Modifying property boundary lines can be a complex process. Before you start, you should consider all the factors and legal requirements. Reasons to adjust property lines include expansion and consolidation. You can also move property lines to resolve disputes....
Phillips & Angley Blog
How local laws may derail plans to convert offices to apartments
Discussions about property development often focus on unimproved land. The fastest way to create a business opportunity is to start from the ground up in many cases. However, those with an interest in real estate investing may buy property that already has...
Why probate sales sometimes lead to complex title litigation
Many property owners in Massachusetts include specific instructions for their real property in their estate plans. Oftentimes, people instruct the personal representative of their estate to sell their real property if none of their beneficiaries wish to purchase it or...
Going to court can help to resolve old title issues
When someone holds a title to a home or unimproved parcel in Massachusetts, that means they are the owner of record for that piece of real property. Some people hold title alone, while others share their ownership interest with a spouse, a child or even a friend....
Conservation Commission Permits and the Wetlands Protection Act
In an era marked by increasing awareness of environmental issues, the preservation of wetlands and other natural resources has become a vital concern. The interaction between human development and fragile ecosystems necessitates careful oversight and regulation. This...
3 common challenges to developing wetlands worth considering
Property development, particularly in rural areas, often tends to result in some degree of pushback. Local communities, neighbors and even regulatory authorities may take issue with the decision to develop a specific piece of land. Wetland properties are among the...
2 sound strategies for homeowners navigating zoning issues
Zoning issues can arise under a variety of circumstances, from property expansions to starting a home-based business. Zoning laws are designed to regulate land use, density and the overall character of a community. Familiarizing yourself with local zoning regulations...
Did a seller hide a restrictive covenant in your closing papers?
People sometimes treat the paperwork involved in a commercial real estate transaction as a mere technicality. They assume that the forms they sign are standard boilerplate documents that transfer ownership of the property to a new party. Anyone with a background in...
How to prepare for zoning litigation for your real property
Zoning is a form of local land use control that helps protects individual homeowners and also the community as a whole. Municipal authorities and local communities have a say in zoning, and those who want to change the local zoning or secure a variance often need to...
Can you secure an easement without your neighbor’s consent?
Perhaps you have some rural hunting property with a cabin that does not have any road access. Historically, your neighbor whose property abuts the road always allowed you to drive up their driveway and then veer off to the side onto your property. You haven't had to...