You Can't Live Like This: 4 Steps To Take To Resolve A Neighborhood Dispute
Neighborhood disputes are never a good thing to endure. Not only do they disrupt the peaceful enjoyment of your home, but they can also turn volatile, especially if they're not handled properly. If you're involved in a dispute with your neighbors, you want the problem to resolve itself so you can get back to enjoying your life. If you're not sure how to handle the dispute, don't give up. Here are four steps you should follow to ensure a positive resolution of the issues.
Try to Start a Dialogue
It doesn't take much for a dispute to develop. It can be something as simple as a barking dog, or as serious as trespassing and harassment. If you're involved in a dispute, you'll need to try and start a dialogue with your neighbor. Try talking to them in a calm and respectful manner. If you're worried about approaching their home, wait until they're in the yard to begin the conversation. Oftentimes, disputes can be settled by explaining your position calmly and respectfully. However, if it proves impossible to start a meaningful dialogue, or your attempts fall on deaf ears, it's time to move on to the next step.
Send a Certified Letter
If your attempts at conversation fail, you'll need to put your issues in writing. Putting everything in writing will provide you with a paper trail should you need to go further in your attempts at resolution. Sit down and write a detailed letter, explaining every issue you have with your neighbors. Be sure to provide details of the events that have lead up to your dispute. Once you have the letter penned, have it notarized and then send it as a certified letter. The additional steps will provide proof that you actually sent the letter. Be sure to keep a copy of the letter so that you can show proof of what you wrote.
File a Police Report
There are times when conversation and letters will fail at resolving the dispute. If your conversations and letters have resulted in a continuation of the problem, or even an escalation, it's time to get the police involved. Contact your local law enforcement agency and file an official complaint against your neighbor. Provide law enforcement with thorough details of the issues at hand, as well as details of the steps you've taken to resolve the dispute.
Hire an Attorney
Once you've contacted the police department and filed a complaint against your neighbors, it will be time to get an attorney involved. This is particularly important if police involvement hasn't resolved the dispute. You may need to file a lawsuit against your neighbor to get the behavior to cease once and for all. For more information, talk to a company such as Haskin & Associates LLC.