Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Washington

Re: Neighbors blocking drive-way

You can take the nice route and leave yourself the option to sue them if necessary.

Neighbor disputes are terrible because at the end of the day, you are living next door to the opposing party, which can be mighty uncomfortable.

You can write to them and explain your concerns and ask them to respect your right to use your driveway.

Your intended audience for this letter is not your neighbors, although they are the addressees. Your intended audience is the judge or arbitrator who would eventually decide this case if necessary.

You want that person to see how sane and reasonable you are being.

Most counties have a mediation/alternative dispute resolution center, and the cost savings is so great that any rational person would try this first before going to court.

This way, you have reserve ammunition if necessary.

If all else fails and these people will not listen to reason and stay out of your way, then sue them.

Lawyer up with somebody local who understands real property boundary issues, pay them well and get out of their way and let the fur fly.

The city has no jurisdicion because this is a neighbor dispute, and the police don't care because it hasn't escalated into criminal conduct.

It's a civil matter. That's what civil attorneys do best.

Hope this helps - Elizabeth Powell