July 27, 2012

Ideally, neighbors can agree between themselves on most fencing issues. If they cannot agree, Nebraska Division Fence Statutes provide a legal process for resolving fence disputes. A 2010 amendment establishes the requirements for splitting cost of a wire division fence equally (50-50) between neighbors. Mediation is probably the most cost-effective way to resolve fence disputes if the parties cannot settle the matter between themselves.

In this week's Cornhusker Economics newsletter, David Aiken, UNL agricultural law specialist, answers questions on resolving fence disputes and provides resources on mediating problems that can't be resolved neighbor-to-neighbor. Among the questions addressed are:

• Are division fences required?
• Do I need permission to go onto the neighbor's land for fence construction, maintenance, or repair?
• What happens if my neighbor won't pay, won't build, or won't repair the fence?
• How does mediation work?
• What happens if the fence is damaged by natural disaster?

For the answers to these questions and more information see Resolving Division Fence Disputes in Nebraska.

For more information on agricultural economics topics, see previous issues of Cornhusker Economics.