Property Easements

Quite simply, an easement is the right for one person to enter another person's property for some purpose.  For example, if you own mountain land but need to cross your neighbor's property to reach the county road, then that neighbor has granted you an easement (assuming she lets you cross her land).  This legal right to enter another's land must be in writing in most states for it to be legal.

Once the easement is in writing (you will want a lawyer help you draw it up), then it must be filed in the county recorder's office.  This is especially true if you want to keep the easement should your neighbor decide to sell her property to someone else.  Do not take advantage of the easement (for example, opening a summer camp on your property and then having the parents and campers drive through your neighbor's property to reach it) or you may lose it.