Property disputes lawyer in Mississauga
Your property is often your largest asset. When a boundary, a title, a co-owner, a failed closing or a neighbour puts it at risk, Lawcrest helps owners, buyers, sellers and investors across Mississauga and the GTA protect their rights with clear advice and firm representation.
Deadlines in property matters can be short. Liens may need to be preserved within weeks, and most other claims within two years. Get advice early.
416-830-3369What is a property dispute?
A property dispute is a disagreement over who owns, controls, uses or is responsible for real estate. It can involve a neighbour, a co-owner, a buyer or seller, a contractor, or a family member.
These disputes are often emotional and expensive when left to grow. Handled early, many can be resolved through negotiation or mediation without a long court battle.
We act for owners and for those defending a claim. We begin by reviewing the title, survey and agreements, then give you an honest view of your position and the most practical way forward.
- HomeownersBoundary, fence, easement, neighbour and title problems.
- Buyers and sellersFailed closings, deposits, misrepresentation and hidden defects.
- Co-owners and investorsDisagreements over shared ownership, sale and responsibilities.
Types of property disputes we handle
If your situation is not listed, call us. Many disputes overlap, and we will tell you plainly whether we can help.
Boundary and encroachment
A fence, structure, driveway or addition from a neighbouring property crosses the property line.
Easements and rights of way
Disputes over access, shared driveways, utilities and the right to cross land owned by someone else.
Title and ownership
Conflicting claims, errors on title, and disputes over who legally owns a property.
Co-ownership and partition
Co-owners who disagree about selling, buying out or using a shared property.
Failed closings and deposits
A buyer or seller who does not complete an agreement of purchase and sale.
Misrepresentation and defects
You bought a property after false statements, or found serious hidden defects.
Construction liens
Unpaid contractors or suppliers registering a lien, or an owner disputing one.
Neighbour disputes
Nuisance, drainage, trees, noise and other disagreements affecting how you use your land.
When should you speak to a lawyer?
The sooner you get advice, the more options you usually have. Contact us if any of these sound familiar.
- A survey shows an encroachmentActing early can prevent a problem from becoming permanent.
- You received a demand letter or lien noticeDeadlines to respond can be short, so do not ignore it.
- A deal is falling apart before closingWhat you do next can affect your deposit and your rights.
- A co-owner will not agree on sale or useThere are legal routes to resolve a deadlock.
- A neighbour is blocking access or causing damageDocumented, early action strengthens your position.
Your options for resolving a dispute
There is more than one path. We explain each, including the likely cost and time, so you can choose with confidence.
Demand and negotiationOften the first step
A clear letter setting out your position and what you want. Many disputes settle at this stage, quickly and at the lowest cost, with a written agreement that can be registered on title where needed.
MediationConfidential and flexible
A neutral mediator helps both sides reach a voluntary agreement. It is usually faster and cheaper than court, and it helps preserve relationships with neighbours and family.
Court application or actionSuperior Court of Justice
Disputes about ownership, boundaries and interests in land usually belong in the Superior Court of Justice. We prepare the evidence, handle the process and argue your case.
Urgent ordersWhen time matters
Where needed, we can seek an injunction to stop harmful work, or register a certificate of pending litigation against a property while a claim about an interest in land proceeds.
Expert evidenceSurveys, appraisals and inspections
Many property cases turn on expert reports. We coordinate surveyors, appraisers and inspectors so the evidence is clear and persuasive.
How we work with you
A clear process, with no surprises about where your matter stands.
Consultation
You tell us what happened. We listen, ask the right questions and explain where you stand in plain language.
Title and document review
We study the title, survey, agreements and correspondence to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your position.
Strategy and costs
We outline your options, the likely timeline and what each path may cost, before you decide how to proceed.
Demand and negotiation
We send or respond to formal letters and negotiate on your behalf, aiming for an early, sensible resolution.
Mediation or court
If needed, we take your matter to mediation or court and keep you informed at every stage.
Resolution and registration
We finalize the settlement or order and, where required, register it on title so the outcome is secure.
What you may be able to achieve
The remedies available depend on the facts, the documents and the law. We will give you an honest view of what is realistic in your case.
- DamagesCompensation for financial loss caused by the other party.
- Specific performanceBecause land is unique, a court may order a sale to be completed in some cases.
- DeclarationsA court ruling on who owns land, or where a boundary or easement lies.
- InjunctionsOrders to stop or remove encroachments, or to stop harmful activity.
- Partition or saleWhere co-owners cannot agree, a court may order a sale or division of the property.
- Costs and interestA contribution toward legal costs, and interest on money owed, may be available.
Do not wait: time limits apply
Under Ontario's Limitations Act, 2002, most claims must be started within two years of when you discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, the problem. Claims to recover land are generally subject to a longer period under the Real Property Limitations Act.
Construction liens have much shorter deadlines. In many cases a lien must be preserved within about 60 days, and then followed up promptly. Your agreement may also set notice periods. Missing a deadline can end your claim, so get advice as soon as a dispute arises.
What to bring to your consultation
Do not worry if you do not have everything. Bring what you can, and we will tell you what else is useful.
- Deed or transfer and your agreement of purchase and sale
- Survey or reference plan, and the parcel register if you have it
- Title insurance policy
- Emails, texts and letters with the other party
- Photos, appraisals, inspection or repair reports
- Any demand letter, lien notice or court document
- A short timeline of what happened and when
Why clients choose Lawcrest
You are trusting us with something that matters. This is how we earn that trust.
Plain-language advice
No jargon. You understand each step and each choice before we act.
Cost clarity
We discuss fees at the start so you can decide with full information.
Practical focus
We aim for the best result at a sensible cost, not a fight for its own sake.
Confidential
What you tell us is protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Responsive
Your questions get answers, and you hear from us as your matter moves.
Local and accessible
Meet us at our Matheson Blvd office in Mississauga, or arrange a call.
Regulated lawyers
Lawcrest is a professional corporation regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Real estate knowledge
Our real estate practice means we understand title, closings and land from both sides.
Frequently asked questions
Still not sure? Call 416-830-3369 and we will talk it through.
Do I need a survey to resolve a boundary dispute?
Often a current survey is the strongest evidence of where the boundary lies. We advise whether one is needed and help you instruct a qualified surveyor.
Can I sue a neighbour over a fence, tree or drainage?
Sometimes. The outcome depends on where the boundary is, who owns the item, and whether there is real interference. We start by reviewing the facts and trying to resolve it without court.
What is a certificate of pending litigation?
It is a notice registered on title when a court claim concerns an interest in land. It warns others about the claim and can protect your position while the case proceeds.
Can a co-owner force me to sell?
In some cases a co-owner can ask the court to order a partition or sale. Courts consider the circumstances, and there are often alternatives such as a buyout.
The buyer backed out. What happens to the deposit?
It depends on the agreement and who is in default. The deposit may be kept, returned or disputed, and you may also have a claim for damages. Get advice before taking any step.
I found defects after buying. Can I make a claim?
It depends on the defect, what was said or concealed, and the terms of your agreement. We review the evidence and tell you whether a claim is realistic.
How long does a property dispute take?
It varies. Some settle in weeks after a demand letter, while contested court matters can take many months or longer. We give a realistic timeline after reviewing your documents.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. Your communications with us are protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Testimonials
They made a complicated legal matter feel understandable. We always knew what was happening, why it mattered and what came next.
Carolean
Worker
We always knew what was happening, why it mattered and what came next. They made a complicated legal matter feel understandable.
Elena
Founder of a company
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