NATIONWIDE EXPERTISE
The research essential for his published articles and books, combined with additional study and analysis required for individual state classes, has given Kris a broad knowledge base that spans the nation. Unusual problems encountered during court disputes in several jurisdictions provided additional impetus to expand his expertise.
It is imperative to understand the distinction between concepts that are broadly accepted in most courts and more difficult situations where precedent is confused or conflicting. Confusion may arise within a single jurisdiction based on conflicting precedent within the state. Alternatively, it may result from unusual precedent within a single state that runs contrary to most other states.
Kris has spent years studying these variations but also recognizes that there is always more to learn, both in fields or courts not yet studied but also in the real possibility that additional legitimate precedent can arise at any time.
Areas of Study, Teaching, and Consulting
Acquiescence
Adverse Possession
Claims Against the State
Claims Against Railroads
Color of Title
Common Law Requirements
Effect of a Survey
Mistaken Belief
Statutory Requirements
Tacking
Boundary Line Agreements
Conditional Boundary Lines
Consentable Boundary Lines
Courtroom Preparation
Doctrine of Merger—Effect on Boundaries
Easements:
Abandonment
Acceptance—Implied vs. Express
Castle Associates Rule
Cessation of Purpose
Common Scheme Doctrine
Custom as a source of easements
Dedication—Implied vs. Express
Discontinuance of Maintenance
(Public Ways)
Doctrine of Merger—Effect on Easements
Easement by Necessity
Extinguishment by Notice and Race/Notice Statutes
Estoppel and Easements
Frustration of Purpose
Implied Easements
Overburden of Existing Easement
Part Performance & Easements
Practical Location of Easements
Prescriptive Easements
Public Utility Easements
Quasi-Easements
Railroad Easements
Reciprocal Servitudes/Restrictions
Estoppel
Intent of the Parties—Deed Interpretation
Lost Grant Theory
Mineral Estates
Original Footsteps—Retracement
Parol Agreement
Practical Location of Boundaries
Railroad Retracement
Riparian and Littoral Issues
Littoral Boundaries (Lakes, Bays, Ocean)
Public Trust Doctrine
Right to Navigate
Riparian Boundaries (Rivers)
Strip and Gore Doctrine
Rules of Construction
Slander of Title
State and Federal Boundaries
Statute of Frauds
Taking Clause
Tax Maps
Water – Surface Flow/Drainage
Common Law Rule
Civil Law Rule
Reasonable Use Doctrine
Valuation Maps (Railroads)