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Living in close proximity to your neighbors can make it difficult to determine where your property ends and theirs begins. Property line disputes are common between neighbors, but these minor disputes can quickly become heated if not dealt with properly.

Here are three tips that will help you deal with property line disputes constructively in the future.

1. Address any property line issues as quickly as possible.

It's important that you address any property line discrepancies that might arise between you and a neighbor as soon as you notice an issue. If a neighbor uses part of your property as a roadway to access their own land, or they build a fence a few inches over their property line and onto yours, a host of legal headaches could ensue.

In some cases, failing to address the issue quickly could cause you to lose ownership or rights to a portion of your property through an easement. Be sure that you contact both your neighbor and an attorney as soon as you notice a property line issue in the future.

2. Consult a land survey.

If you are unsure where your property line lies, consulting a land survey could be a simple way to resolve any disputes that may arise over land use between you and a neighbor. At the time you purchased your home, a land survey should have been provided to you by the seller.

By comparing your land survey with a neighbor's, you will be able to accurately determine where the true boundary between your properties lies. Hiring an attorney with residential law experience can be helpful when evaluating land surveys, since these documents can be challenging to read.

3. Create a boundary line adjustment.

Adjusting the location of a property's boundary line can be done, if two neighbors agree to the adjustment. If you plan to adjust your own property line, then working with an attorney to create a boundary line adjustment can be beneficial.

These adjustments are designed to help neighbors resolve property line disputes by transferring title to a portion of land from one party to the other. A new survey must be filed with the county recorder or auditor in your area to finalize the agreement.

By addressing the issue quickly, consulting a land survey, or creating a boundary line adjustment, you will be able to maintain a positive relationship with your neighbors by resolving property line disputes accurately in the future.

To learn more, contact a residential real estate lawyer like Steve Butcher Sr.