Q: Width of utility easement is unclear
During a title search on a property a permanent Town sewer utility easement was recovered. In the document it says «...grant and release PERMANENT EASEMENT TEN (20) feet in width across the lands..”
Making it confusing what is the width 10 or 20 feet?
Is it necessary to correct the document before closing?
Will it cause issues when selling the property in the future?
A: Greetings. This appears to be a scrivener's error. You will need an attorney to reform the document. The attorney will file an action in court asking the court to determine whether 10 or 20 feet was intended by the parties that created the easement. The Town will be joined as a party to the lawsuit. Your attorney will present proof one way or the other depending on the evidence available in conjunction with your best interests. Your real estate attorney will likely be able to file the action for a reasonable charge. Good luck.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.