Imagine this: Ethan, a dedicated winemaker and avid gardener, has been living comfortably in the lodge on his uncle Tom’s sprawling estate, Greenwood Manor, for years. With a beautiful orchard adjacent to his lodge and a wine cellar in the main house to store his beloved vintages, Ethan’s setup seemed perfect. To top it off, he had convenient access to the main driveway, saving him a significant detour to the highway.
However, things took a dramatic turn when Tom passed away. The executors sold Greenwood Manor to Emily Clarke, with the remainder of the grounds going to Ethan. The conveyance documents, unfortunately, did not mention Ethan’s long-standing arrangements. Suddenly, Emily refused to let Ethan store his wine in the cellar, keep his apples in the orchard, or use the driveway. Ethan found himself in a predicament, needing to secure his rights to continue his life as he knew it. What could Ethan do to claim his easements?
Understanding Easements: A Primer
Before diving into Ethan’…
