Boundary Line Dispute Headed To Minnesota Court

Image source: Pioneer Press

Many Minnesota property owners understand how frustrating a difficult neighbor can be. Everything from noise, poor landscaping, improper maintenance and loud animals can become annoying and disruptive. When a boundary line dispute is added to the mix, tensions can rise quickly.

In a recent Minnesota case, a boundary line issue has resulted in civil litigation. In this case, a man had owned a 40 acre tract of land in northern Minnesota. Eventually, the man gave 39 of the acres to his son. He lived on the last acre — which included a house and garage — until his death. Upon his death his daughter became the owner of the last acre, the house and garage.

Recently, the woman sold her acre to an unrelated man. According to reports, after closing when the man went to check on his new property he found the garage sawed in half. Apparently, the garage had been built partly on the 39 acres owned by the son. The man also claims that the house’s septic system, which laid partly on the son’s land has also been tampered with.

The new owner has now brought a civil suit against the son for the damage done to the septic system and garage. The man is asking for $20,000 in punitive damages, $20,000 for the damage done to the garage and for the right to the property near where the garage sits.

The son has failed to comment about the incident or the suit, beyond saying that it was a family matter.

Boundary line disputes — like the one in this case — can be frustrating for the parties involved. However, legal options are available that can help Minnesota neighbors come to an agreement. With the right negotiation, these agreements can result in a favorable settlements outside of court.

Source: Pioneer Press, “Minnesota House candidate sued for sawing garage in half,” John Myers, Sept. 21, 2014