Warring Neighbors – "Don't touch my trees!"

​   Neighbors with multimillion dollar properties in Malibu hadn't spoken (just shouted threats) for years. The trees on one property grew so high that they obstructed the other’s ocean view. So they went on the neighbor's property and trimmed the trees. That increased their property value by half a million dollars, but bought them an expensive lawsuit.
 
   At the mediation, I learned that this was their third lawsuit in the last 20 years.  (First two were not related to trees.) The trespassee said there was no obstruction and therefore no reason to cut her trees. With permission, I presented her an offer from the trimming party to see for herself (when the house was vacant) how her trees were affecting their view. Her monetary demand lowered to settlement range and the case settled (most likely so she could avoid having to visit their home.)
 
Resolved – Attorneys Fees and Reasonable Monetary Compensation