Easements and Reversions

Over the years there have been many articles concerning easements and several books which either made easements their focus, or devoted a separate chapter to them. While the emphasis has been on what an easement is, and how easements are created, little analysis has appeared on the termination of easements and the fate of the land burdened by them. This treatment attempts to address that topic and the reversion rights and boundaries that accompany easement termination. Reversions are constant problems for surveyors and title examiners, so it is anticipated that this will serve as a guide useful in the solution of those problems. Selected Topics: Reversions Applied to Highways Kinds of Easements Creation of Easements Termination of Easements Reversion of Easements Easements in General Rules for Locating and Defining Reversions Case studies: Who owns the road? Who owns the land? How much research is necessary? When is a road not a road? Right of Way by estoppel. Things to learn from the book: How to distinguish an easement from a license Definition of restrictive covenants and natural rights How to determine whether an easement is appurtenant on in gross; affirmative or negative; apparent or non apparent; continuous or noncontinuous Flowage easements and drainage esements - the difference? Some modern kinds of easements- light, air, sun ,view Eight different ways to create an easement Nine ways to terminate an easement What happens when easements revert? Rules for locating and defining reversions in streets and intersections; angle points in roads; lots adjoining a subdivision boundary; marginal roads; problems and special cases. Some Humor: "...with liberty to pass into said garret by the front stairs, & also liberty to use the front entry & front door, together with the privilege of passing & between the road house as much as necessary..."