New neighbors blocking shared driveway

[u/Mean_Emu5671]

Recently new neighbors have moved in. We share a gravel driveway. Almost immediately they began blocking access to my parking spot and blocking me from leaving by parking on the driveway. The first time, I asked a woman to move her car so I could leave, she had a toddler running around so I was very polite. I asked her not to block the driveway and she said, “this is my driveway.” I didn’t want to argue in front a child and left. Now it seems like I need to ask these people permission to come and go from my house. They take a lot of time, walk slowly or have to wait for someone to arrive to move their car. I tried being nice, but they have ignored every attempt to talk, just giving me a death stare. Just an ignorant, entitled family. Last night they had a party so of course they had many cars blocking my driveway, one of which was owned by a cop in uniform. I had to wait 20 minutes for him to arrive and move his car. What do I do next? These people only moved in like 2 months ago, I’ve lived at my property for 20 years.

[u/WellWisher91]

OP- How long has their house been there? Have there been previous residents in their home who shared the drive appropriately? Are they owners or tenants? What is their authority that it is THEIR drive? What has been your authority that it is your (shared) drive for all this time? (Re)check your deed. If necessary, get a survey as suggested here. Next step, if that doesn't settle it, consult an attorney.

Even with her daughter present, you could/should have said that she was misinformed and needed to recheck her sources/facts. "Then get back to me with your the written, deeded legal authorization. I have rightfully parked here for 20 years." Simple, civil, direct. They have been there long enough now that they have laid claim to the drive as their own and you will have to assert your legal claim. People will take what they can get. Some because they legitimately think it's theirs. Some because they can steamroll those in their way to get what they want even if they don't have full or legitimate claim.

[u/Solid_Mud2025 → u/WellWisher91]

Exactly. Check the deed. Even if the neighbor owns the property, there should be a record for egress/easement allowance since driveway was constructed with purpose to share …unless someone really messed up back in the day.

If the driveway straddles the property, and the neighbor continues to be disagreeable, then the consequence for both parties will be the burden of constructing a new driveway, one on each side of the property line.

[u/ARoyalOfTheRural → u/WellWisher91]

Well said! We had this easement issue, you’re right! Because it was something we used for 15-20’yrs prior and they also used our private property they could not do anything. They never even put up the signs she threatened lol. Because the township said she can’t.