Property Disputes

Prattville Property Dispute Attorneys

Protecting the Rights of Property Owners Since 1956

Facing a property dispute can be overwhelming, stressful, and deeply personal. Whether it’s a boundary disagreement with a neighbor, a title conflict with a co-owner, or concerns about adverse possession, property conflicts can disrupt your finances and peace of mind. This is where a knowledgeable lawyer can make a meaningful difference.

At McDowell Faulk & Shirley, we understand the legal, emotional, and practical challenges of protecting your property. Our property dispute attorneys have a deep understanding of property and real estate laws in Alabama to protect your ownership rights. Our goal is to safeguard your property, minimize stress, and work toward a fair resolution.

When you partner with our firm, you can expect clear guidance and strategic counsel tailored to your legal needs. We have decades of experience and a proven track record of success in and out of the courtroom. We utilize a client-first approach to give every case the time and personalized attention it deserves.

If you’re facing a property dispute in Prattville, our attorneys can help you pursue a favorable resolution. Call (334) 380-4252 to schedule a consultation.

What Is a Property Dispute?

Property disputes are civil matters involving conflicts over ownership, boundaries, use, or rights to real estate. These disputes can arise between neighbors, family members, co-owners, or businesses. If you’re facing a property conflict, we can investigate the issue, explain your legal options, and work tirelessly to protect your property.

Common Property Disputes We Handle

At McDowell Faulk & Shirley, we provide high-quality representation for a wide range of property disputes. Below are some common cases we handle:

Boundary disputes. We address conflicts over property lines, fences, and encroachments.
Title and ownership disputes. We navigate challenges regarding legal property ownership, including claims of adverse possession or conflicting deeds.
Easement and access disputes. We handle issues related to shared driveways, rights-of-way, and utility access.
Landlord-tenant and lease disputes. Our firm addresses conflicts over lease terms, evictions, and property maintenance responsibilities.
Construction and contract disputes. We help clients navigate problems with contractors, development agreements, and property improvements.
HOA disputes. We represent clients in disagreements over covenants, restrictions, and assessments in subdivisions or planned communities.
Zoning and land use disputes. Our lawyers handle conflicts involving zoning violations, land development regulations, and municipal restrictions.
Deed and property transfer disputes. We assist with disagreements arising from deeds and property transfers, as well as trust-related matters.

How Do Courts Determine Property Ownership in Alabama?

In property disputes, property ownership is determined by reviewing legal documents like deeds, titles, and surveys, examining the chain of ownership, and considering evidence of possession or use. Courts may also appoint experts or surveyors to clarify boundaries. Our property dispute lawyers can help you present clear, convincing evidence of ownership and represent you in negotiations or litigation if necessary.

How Do Courts Handle Adverse Possession Cases?

Adverse possession allows someone to claim ownership of property if they occupy it openly, continuously, and without permission for a specific period (20 years for adverse possession by prescription, and ten years for adverse possession by color of title).

The possession must be hostile (against the right of the true owner), actual (exercising control over the property), exclusive (in the possession of the trespasser alone), and notorious (using the property as the real owner would without hiding their occupancy).

Courts carefully review evidence to determine if all legal requirements are met before granting ownership in adverse possession cases. Whether you are defending your property from a claim or pursuing rightful ownership, we can analyze your situation, gather evidence, and advocate for a fair outcome.

Can Property Disputes Be Resolved without Going to Court?

Yes, it’s possible to resolve property disputes without going to court. This is typically accomplished through mediation, negotiation, or arbitration. While it can be frustrating and costly to have your case delayed by litigation, it may be necessary in some cases to uphold your rights and legal ownership. We can facilitate constructive discussions, draft agreements, and represent you in alternative dispute resolution processes to minimize stress and time in the courtroom if possible.

Can You Represent Me in Real Estate Litigation?

Absolutely. Our attorneys have extensive experience in real estate litigation, making us well equipped to represent your best interests. If your property dispute goes to trial, we can safeguard your rights, negotiate effectively with opposing parties, and fight for the favorable outcome you deserve.

What Determines Property Lines in Alabama?

Property lines are boundaries that separate properties with indicators, such as fences and gardens. You can find property lines by obtaining assessor records at the county assessor’s office. Courts may also order surveys during property disputes to determine property lines. Our lawyers can coordinate professional surveys, review deeds and legal descriptions, and protect your ownership rights in court.

When Should I Hire a Property Dispute Lawyer?

It’s important to seek legal guidance as soon as a conflict arises that affects your property rights, such as boundary disagreements, title issues, trespassing, or adverse possession claims. Failing to work with a qualified attorney can carry significant risks, including the loss of property rights.

Some benefits of partnering with McDowell Faulk & Shirley include:

Legal guidance. We are well versed in the legal complexities of property disputes to assist with filings, manage deadlines, and gather documentation.
Preventing mistakes. Our attorneys can work closely with you to avoid procedural errors that may jeopardize your case.
Negotiating a settlement. We can represent you in negotiations to prevent you from accepting an unfair settlement.
Trial representation. If negotiations fail, our litigators are prepared to aggressively protect your rights at trial.

Navigating a property conflict can be stressful and overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Contact us online to discuss your case.

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Professional and Friendly
“"I found McDowell, Faulk & Shirley LLC to be a very professional, but friendly and responsive (I worked with Mr Shirley). From the first phone call I made to them to address my case to the final meeting to wrap things up they were great people to work with. I will use them for my future needs and highly recommend them."”

- Grady O
Quality, Caring and Professional
“Thank you so much Mr. Shirley. I will forever be grateful!”

- Krista W.

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