OK I'm ready/Sappy Neighbor Tree Problem

[a neighbor]

Now that I'm ready to hire an attorney to fight a tree/littering/harassment case with my neighbor (came home to more trash in my driveway today), I'm finding it extremely hard to find an attorney versed in this area of law. Most general law practice attorney's are willing to take a stab at it, but it seems it would be more costly to have one read the books as they go and I would be paying by the hour (?), and I would like someone (even if they lost) that has had a case like this. Can anyone give any pointers as to where to look? Does anyone know of an attorney in Prince Georges County Maryland for neighbor disputes, as mentioned above? Any help would be truly appreciated. I tried the MD bar referral service, they are charging and I don't own a credit card, and even if once referred would I lose out if the attorney they referred didn't work out? Can't understand why this is soo hard??

 

[lawrat]

I am going to give you an easier route. Call the torts/property law professor at the University of Maryland law school.

 

[a neighbor]

thank you Lawrat, I left a voice mail message and told the Professor I would be emailing him with a question. My only hope now that unlike the President he DOES use his email, lol

But boy what a federal case, I had one attorney call me back and say I was wasting my money and to take the neighbor to small claims *hmmm you don't want my money*, but I can't get a dollar amount because I can't get a reputable tree service to step in on a neighbor dispute.

On last GET THIS, I spoke with the County Inspectors today, and asked why they won't go on this mans property and take care of anything (trees/rats/backhoe parked for over 15 yrs). They said they can't. I told them that according to the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR), that advance notice will be given before access, according to COMAR. They responded with; they don't follow COMAR they have their own County Rules *looks dumb and say O'K'*

 

[ArtCorbit]

Tree problem

Try to find you an attorney that knows Real Estate Law. You can get an estimate from a tree company to fix the problem and then take that to small claims.

 

[a neighbor]

Sorry tree company will not touch the tree in a neighbor dispute. Even if I'm paying, not only will they not cut the tree down, they won't even cut the half that hangs over on my property.

But I will keep you posted, I went to see an attorney today, and bringing this too a close may be in the future. It may be a long and expensive haul but I need to do something. BTW, I think my original post is back towards the 3 or 4th page. Thanks

 

[ArtCorbit]

Tree Problem

I didn't say for you to get a tree company to cut the tree. Just get them to tell you what they would charge if they did and get them to put it in writing.

 

[a neighbor]

Again, their not my trees so the tree company will not even give an estimate (tried more than one place). Oh by the way, the professor never called or emailed me, Guess that's what they make attorney's for I really like the one I retained, seems to think by laying out the "if you don't cut the trees down this is what we plan to do", and will pretty much cost alot more than taking these trees down to begin with. He said it's an interesting case, because of the guy doing the harassment part that started after asking to do something about the trees. I don't know if you read my original post, but the County Council wrote back and never addressed the issues at all. You just gotta love where I live Ahhh, but at least I know of about 50 ways to kill a tree now, but in Maryland it's a fine and jail time *chuckles*

 

[dimond58]

it may sound silly but i saw a case like this on judge wapner man 1 cut limbs of tree belonging to man2. limbs were hanging over onto man1's yard and making a mess. man 2 had suied for damages. the ruling was man 1 had the right to cut the limbs because they were over property line. file in small claimes for your time and trouble for cleaning up mess and see if you can get judgment to have limbs removed.

 

[a neighbor]

I seen that case too, LOL If you engage in self help you can't sue, basis you did it on your own free will. I did cut as much as I could reach 3 years ago because it was on top of my truck, I bagged and got rid of everything. The trees (pine) are taller than the power lines and hang more than 3 quarters over my drive way. I found when you trim these rascals they branch out more, LOL. I've done extensive research (paralegal by trade) our county just SUCKS! excuse me for the outburst! Most states wouldn't allow for this too happen. I was just hoping I missed some law or county code somewhere, and the reason I finally got an attorney is I have to much financial emotions caused by damage of these trees to think straight and I didn't want to look like a flaming idiot in court, should it have to go that far. When I point blank told him I would have to sue him to have him take care of the trees, he's now decided after 6-7 years that my fence is on his property, NOT! And besides I wouldn't look good on tv?!?!?

 

[dimond58]

try this if limbs are over power lines call power co. and complain that trees may fall on their lines in snow or ice storm. they have domain over these matters. it may be worth a try

 

[a neighbor]

power company only trims around the power lines, perfect "C" shape right around the lines. I've even been there and said give it a straight zip up, NO WAY. And that's only 2 out of 4 trees that even bothers the lines. Oh I'm not getting off my soapbox yet, I still plan on having county change their codes involving such nuisances. Really sad when you can get Animal Control to respond and act on a complaint, but for individuals, not a chance. I just wonder how many elderly peopleon fixed incomes in the county have to put up with this crap? The neighbor on the other side of this guy is watching with bated breath to see what the outcome is (some sort of problem on that side). Since they don't want to get involved either, I'll just keep an extra card to my attorny's office