Disputes Between Neighbors

Restoring Neighborhood Relations, Good Fences Make Good Neighbors.

Disputes between neighbors can be deceptively complex and, if mishandled, deeply disruptive. While these matters are generally governed by local laws—such as county codes and city ordinances—along with applicable state statutes and judicial decisions, they often involve highly personal issues that extend well beyond the legal questions at hand. In the DC metro area, just as everywhere else, resolving neighbor disputes requires not only legal knowledge, but discretion, judgment, and a steady hand.

The Law Office of Joseph P. Evans focuses on this distinct facet of community association and neighborhood law, representing clients in a wide range of disputes between adjoining property owners. These matters commonly involve patterns of nuisance noise; trespass by pets; nuisance lighting and intentional efforts to disturb neighboring properties; boundary disagreements; fencing and barrier disputes; and encroachment caused by buildings, structures, or plantings. Although these cases are typically more straightforward than disputes involving homeowners’ associations, they can escalate quickly and evolve into long-running feuds with far-reaching legal, social, personal, and familial consequences.

Joseph Putnam Evans, the managing attorney of the Firm has extensive experience handling neighborhood law disputes across the jurisdictions of Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina, and understands how easily tensions between neighbors can intensify. His approach emphasizes civility, respect, and practical problem-solving. Whenever possible, he works to resolve disputes through negotiation, drawing on his experience to help both sides reach an outcome that restores peace, preserves property rights, and allows neighbors to move forward with a functional—and often improved—relationship.

When amicable resolution is not achievable, however, the Firm is fully prepared to pursue litigation. With a strong command of the applicable local and state laws and a proven track record in court, the Managing Attorney is well-equipped to protect his clients’ interests and to achieve decisive results when formal legal action becomes necessary.