!