Small conflicts between neighbors often mushroom into full blown disputes which prevent homeowners from fully enjoying their properties. Neighbors may be in conflict related to fallen trees, misplaced fences, barking dogs, and property lines, to name a few.
Neighbors must live with each other during the conflict and afterward. Mediation brings neighbors ("parties") together for confidential dispute resolution. Mediation is faster than litigation. A skilled mediator can handle strong personalities and assist the parties to resolve their dispute.
In my Maryland mediation practice a conflict was presented. A forty year old established neighborhood had open spaces as well as areas populated by dense trees. The original "settlers" were empty nesters. Some of them moved and sold their homes to "young" families. Eventually, the owner of a large open space sold it to developers who built large custom homes. Some of those homes shared a property line with the original homes.
A family (#2) with school aged children moved into one of the custom homes. One of the "young" families (#1) who lived in the original neighborhood enjoyed playing in the open space and were also excited to learn there would be children their ages moving into the new home (#2) behind their home (#1).
However, father #2 became enraged when the children of father #1 walked onto yard #2. Father #2 confronted father #1 and told him to keep his children off property #2. Father #1 attempted to comply with the wishes of father #2. However, occasionally when children #1 played ball or frisbee their toys rolled or flew into yard #2. Father #1 then retrieved the toys from yard #2.
One morning prior to 8 a.m. there came a knock at the door of home #1. In an otherwise very peaceful neighborhood, two policemen stood and explained to father #1 the wisdom of making sure he and his family never set foot again on the property of father #2.
Mediation is a terrific tool for neighbors in conflict or full blown dispute. Ideally neighbors will have peaceful and ongoing relationships. Mediation helps maintain ongoing relationships, assists neighbors to negotiate resolutions to existing conflicts, and provides communication skills to assist neighbors to work together peacefully to avoid future disputes.
