Can I get a property survey for land I co-own with a sibling?

Detailed answer — arranging a survey for co-owned property in Alaska

Yes — you can arrange a survey for property you co-own with a sibling. The practical steps are straightforward when both owners cooperate. If you cannot agree, Alaska law provides court remedies, but those take more time and cost more. Below is a clear, step-by-step approach you can follow, plus your options if your co-owner objects.

Step 1 — Confirm legal ownership and gather documents

Start by locating the deed(s) that show how the property is owned (joint tenancy, tenants in common, etc.). Obtain copies of the recorded deed(s) from the Alaska Recorder’s office for the borough/municipality where the property sits or from the title company. Also collect any old surveys, tax maps, mortgage records, and any written agreements between you and your sibling. These documents help the surveyor locate existing corners and understand title boundaries.

Step 2 — Choose the right kind of survey

Common types of surveys:

Boundary survey — locates property corners and shows the boundary lines.
ALTA/NSPS survey — a more detailed commercial survey used for lending or complex transactions.
Topo or site survey — shows elevations and improvements.

For most co-ownership boundary questions, a boundary survey is appropriate. Tell the surveyor you need monumented corners and a signed survey drawing you can file with the recorder.

Step 3 — Hire a licensed Alaska land surveyor

Use a licensed professional land surveyor in Alaska. Ask for references, examples of similar work, proof of license, and a written scope of work and cost estimate. Ask whether the quote includes: locating deeds, field work, monumenting corners, a survey plat, and filing the plat or affidavit of survey if required.

To find licensed practitioners and verify licenses, use the State of Alaska professional licensing resources and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) land services pages:

Step 4 — Get written authorization and agreement on access and cost

If both co-owners agree, sign a short written authorization allowing the surveyor to access the property. Clarify who pays and whether you will split costs. If you want the survey filed in the public record, confirm whether the price includes recording fees.

Step 5 — Understand what the surveyor will deliver

A typical deliverable is a signed, stamped survey plat (map) and a written report describing corners found or set. The surveyor may place physical monuments (pins) on the corners. Ask whether the surveyor will file a copy with the local recorder or provide an affidavit for recording.

If your sibling cooperates

Cooperation makes the process fast and inexpensive: you hire a surveyor together, split costs as agreed, and the surveyor performs field work and delivers the plat. Typical timeline: a few days to a few weeks for field work and a couple of weeks to finalize the drawing, depending on complexity and weather.

If your sibling does not cooperate

If the co-owner refuses to allow access, refuses to pay, or otherwise objects, your options include:

Negotiation or mediation to reach an agreement about the survey and cost sharing.
Hiring a surveyor to survey from public access points and recorded data — the surveyor will document any limitations they faced.
Filing a court action. Alaska law provides civil remedies for co-owners (for example, actions for partition or to quiet title). Court action can force a partition, appoint a commissioner, or resolve boundary disputes. Court processes vary by case, may require hiring an attorney, and take longer and cost more. For information on Alaska statutes and court procedures, start at the Alaska Legislature site: https://www.akleg.gov.

Costs, timing, and likely outcomes

Typical costs vary by property size, terrain, and the type of survey. Expect a simple residential boundary survey to cost from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. More complex properties or ALTA surveys cost more. Timeframes depend on current workload and weather; plan for several weeks in ordinary situations. If the matter becomes a legal dispute, the process can take months to years.

When to consult an attorney

If your co-owner actively disputes the boundary, refuses reasonable cooperation, or you anticipate a partition action (seeking sale or forced division), consult a real estate attorney licensed in Alaska. An attorney can explain your rights, help negotiate cost-sharing agreements, and represent you in court if needed.

Practical example (hypothetical)

Hypothetical facts: You and your sibling own a 2-acre lot as tenants in common and disagree about where the southern boundary lies. You locate the recorded deed and an old survey. You both sign an access authorization. You hire a licensed Alaska land surveyor to perform a boundary survey, who locates old monuments, sets new corners, and produces a stamped survey plat. You split the cost and record the plat with the recorder. If your sibling had refused, you could have attempted mediation or, if necessary, filed a partition action in Superior Court to resolve the dispute.

Key legal resources

Alaska statutes and legislative resources: https://www.akleg.gov
Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (professional licensing info): https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/
Alaska Department of Natural Resources (land and cadastral information): https://dnr.alaska.gov/

Note: If you plan to file a court action, check local Superior Court procedures for forms and filing requirements for partition, quiet title, or boundary disputes. Local court clerk offices can explain filing steps and fee schedules.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about arranging a property survey in Alaska. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in Alaska.

Helpful Hints — quick practical tips

Start with the deed: confirm ownership type and legal description before contacting a surveyor.
Get at least two written estimates from licensed Alaska land surveyors, and compare scope carefully.
Ask the surveyor whether they will file the plat or affidavit for you and whether that is included in the price.
Document written authorization to access the land if you or the surveyor needs to enter the property.
Agree in writing with your sibling about who pays and how costs are split to avoid later disputes.
If your sibling objects, try mediation before litigation — it is usually faster and cheaper.
Keep copies of all survey reports, plats, and communications with the surveyor — they help if disputes escalate.
When in doubt about dispute strategy or filing court papers, consult an Alaska real estate attorney early.