By Anthony I. Shin, Esq. | Civil Litigation | Shin Law Office
Easement and Access Road Disputes | Rappahannock County Property Lawyer
Living in Rappahannock County means peace, space, and beauty—but when it comes to property access, things can get tangled fast.
I’ve helped landowners across the county who found themselves in the middle of a fight they didn’t see coming—because an old gravel road became a source of tension, or because someone suddenly claimed a “right” to drive across private land.
These cases usually come down to one issue: easements.
And in rural Virginia, the law around them isn’t always straightforward.
What’s the Big Deal About an Easement?
If you’re new to property law, here’s the simple version: an easement is a legal right to use part of someone else’s land for a specific purpose, like a driveway, a utility line, or access to a landlocked property.
But whether that easement is legally valid, recorded, or even still in effect is another matter.
I’ve seen situations where a neighbor assumes they have a right to use your road because “they always have.”
But unless it’s recorded or granted under law, that assumption might not hold up in court.
Prescriptive Easements and Unwritten Rights
One tricky area is what we refer to as prescriptive easements.
That’s when someone uses your land without permission for years—openly and continuously—and then tries to claim a permanent right.
It’s a legal gray area that can become a real headache if you don’t act promptly.
I once worked with a client in Rappahannock who didn’t even know a right-of-way existed through their back pasture.
A neighbor started running equipment through it and claimed it had been used for decades.
It required a thorough review of old surveys, witness statements, and county records to resolve the issue, and in the end, we successfully protected my client’s property rights.
Fences, Driveways, and Family Feuds
Access road disputes don’t just happen with strangers.
I’ve helped families in Rappahannock where siblings or cousins inherited land but couldn’t agree on who gets access to what.
Old farm roads, shared driveways, and vague “gentlemen’s agreements” often lead to hurt feelings—and sometimes legal battles.
That’s where having a lawyer step in helps.
I keep things focused on facts, documents, and long-term solutions, so it doesn’t end with neighbors (or relatives) refusing to speak to each other.
Know Where You Stand—Literally
If you’re unsure about the boundaries of your land, who can access it, or whether an easement is enforceable, don’t wait for it to become a lawsuit.
The sooner we review your title, deeds, and easement language, the better our chances are of protecting your property and avoiding conflict.
You’ve got one shot at getting this right—and I’m here to make sure you do.
Call Shin Law Office at 571-445-6565 or book online today!
— Anthony I. Shin, Esq.
Principal Attorney | Shin Law Office
