What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Iowa
Years ago we bought part of my in-laws farm. Now the part we didn't buy is to be sold at auction but it has no established access other than through our property. We have been told that the access problem has be solved before the sale. Access could be obtained by putting in a culvert but the access point would be very close to a bridge creating safety issues. We have talked with the county engineer and he is very unhappy about that possibility.
We are willing to grant an easement to give the new owners access through our farmland but we want compensation for it. The other heirs to the estate are furious that we even think we should get compensation. My husband is a co-trustee of the Trust (the ground that is to be sold). Legally can he get into trouble by granting an easement and being compensated for it? Should we have somesort of documentation as to the worth of an easement and how do we figure out a fair figure? If things go wrong with any part of this settlement, can the Trustees be held liable in the future?
Years ago we bought part of my in-laws farm. Now the part we didn't buy is to be sold at auction but it has no established access other than through our property. We have been told that the access problem has be solved before the sale. Access could be obtained by putting in a culvert but the access point would be very close to a bridge creating safety issues. We have talked with the county engineer and he is very unhappy about that possibility.
We are willing to grant an easement to give the new owners access through our farmland but we want compensation for it. The other heirs to the estate are furious that we even think we should get compensation. My husband is a co-trustee of the Trust (the ground that is to be sold). Legally can he get into trouble by granting an easement and being compensated for it? Should we have somesort of documentation as to the worth of an easement and how do we figure out a fair figure? If things go wrong with any part of this settlement, can the Trustees be held liable in the future?