top of page
Search


Easements Implied by Prior Use - Quasi Easements are Everywhere.
Numerous sources describe appurtenant easements as incorporeal rights—the limited use by one party of the lands of another. Despite...
Kris
Oct 5, 20206 min read


Boundary Retracement—Sequence of Events is Critical for Surveyors and Attorneys.
“No human transactions are unaffected by time…” Rhode Island v. Massachusetts: 45 U.S. 591 (1846) Proper analysis of property title...
Kris
Aug 17, 20207 min read


How to Fix a Boundary Line - Acquiescence & Adverse Possession -- Agreement & Practical Location
This article is composed of excerpts from Kristopher Kline’s book, “How to Fix a Boundary Line” (312 pages, hardcover). The text that...
Kris
Jul 10, 202013 min read


Negligence and the Land Surveyor: Three Things to Remember
- “Everybody is doing it” – is not a valid defense against a charge of Negligence. As stated in the Oregon decision Voelz v. Board of...
Kris
May 27, 20202 min read


Artificial Lakes Create Difficulties for Land Surveyors involved in Riparian Disputes -
When surveying or working on or near artificial bodies of water, it is important to remember that many of the ‘classic’ rules relating to...
Kris
May 21, 20202 min read


Rules of Construction—Essential (but Tricky) Tools for Surveyors, Attorneys & Land Use Professionals
Surveyors deal with the rules of construction each time they read a deed and attempt to ‘follow the footsteps’ of the original surveyor....
Kris
Apr 18, 20209 min read


The 'Castle Associates' Rule: It’s difficult to interrupt a right that has never been exercised...
It is an established principle of adverse possession doctrine that easements can be extinguished by adverse use where appropriate...
Kris
Mar 18, 20207 min read


Do the 'Rules' change for 'Modern' Surveys?
One of the most common—and erroneous—arguments contributing to the proliferation of purported corner markers representing a single corner...
Kris
Feb 17, 20207 min read


Swamp and Circumstance
Throughout its development, real property law in the United States has been shaped by geographic features and variations in climate. The...
Kris
Jan 13, 20205 min read


Easements: Part Performance of an Oral Contract is NOT the Same Thing as Parol Agreement
There are many legitimate mechanisms that may create or extinguish an easement. Courts have recognized servitudes created by grant,...
Kris
Dec 31, 20198 min read


Beach Rights: State Laws Control Boundaries - Until they Don't...
This post is comprised of a series of quotes from the U.S. Supreme Court decision “Hughes v. Washington” 389 U.S. 290 (1967). It deals...
Kris
Dec 17, 20192 min read


Monuments Still Control - Even in Recent Subdivisions. Bearings and Distances are Guides.
Rules of Construction Don’t Change for Modern Surveys One of the most common—and erroneous—arguments arguments contributing to the...
Kris
Nov 18, 20197 min read


Strip and Gore Doctrine - Streams, Rivers, and Roads
Land use professionals routinely apply common rules of construction in interpreting deeds, wills, and express easements. Under these...
Kris
Oct 20, 20199 min read


Surface Water Flow, Cavorting Catfish, and Liberated Beaver
A student once asked if court opinions ever discussed beavers and their propensity for obstructing streams and ditches. In fact, various...
Kris
Oct 9, 20198 min read


Book Preview: "Prescriptive Easements & Related Principles"
The following passages are excerpts from Kris Kline’s latest book “Prescriptive Easements & Related Principles.” (200 pages, softcover.)...
Kris
Sep 29, 20194 min read


Professional Land Surveyors Cannot Abdicate Their Responsibilities - Complete Research.
Limiting liability is a legitimate concern for surveyors—and for professionals across the spectrum. However, it is also important to...
Kris
Sep 21, 20194 min read


Easement by Necessity - Driveway disputes can be Problematic for Land Surveyors
The concept of Easement by Necessity developed early in the history of English common law—numerous examples can be found as far back as...
Kris
Sep 13, 20199 min read


Floating Easements can be Located by the Land Surveyor
Floating easements are problematic for surveyors because they only identify the subject tract that is burdened by the servitude and lack...
Kris
Sep 9, 20195 min read


Railroad Right of Way Dispute - Law of Easements and the Boundary Consultant
On March 10, 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision of immediate interest to surveyors and land use professionals...
Kris
Sep 1, 20197 min read


Water Boundaries and the Surveyor - Title vs. the Right to Navigate.
The following passages are excerpts from Kris Kline’s book “Riparian Boundaries and Rights of Navigation: Rivers, Lakes and Seas.” (56...
Kris
Aug 25, 201910 min read
bottom of page