After filing a complaint with the city inspector and measuring the boundaries herself, Catherine confirmed what she already suspected: Jeffrey’s fence wasn’t just an eyesore—it was a blatant violation. Nearly four feet of her land had been stolen, and worst of all, her sunniest windows were now cast in shadow.
But instead of yelling or confronting him immediately, Catherine played it smart.
She hired a surveyor and had official documentation drawn up. Then, with the help of a lawyer friend, she sent a formal cease-and-desist letter, requesting the fence be taken down within ten business days. No reply.
So, she escalated.
Catherine filed a lawsuit and requested a temporary injunction. She didn’t just ask for the fence to be removed—she asked for damages, legal fees, and compensation for reduced sunlight and property value. The court granted her request for an emergency hearing.
In the meantime, Catherine put up bright neon signs on her side of the fence that read:
“UNLAWFUL STRUCTURE — TRESPASSING WILL BE PROSECUTED”
It didn’t take long for neighbors to notice and ask questions. Word spread fast in the neighborhood Facebook group. Suddenly, Jeffrey’s once-respectable reputation tanked.
At the court hearing, the judge didn’t hold back.
— You disregarded your neighbor’s property rights and ignored a legal warning, — the judge said sternly.
Jeffrey was ordered to remove the fence within 5 days, restore her landscaping, and pay a hefty fine.
But Catherine wasn’t done yet.
To ensure no such thing happened again, she planted a row of fast-growing arborvitae trees—on her exact boundary. Not only did they block his view now, but they also reminded him every day that she knew her rights, and wouldn’t be walked over.
Jeffrey avoided eye contact every time they crossed paths.
Lesson? Never underestimate a calm neighbor with a plan—and a good lawyer.
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