A Border dispute is when two or more countries or regions can’t agree on exactly where their shared boundary is located. This can be a very serious issue, and it is not uncommon for it to result in arguments or even Wars (like Pakistan and India’s dispute over Kashmir, the Honey War between Iowa and Missouri, and the China-India confrontation on their Himalayan frontier). Generally, territorial disputes arise because of natural resources like water, fertile farmland, oil, and minerals, although they may also be fueled by religious or ethnic nationalism. In some cases, disputed areas may be important for strategic reasons like controlling trade routes or mountain passes.
Conflicts over boundaries can be resolved by negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and the use of international courts. The best way to resolve a dispute is by reaching an agreement that is written down in a formal treaty or document.
When there is a disagreement over where the property line is, it is referred to as a “contested boundary.” There can be a number of issues that lead to contested boundaries, including different interpretations of legal documents, physical evidence, and differing beliefs about what was meant by a certain word or phrase in an older document. Our attorneys are experienced in dealing with these types of situations and can help you find a solution that is fair to all parties. Our firm has handled several boundary disputes involving both real estate and business ownership.