Suing an Option to "De-Fence"

DEAR BRUCE: One of the reasons we purchased our property years ago was the beautiful view of the lake. A new neighbor recently moved in and immediately put up a fence that blocks the view we so treasured. I checked with the county to see if there was anything that could be done, but there are no laws governing fencing. Short of a lawsuit, is there anything else that we can do? -- Reader, via e-mail

DEAR READER.: This happened to one of my neighbors recently. I live on the Gulf of Mexico and have a great view from the back of my house. A neighbor down the street didn't have a straight-on view but a side view, and it just so happens that the people next to them decided to add on to the back of their house, totally blocking what view they had. They, too, could do nothing. While you said that you didn't want to get involved in a lawsuit, that may be the only way out. I just don't know that there is a basis for a suit. One thing that you should know is that often, the threat of litigation will get people to reconsider what they are doing. While they may be perfectly right, if you have deep enough pockets, you could involve them in litigation that would make it cheaper for them to take down their fence. While many would consider this dirty pool, it is not an unusual tactic, recognizing that there could be a countersuit if they do have the financial wherewithal.

DEAR BRUCE: I understand that once a will is filed with the state and probated, is it true that anyone can get a copy? -- B.R. in Arizona

DEAR B.R. In most cases, the answer is yes. If it's necessary for you to have a copy of someone's will that has gone through probate, check with the surrogate in the county where the will has been probated. Wills are public documents and, for a very modest fee, copies can be purchased.

DEAR BRUCE: I read your column every week and greatly respect your answers. I have a credit card that I have never used. I have had it for several years. I'm not sure why I still have it other than I'm not sure how to get rid of it. Is there a right way to cancel this? I don't want it to affect my credit report. -- R.Y. Wisconsin

DEAR R.Y.: All of life's problems should be so simple. If you have other cards, then don't worry. You should have at least one, though, for emergencies. Simply write a letter to your credit card company indicating that you are canceling your account and cut your card in half. They will be happy to accommodate you, since there is no profit for them unless you are paying an annual fee, and there's no reason for you to keep it.