People Also Ask
Estate Planning and Probate Law

Standard homeowner insurance policies usually do not cover issues related to boundary lines or the cost of removing a neighbor's structure. Insurance generally covers sudden and accidental damage, like a fire or storm. However, if your neighbor's poorly placed retaining wall causes a landslide that damages your home, the resulting physical damage might trigger a claim. You should review your specific policy documents or speak with your agent to be certain.

Initially, you file the original will, death certificate, and Petition for Administration to open the estate. Once appointed, you must file an Oath of Personal Representative and obtain Letters of Administration as your proof of authority.

Within 60 days of appointment, file a comprehensive inventory of estate assets. You'll also file a Notice of Administration that gets sent to beneficiaries, and proof that you properly published Notice to Creditors in a newspaper.

As administration progresses, you file accountings showing all money received and spent by the estate. For any major transactions like selling real estate, you may need to petition the court for approval. When ready to close the estate, you file a final accounting, petition for discharge, and proof of distribution to beneficiaries. Some estates qualify for simplified procedures with fewer filing requirements.

You'll need comparable property sales data showing similar properties valued lower, recent photographs of your property documenting condition, copies of recent appraisals if available, evidence of any property record errors, and documentation of factors affecting value like needed repairs or neighborhood issues. The more evidence you provide showing your property's value is lower than the assessment, the stronger your appeal.

Police typically cannot resolve civil property disputes, as these are matters for the courts. However, police may respond to immediate situations involving trespassing, threats, property damage, or violations of court orders. If a neighbor refuses to leave your property after being asked, police can address the trespassing. For ongoing boundary disputes, easement conflicts, or encroachment issues, police will generally advise parties to seek resolution through civil legal channels. A land use attorney can properly document disputes and pursue appropriate legal remedies rather than relying on law enforcement intervention.