Before you install or build a fence…

1. Verify if your town requires a building permit. If so apply for the permit and obtain it before doing any work.
2. Hire a licensed and insured land surveyor to verify the boundary lines. Here is a useful resource to find out more information about land surveyors http://www.malsce.org/index.cfm/pid/10365
3. Do you have good relationship with your neighbor? Have a conversation with them about your wish to have a fence installed and where you will be installing it. If your neighbor has no issue move forward with your plans.

If your neighbor has a problem with your plans to install a fence …

1. What is the neighbor’s real issue -is it the location of the fence or the presence of the fence?

2. If your neighbor’s issue is with the location of the fence, try to ascertain your neighbor’s basis so of knowledge of where he thinks the line should be.

3. You have a few options:

• Speak to your surveyor about the dispute. How confident is he/she about where the line should be?
• Ask the surveyor to come and explain his methodology to both you and your neighbor at the same time.
• Suggest that your neighbor have his own survey done.

If you are still unable to resolve the dispute with your neighbor, you should contact an attorney to discuss further options. 

E.M. Curran & Associates LLC

10 Tower Office Park
Suite 406
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: 781-933-1542
Fax: 781-933-1549
ellen@emcurranlegal.com