Adjoining landowners are owners of land with common boundaries, and have mutual rights, duties, and obligations related to their adjoining pieces of land.
In Missouri, adjoining landowners, also known as contiguous property owners, have certain rights and responsibilities regarding their shared property boundaries. These include the duty to respect the property lines and not to use the land in a way that would harm or devalue the neighboring property. Missouri law recognizes the principle of boundary by acquiescence, where a boundary line can be established by the conduct of the adjoining landowners over a period of time. Additionally, Missouri follows the common law rule for tree and vegetation management on property lines, meaning that a landowner can trim branches or roots that encroach onto their property from a neighbor's tree, as long as it does not harm the health of the tree. Disputes between adjoining landowners over boundaries or nuisances are typically resolved through civil litigation, and landowners are encouraged to resolve minor disputes amicably without resorting to legal action. It is advisable for landowners to consult with an attorney if they are facing issues related to property boundaries or other disputes with adjoining landowners.