How Do I Settle a Land Boundary Dispute with a Neighbor in Jamaica?

Question from Denise Lewis, Virginia, USA:

"Our land in Trelawny is bordered with a new neighbour. He is insisting that part of our land belongs to him. How do we get this issue fixed so we can live in peace? Thank you."

Answer by Wellesley:

Hi Denise, thanks so much for reaching out. I know how frustrating and uncomfortable it can be when there's uncertainty over land boundaries—especially when you're dealing with new neighbours who might not be familiar with the full history of the property.

Now, the good news is that there's a clear process to settle this kind of matter, and it starts with getting the facts straight. If your family has a registered title for the land in Trelawny, that document will show the official boundary lines. It’s best to locate that title, or if it’s missing, you can request a copy from the National Land Agency (NLA).

Once you have the title or diagram in hand, the next step is to contact a licensed land surveyor. They’ll come out to the property, measure based on the legal boundary lines, and place pegs or markers where the lines actually run. That alone can often clear up the misunderstanding.

In some cases, especially when both parties are trying to avoid conflict, a boundary agreement can be drawn up based on the findings of the surveyor. That’s something your family and the neighbour can sign onto—just to make everything clear and documented. If, for any reason, the neighbour disagrees or continues to press the issue, then it's best to seek legal advice from a land attorney in Jamaica. They’ll guide you through next steps, whether it’s mediation or a legal declaration.

At the end of the day, the goal is peace, so getting the land professionally surveyed is the most honest and peaceful place to begin. It’s better to address it early, before things get any more strained.

Hope this helps you and your family move forward with clarity and confidence Denise.

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📅 Last updated: May 29, 2025

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