Detailed answer

When two or more people co-own land in Maine, arranging a professional survey starts with communication, then moves to choosing the right surveyor and documenting the result. Below are clear, practical steps to help you move from uncertainty to a recorded survey plan.

1. Confirm ownership and the survey purpose

Begin by reviewing the deed(s) and any existing surveys or plans. Decide why you need a survey: common reasons are to re-establish boundary lines, prepare for a sale, subdivide, locate improvements (driveway, septic, well), or comply with a lender or municipal requirement. The purpose affects the scope and cost.

2. Talk with your co-owner (your sibling)

Because you co-own the property, you should try to reach agreement about ordering the survey, selecting the surveyor, and how to split the cost. If both owners consent, a single surveyor can perform the work and both owners can sign the contract. If you cannot agree, see the section below about disputes.

3. Hire a licensed Maine professional land surveyor

Maine requires licensed surveyors to perform legal boundary and land-title surveys. Use the Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation or the Board of Licensure for Professional Land Surveyors to find licensed professionals and confirm credentials. Helpful resource: Maine Board of Licensure for Professional Land Surveyors.

4. Get a written estimate and scope

Ask for a written proposal that explains:

• The survey type (boundary, mortgage, ALTA/NSPS, topographic, subdivision plan).
• Services included (research, fieldwork, monument setting, drafting, and recording).
• Who will sign the final plan and whether both owners will be named.
• Estimated timeline and total cost, plus who is responsible for access or third-party fees.

5. Provide access and documents

Give the surveyor deeds, prior surveys, tax maps, subdivision approvals (if any), and permission to enter adjacent properties if needed. Clearing brush or providing gate codes may speed fieldwork.

6. Review the draft survey and agree on recording

After fieldwork and drafting, review the survey together. If it shows boundary monuments or lines that differ from expectations, discuss them with the surveyor. If both owners agree, arrange for recording the plan at your county Registry of Deeds. Recording creates public notice of the survey and may be needed for municipal or lender purposes.

7. If you cannot agree with your co-owner

If you and your sibling cannot agree about ordering a survey or paying for one, options include:

• One owner pays for the survey and preserves the right to seek contribution later.
• Mediation to reach a cooperative arrangement.
• Filing a partition action in court to divide property or appoint a referee to make decisions. Partition is a judicial remedy and can involve survey evidence. For more on Maine civil procedure and remedies, see Maine statutes: Title 14 — Courts and Civil Procedure.

8. When to consult an attorney

If there is a boundary dispute, one owner objects to the survey, or you plan a subdivision or sale but the co-owner refuses to cooperate, consult a Maine attorney experienced in real property or partition matters. An attorney can explain rights, help negotiate an agreement, or file necessary court actions.

9. Recordkeeping and long-term steps

Keep the signed survey, field notes, and any written agreements in your files. If monuments are placed, consider marking them carefully and recording their description in the deed or a memorandum to reduce future disputes.

Statutes and official resources

Maine’s statutory titles relevant to property and civil remedies include the state property statutes and court procedures. See:

• Title 33 — Property (Maine Revised Statutes): https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/33/title33toc.html
• Title 14 — Courts and Civil Procedure (for partition and court actions): https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14toc.html
• Maine Board of Licensure for Professional Land Surveyors (licensing and resources): https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/land_surveyors/index.html

Bottom line: Reach agreement with your sibling if possible. Hire a licensed Maine surveyor with a clear written scope. Record the survey when complete. If disagreement prevents a survey, get legal advice—Maine law provides court remedies, but those are more time-consuming and costly.

Disclaimer: This information is educational and does not constitute legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Maine attorney.

Helpful Hints

• Check county deed records first — there may be a recent survey already on file that saves time and money.
• Agree on the purpose and budget before hiring a surveyor to avoid disputes later.
• Get at least two written estimates and ask the surveyor for references and proof of Maine licensure.
• Ask whether the surveyor will set permanent monuments; these reduce future boundary disagreements.
• If one co-owner pays the entire bill, get a written agreement about reimbursement or contribution to avoid future claims.
• Document any oral agreements in writing and sign them. A short contract between co-owners can prevent misunderstandings.
• If a boundary dispute exists, consider mediation before filing a court action — it is typically faster and cheaper.
• When recording, confirm county-specific recording requirements (format, signature, fees) at your Registry of Deeds.