Because of the complexities of property law, a person’s rights may not always be straightforward or clear-cut.
Thomas helps clients understand their property rights in simple terms, and has represented clients in a wide range of property disputes, including:
- Disputes between farmers over property rights, boundary disputes, private nuisance, and between relatives regarding family farms
- The forced sale of land by co-owners and the appointment of statutory trustees under the Property Law Act (e.g., when a co-owner wants to force the sale of jointly owned land)
- Detinue, bailment, and conversion disputes (involving unlawful detention or misuse of property, or failure to care for property entrusted to someone)
- Contract disputes involving the purchase or sale of commercial or residential property, or businesses
- Commercial lease disputes, including those under the Retail Shop Leases legislation
- Applications for injunctions or specific performance (to stop someone from doing something or to force them to take certain actions regarding property)
- Claims for trespass, nuisance, or negligence (commonly known as torts or “civil wrongs”)
- Claims for constructive or resulting trusts, or other equitable claims (e.g., when a person improves property and seeks a contribution from the owner or interest in the property)
- Lodging caveats over land to protect a person’s rights or handling claims related to improper caveat lodgements