Yes. Court proceedings should usually be a later step, not the automatic starting point.
Start by narrowing the factual disagreement
Owners often argue about different things without realising it: one may be discussing ownership of a fence, the other the legal boundary, and a third issue may be access for repair.
Possible resolution routes
- Direct discussion supported by documents and plans.
- Independent boundary investigation.
- Early Neutral Evaluation.
- Mediation.
- A written boundary agreement.
- Joint instruction of one expert.
- Private expert determination where both parties expressly agree to be bound.
A joint expert whose determination is binding
Both neighbours can sign an agreement appointing one independent expert to decide a defined boundary issue and agree to accept the determination. This focused process can be substantially quicker and cheaper than contested proceedings.
Explore binding determination and reported litigation cost examples →
Why early evidence matters
Negotiation becomes easier when each side knows which points are supported by objective evidence and which are assumptions.
Need an evidence-led view?
For an early-stage assessment, consider an Early Neutral Evaluation. For a developed dispute, a fuller investigation report may be appropriate.
Early Neutral Evaluation → · Investigation reports →Adapted from Coburns’ boundary Knowledge Base for this site, with updated explanations and related guidance.