Gavel Insight

Understanding New Hampshire's Drainage Laws and Neighbor Disputes Living in New Hampshire often means enjoying beautiful landscapes, from the White Mountains to our picturesque coast. However, even in the Granite State, neighborly bliss can quickly turn to a flood of frustration when an improperly installed drainage system on an adjacent property begins to impact your land. Water, by nature, seeks the path of least resistance, and when a neighbor alters that path in an unreasonable way, the consequences can range from minor inconvenience to significant property damage. This article will guide you through the legal landscape of improper drainage disputes in New Hampshire, offering actionable advice and explaining your rights. New Hampshire's Approach to Surface Water Drainage Unlike some states that adhere strictly to ancient common law rules like the "common enemy" doctrine (where landowners can do almost anything to protect their property from su...

Understanding Louisiana Drainage Laws: When a Neighbor's Improper System Floods Your Life Living in Louisiana, with its unique topography, heavy rainfall, and rich hydrological systems, often means that water management is a part of daily life. While we appreciate the bayous and wetlands, dealing with unwanted water from a neighbor's improperly installed drainage system can quickly turn your dream property into a constant nightmare. If you're experiencing flooding, pooling water, or significant erosion due to how your neighbor has altered their property's drainage, you're not alone, and crucially, you likely have legal recourse under Louisiana law. The Basics of Louisiana Drainage Law: Understanding Your Rights Louisiana's Civil Code provides a clear framework for how properties must manage water, particularly concerning natural drainage. The fundamental principle is enshrined in Louisiana Civil Code Article 655, which establishes a "natural ...