Detailed Answer — Step-by-step guide

When you co-own property with a sibling in New Jersey and need a survey, follow these clear steps to get reliable boundaries, protect ownership rights, and reduce the chance of dispute.

1. Confirm ownership and review recorded documents

Start by collecting the deed(s), mortgage documents, prior surveys (if any), and the property tax block and lot number. These items help the surveyor locate the exact parcel and understand any easements or recorded restrictions. You can get deeds and property descriptions from your county clerk or surrogate’s office and view tax maps on most county websites.

2. Agree with your co-owner about the survey type and the budget

Talk with your sibling early. Decide whether you need a boundary survey (to establish lot lines), an ALTA/NSPS survey (for commercial lending or title insurance), or a topographic survey (shows contours and improvements). Agree who will pay and whether cost will be split. If you cannot agree, see the section below on dispute options.

3. Hire a licensed New Jersey land surveyor

Only hire a surveyor licensed in New Jersey. Licensing and standards are overseen by the New Jersey Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Check a surveyor’s license and ask for references and samples of previous work. The Board’s site: NJ Board of Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors.

4. Provide the surveyor with documents and key facts

Give the surveyor copies of deeds, prior surveys, tax maps, and any written agreements about boundaries or easements. Tell the surveyor whether you and your sibling consent to the surveyor entering the entire property (this speeds work). If other neighbors are involved, the surveyor may need access to verify boundary monuments.

5. Ask the right questions before hiring

• What type of survey do you recommend and why?
• Will the survey include a sealed, signed map and written report?
• How long will the work take?
• How do you handle recorded vs. apparent boundary discrepancies?
• Do you carry professional liability insurance?

6. Review the survey results together

The surveyor will provide a stamped map showing monuments, boundaries, measured distances, easements, and improvements. Review the map with your sibling and the surveyor. If the survey reveals a boundary overlap or encroachment, the surveyor will explain options for resolution.

7. Next steps after the survey

Common next steps include:

• Recording the survey or a certified description at the county recording office if required or desired.
• Updating boundary monuments or installing markers (often with agreement between co-owners).
• Negotiating an easement or a written agreement if encroachments exist.
• If co-owners cannot agree, considering mediation, or filing a partition action in New Jersey Superior Court (Chancery Division) to resolve ownership, divide the land, or order sale.

When a survey leads to a dispute

If your sibling objects to the survey, refuses access, or you discover a serious boundary dispute, try mediation first. If mediation fails, a partition action is a common legal remedy in New Jersey when co-owners cannot agree on dividing property. For court information and forms, see the New Jersey Courts website: New Jersey Courts. Filing requirements and remedies vary, so consider talking with an attorney experienced in New Jersey real property and partition matters.

Timing and cost expectations

Costs depend on property size, terrain, access, and the survey type. Boundary surveys for a typical residential lot commonly run from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars in New Jersey. Expect the survey to take anywhere from a few days to several weeks from order to delivery depending on workload, site conditions, and the need for title research.

Records and future protection

Keep the final sealed survey with your deed records. If the survey shows a stable, agreed-upon boundary, consider recording an agreed boundary line or written boundary agreement to reduce future disputes.

Legal and professional help

If the matter is contentious or if you need to change legal ownership (sell, partition, or alter title), consult a lawyer licensed in New Jersey who handles real property matters. For licensing and procedural guidance for courts and filings, use the New Jersey Courts site above or contact your county clerk for local recording procedures.

Important disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed New Jersey attorney or a licensed land surveyor.

Helpful Hints

• Collect deeds and the property tax block/lot before calling a surveyor — this speeds the process.
• Ask the surveyor for a stamped, signed map you can record with the county. A recorded survey can help prevent future disputes.
• Split costs with your co-owner where possible; if split cost isn’t possible, document who paid and whether it creates any reimbursement obligation.
• If neighbors are likely to be affected, notify them early — it reduces surprises during fieldwork.
• If you find encroachments, consider a written boundary agreement or easement rather than immediate litigation; these are often faster and cheaper.
• Keep digital and paper copies of all survey documents and correspondence with your sibling.
• If access is denied by a co-owner, make a written request for access and document responses; this record helps if you must seek court relief.
• Use the New Jersey Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors to confirm a surveyor’s license and standing: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/pels/Pages/default.aspx
• For county-specific recording and tax map information, check your county clerk or county tax board website (county pages list parcel maps and recording procedures).
• If you anticipate a sale, lender, or title insurance requirement, ask for an ALTA/NSPS survey — lenders often require it.