Bad neighbours

Unfortunately, like almost everything else in life, most people are pretty good, some are bad, and some are really bad.

Most of you at some stage will have seen one of the television current affairs programs which run every now and then showing the “Neighbours from hell” where disputes get totally out of hand.

Things such as noise, fences, over hanging trees, dogs and other pets, rubbish, access to properties, children, privacy and any number of matters can cause disputes with neighbours, either just next door or “down the street”.

If you have a problem such as this, you might consider the New South Wales Community Justice Centre.  Their website link is www.cjc.nsw.gov.au.

According to statistics, over the years Community Justice Centre Mediations have ended in a settlement more than 70% of the time.

A Community Justice Centre Mediation is going to be a lot cheaper, probably quicker and much less stressful than going to Court for an apprehended Violence Order or some Order of a similar nature.

Unfortunately, although Community Justice Mediation will work a large percentage of the time, there is still a minority of people out there who are really bad and you may end up seeking legal avenues to resolve your dispute, for example an Apprehended Violence Order.  Even then sometimes the neighbours are so bad that people sell their houses and move, just to get away from them.  However, fortunately that is rare.

Author: Tom Pottenger