Question:
I became the owner of my villa forty years ago. I access my property by passing my neighbour's house: that's the way it's always been.
My neighbour has sold his property and the new owners have threatened me that they will no longer let me pass through their house to access my property.
A friend told me about the " thirty-year statute of limitations " and not to worry: what about it?
Answer:
The right of way that your former neighbour gave you has not been transformed into a genuine easement by the passage of time. In fact, only apparent and continuous easements can be time-barred after thirty years. Since a right of way is discontinuous, you will need a notarised deed of easement, which will require the agreement of your neighbours (who may pay for it).
However, if this right of way is the only possible access to your property, you can always claim that it is a legal right of way (in the case of an enclave).