Mediating Neighbor Disputes

Tensions can run incredibly high in a neighbor dispute, with both parties naturally feeling strongly about their use and enjoyment of their home and hearth. In the worst-case scenario, neighbor disputes can lead to long-term feuds and even violence. With appropriate use of the legal system, however, such results can be averted.

First, mediation and arbitration offer powerful legal tools to help resolve a neighbor dispute. Having a neutral third party is invaluable -- but typically much less expensive than hiring an attorney or going to court. What's more, these alternative dispute resolution methods can lead to creative solutions that a judge wouldn't even have the power to grant.  

But when other methods fail, or a neighbor is completely uncooperative, the court system may be a necessary stop.

Here's how to plan and prepare for your day before a mediator, arbitrator, or judge.

Disputes can be expensive to resolve once the lawyers get involved, making mediation an attractive option, particularly given the availability of free or low-cost services.

Mediation is one of the most effective ways to deal with disagreements with neighbors. But how does one deal with some of the thorny details of reaching and living by a compromise?

Represent yourself in small claims court and win!

Information, tips and strategies you need to sue someone successfully, or put up a winning defense

Empower Yourself: DIY Products by Nolo

Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.

Resolve neighbor conflicts and get peace of mind

Online Form

Quitclaim Deed

Legally Transfer Property with a Quitclaim Deed

Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.

More Legal Issues

Click below to view more legal issues. Our extensive collection of legal topics ranges across different areas of practice.

Learn About Our Team

Learn About Our Team

Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.

Learn more about the team that manages Nolo’s articles, books, and DIY tools.

Need a Lawyer? We Can Help

Find an experienced, local attorney in three easy steps. Our process is designed for ease and simplicity.

01

Describe Your Case

Briefly tell us about your case, and provide your contact information.

02

Get Connected

We find and instantly list attorneys that can best handle your case.

03

Hire an Attorney

Choose the attorneys you would like to work with.

Integrity and Expertise You Can Rely On

Get Professional Help
Talk to a Real Estate attorney.
How It Works
  1. Briefly tell us about your case
  2. Provide your contact information
  3. Choose attorneys to contact you