My question involves real estate located in the State of: New Jersey.
I purchased my property in 1992. At time of purchase legal survey was performed. (Hereinafter I will be neighbor #1 with survey "A"). Neighbor #2 had a chain link fence in place in 1992. Survey "A" depicted neighbor #2 fence and presented property line of neighbor #1 as O.O6 in from existing fence. In 1996 Neighbor #1 had own fence installed 12" in from existing chain link fence of neighbor #2. No grievances or disputes with regard to fencing arose until 13 years later - 2009. Neighbor #2 hired surveyor in an attempt to subdivide and sell land. Surveyor claims neighbor # 1 fence is "exactly" 7" on neighbor #2 property. (seven inches - not feet - inches!!) Neighbor #1 recieves letter from attorney with new survey from neighbor #2 and is given 10 days to remove fence that has been in place for 13 years over a supposed 7 inch encroachment. Neighbor #1 replies to attorney with copy of 1992 survey that clearly depicts fence as NOT on neighbor #2 property. No further communication transpires. Neighbor #2 waits until neighbor #1 is not home and chain saws fence down throwing it on neighbor #1 property and installs own fence.

Does neighbor #2 survey automatically override neighbor #1 survey that was adhered to for previous 13 years? If new survey is required, who should pay for it? Can you chain saw someone else's property without first getting court order to establish true property line?

I am shocked, outraged, and perplexed.
PatriciaF