Think your fence is in the right spot? Property line disputes are more common than you’d think. Here’s a general look at how they happen and why they matter.
Most people assume their property lines are clearly defined—until something calls them into question. Maybe a new fence goes up, a driveway is poured a little too close, or a neighbor starts trimming trees you thought were yours. That’s when boundary issues start to surface.
Property line disputes are more common than you might think. And while they can range from minor misunderstandings to full-on disagreements, they often come down to one basic issue: where, exactly, does one property end and the other begin?
How These Disputes Usually Start
Property line disputes tend to come up in a few familiar ways:
In some cases, these disputes go unnoticed for years—until someone pulls a survey or decides to build something.
Why Surveys (and Legal Descriptions) Matter
One of the most common ways people figure out where their property starts and stops is through a land survey. A licensed surveyor uses legal descriptions, markers, and measurements to create a map that outlines property boundaries.
But sometimes what’s on the ground—fences, hedges, driveways—doesn’t match what’s on paper. That’s when questions arise.
Common Reasons These Disputes Come Up
Even friendly neighbors can find themselves in a boundary disagreement. Some common triggers include:
Why Boundaries Are a Big Deal
Knowing where your property lines are is more than just a formality. It affects what you can build, how you use your land, and even whether you can sell it easily. If something crosses over onto another property—even slightly—it can slow down a real estate transaction or lead to long-term issues between neighbors.
That’s why clearly defined boundaries matter, whether you’re buying a home, building something new, or just putting up a fence.
Final Thoughts
Property line disputes can pop up almost anywhere—from city neighborhoods to rural properties. They’re not always dramatic, but they can cause real confusion. Understanding how property lines are typically established (and where to look when questions come up) can help keep things peaceful and practical.
If you’re curious about how boundary issues are generally handled in Minnesota, the team at Borden, Steinbauer, Krueger & Knudson, P.A. is happy to provide general information.
Born and raised in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Sam is thrilled to return to Central Minnesota after passing the bar exam in 2024. Sam's diverse experience spans roles with the Douglas County Attorney’s Office (Civil Division), a Nebraska lobbying firm, Hudl, and the University of Nebraska Civil Clinic. Through these positions, he gained valuable exposure to various areas of law, including civil litigation, policy advocacy, and client counseling. Early in his legal career, Sam is eager to leverage his skills and experiences to deliver effective and personalized legal solutions for BSKK’s clients.
Areas of Practice:
- Business Litigation
- Construction Litigation
- Property Law & Real Estate
- Contract Disputes
- Personal Injury
- Probate/Trust Disputes
- Landlord/Tenant
- Family Law
Education:
- University of Nebraska College of Law, Lincoln, Nebraska, 2024, J.D.
- Concentration in Real Estate and Business Transactions
- North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, 2019, B.S.
- Honors: Magna Cum Laude
- Majors: Political Science and Management Communication
Bar Admissions:
- Minnesota 2024
Professional Memberships:
- Minnesota State Bar Association
David V. Hurt is a seasoned litigator who has been advocating for individuals, families, and businesses across Minnesota since 2012. His practice is rooted in a practical, results-driven approach that blends strategic litigation with thoughtful dispute resolution. David's clients trust him to navigate complex legal issues with clarity, efficiency, and unwavering commitment.
He began his legal career clerking for the Honorable John G. Melbye in the Ninth Judicial District of Minnesota, where he gained invaluable perspective on trial practice and judicial reasoning. Since then, he has built a diverse portfolio of experience at firms in Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania—litigating matters ranging from corporate and construction disputes to aviation claims.
David’s practice spans a wide range of civil matters, including business formation and litigation, real estate and land use disputes, probate and trust litigation, and family law. He is particularly experienced in resolving high-conflict disputes and routinely employs alternative dispute resolution strategies to secure favorable outcomes for his clients while minimizing cost and disruption.
Areas of Practice:
Education:
Bar Admissions:
Professional Affiliations:
Virginia "Ginny" Knudson represents individuals and businesses in various areas of law, including, estate planning and probate, business and corporate, real estate, and governmental relations. Ginny provides mediation services in divorce and custody, especially for business owners and high wage-earners, as well as for real estate, probate and business disputes. Ginny has been selected as a top attorney by Minnesota Super Lawyer Magazine from for 13 years.
Areas of Practice:
– Estate planning
– Business and corporate
– Real estate and landlord representation
– Probate disputes, guardianships and conservatorships
– Municipal and governmental relations
-- Mediation
Education:
– University of Minnesota Law School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1994, J.D.
– Honors: Cum Laude
– University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1991, B.A.
– Honors: Summa Cum Laude
– Honors: Aquinas Scholar
– Major: Economics, Spanish, Minor: Business
Bar Admissions:
– Minnesota, 1994
– U.S. District Court District of Minnesota, 1994
– U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit, 1996
Professional Memberships:
– St. Francis Church Finance Council, 2004–present, Chair and Trustee
- Essentia-St. Joseph's Medical Center, Directors Council, 2020-present
- Lakes Area Music Festival Board, Board Member 2022-present
– Brainerd Area Chamber of Commerce, 2016-2022, Board Member and Chair
– Mount Ski Gull, Board Member, 2014-2019
– Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Brainerd Lodge #615
– Zonta International, 1999–2018
– Jaycees, Brainerd, 1998–1999
– Aitkin/Crow Wing County Bar Association, 2000–2001, President
– Aitkin/Crow Wing County Bar Association, 1999–2000, Vice-President
Patrick has been practicing law since 1980, dedicating over 90% of his career to representing personal injury victims and their families, as well as handling a wide range of civil litigation matters. He is a Certified Trial Specialist recognized by the Minnesota Bar Association and was named a leading American attorney in personal injury law by the American Research Corporation. His professional excellence also earned him recognition as a Super Lawyer by Minnesota Law & Politics, placing him among the top six percent of attorneys in Minnesota.
Pat is enjoying a well-deserved retirement after 40+ years of practice. We thank Pat for his years of dedication to the firm and his service to the Brainerd Lakes Area. His legacy is marked by a deep commitment to justice, compassion for clients, and significant contributions to the legal profession.
Areas of Practice (during his active years):
Plaintiff’s Personal Injury
Civil Litigation
Real Estate Litigation
Construction Litigation
Contract Litigation
Mediation and Arbitration
Education:
– University of North Dakota School of Law, Grand Forks, ND – J.D., 1980
- Honors: Graduate of the Year, Bruce Inn
- North Dakota Law Review, 1979–1980
– Concordia College, Moorhead, MN – B.A., 1974
- Major: Business Administration / Hospital Administration
Bar Admissions:
Minnesota, 1980
U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, 1981
Professional Memberships:
American Bar Association, Member
Minnesota State Bar Association, Member
American Association for Justice, Member
Minnesota Association for Justice, Member
Crow Wing-Aitkin County Bar Association, Past President
Brainerd Area Chamber of Commerce, Past Board Member
Brainerd Jaycees, Past President (1981–1982)
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Brainerd Lodge #615, Past Exalted Ruler
P.O.R.T. Group Home, Past Member, Board of Directors
