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Real Estate Litigation: Resolving Property Disputes

Last updated on February 16, 2026

Real estate disputes can arise in various contexts, from disagreements between neighbors over boundary lines to conflicts between buyers and sellers over contract terms. When your property rights are at stake, having experienced legal representation is essential to protect your interests.

At Gries Lenhardt Allen, P.L.L.P., our real estate litigation attorneys have extensive experience representing clients throughout Minnesota in a wide range of property disputes. We understand the significant financial and personal impact these conflicts can have on property owners.

Types of Real Estate Litigation Cases We Handle

Our firm provides comprehensive representation in various real estate disputes, assisting clients in protecting their property rights and investments. We offer strategic guidance in the following areas:

  • Boundary line and property disputes: When neighboring property owners disagree about where one property ends and another begins, these disputes can significantly impact property values and relationships
  • Easement and right-of-way conflicts: Disputes over access rights, utilities easements and encroachments require careful navigation of both legal principles and practical considerations
  • Construction defect litigation: When builders or contractors deliver substandard work resulting in structural issues, water damage or code violations
  • Zoning and land use litigation: We represent clients challenging adverse zoning decisions, seeking variances or defending against violations
  • Eminent domain and condemnation: When government entities seek to acquire private property through eminent domain, we work to help ensure property owners receive just compensation

Each of these case types requires specific knowledge and strategic approaches to achieve favorable outcomes for our clients.

Common Real Estate Document Defects

Many real estate disputes stem from problems with property documents that can cloud title and create uncertainty about ownership rights.

  • Improperly executed deeds: Missing signatures, improper witnessing or incorrect legal descriptions can invalidate transfers of ownership
  • Defective legal descriptions: Inaccurate property boundaries or outdated survey references can create confusion about what property was actually conveyed
  • Recording errors: Documents filed in the wrong county, recorded out of sequence or missing from public records can create title problems
  • Unauthorized signatories: When someone signs a deed without proper authority, the entire transaction may be void
  • Fraudulent conveyances: Cases involving forgery, misrepresentation or transfers made to avoid creditors require immediate legal intervention

Our attorneys have the technical knowledge to identify these defects and implement appropriate legal remedies to rectify title problems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate Litigation

Below are answers to some common questions clients have about real estate litigation.

Mediation involves a neutral third party who facilitates negotiation between parties but cannot impose a solution. Arbitration uses a private judge who makes a binding decision after hearing evidence. Litigation takes place in court with formal procedures and the right to appeal. Each approach has different costs, timelines and procedural protections.
Yes, but disclosure requirements and practical limitations may complicate the process. Potential buyers must be informed about pending litigation and a lis pendens notice may be filed against the property, making it difficult to find willing buyers or secure financing.
A lis pendens is a formal notice recorded in property records indicating that litigation is pending, which may affect the title to the property. This notice alerts potential buyers or lenders that the property’s ownership is in dispute. A lis pendens can significantly impact your ability to sell or refinance, as most buyers and lenders are reluctant to get involved with property subject to litigation. Our lawyers can explain how a lis pendens affects your specific situation and what options exist for addressing it.
When multiple parties claim an interest in the same property, the court may need to determine the validity and priority of each claim. This often involves examining chains of title, evaluating the legitimacy of various recorded documents and applying legal principles such as “first in time, first in right.” These complex cases may require joining all potential claimants in a quiet title action to conclusively resolve ownership disputes.

Contact Our Minnesota Real Estate Litigation Attorneys

If you are facing a real estate dispute, contact Gries Lenhardt Allen, P.L.L.P., at 763-497-3099 or through our online form to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced real estate litigation attorneys.

As of January 12, 2026, Gries Lenhardt Allen has combined with Messerli Kramer, a Minnesota-based firm that shares our client-first approach and commitment to practical, responsive legal counsel. This combination expands the services and resources available to our clients, including deeper capabilities in Corporate M&A, Commercial Real Estate, Banking and Finance, Estate Planning, Litigation, and Government Affairs, while ensuring that our clients continue working with the team they know and trust. We’re excited about this next chapter and invite you to visit us at www.messerlikramer.com.

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