Lawyer well-versed in neighbor disputes

[hahathor.livejournal.com]

I'm having some issues with my neighbors about use of a shared private way. I've been trying for several years to have a civil conversation with them about how we can best utilize our shared property so that we both can get the use we want out of it. However, they have become increasingly hostile toward me & it is getting to the point where it is difficult if not impossible for me to access my property, and damage has been done to both my house & my vehicle. I don't particularly want to bring this to court, but it's really getting intolerable, and I'm hoping that a lawyer might be able to provide some advice on the best way to handle this. The few real-estate lawyers I have contacted deal primarily with closings, and I think I need some one with direct experience in neighbor disputes.

Recommendations gladly accepted.

Comments

[artguychris.livejournal.com]

I live on a private way in Somerville. According to the DPW, the city isn't allowed to use state funds for plowing or road repair. So you're pretty low on the priority list to get your street paved, though ours was redone a few years ago. In practice, it doesn't make much difference. Utilities must repair any holes they dig and the street is plowed by the city.

The big deal is that parking is limited to residents and abutters. Residents can sign a petition to exclude the abutters and erect a residents-only sign.

[hahathor.livejournal.com]

What exactly is the difference between a resident and an abutter? The laws concerning private ways are mind-bogglingly byzantine.

[zmgmeister.livejournal.com]

So, (@artguy) who physically owns the street? Do you own out to the middle of the street but grant an easement to everybody else, utilities, etc, or is the street owned by some other entity like a trust?