Insight

Lake Disputes Involving Where to Dock your Boat or Where to Put your Pier Now Must be Filed in State Court

Litigator Pat Murphy authors an article about handling disputes in relations to boat docks and piers.

Patrick G. Murphy

Patrick G. Murphy

March 15, 2024 07:58 AM

Indiana Code 14-26-2-23(e) previously authorized the Natural Resource Commission (“NRC”) to adjudicate riparian rights disputes. A final order, whether issued by an NRC Administrative Law Judge, as the ultimate authority, or by the Administrative Orders and Protection Act (“AOPA”) Committee, acting as the delegated ultimate authority of the NRC, was subject to judicial review in accordance with IC 4-21.5-5.

However, on May 4, 2023, the General Assembly of the State of Indiana revised the statute and removed I.C. 14-26-2-23(e)(3) in its entirety, effective July 1. After July 1, the NRC may no longer consider any new riparian rights cases. Accordingly, riparian rights disputes will be handled at the state court level. The revised code does not indicate whether any petition filed before July 1 must remain in the NRC’s jurisdiction after July 1. However, once the NRC begins to exercise jurisdiction over a case, it is likely that the case will stay with the assigned Administrative Law Judge.

The change in jurisdiction affects not only where a claim must be filed but also the time limit to file a claim. Previously, “[a] Petition alleging a riparian rights dispute initiated under IC 14-26-2-23 and 312 IAC 11-3-2 [could] be filed at any time a dispute exists.” Natural Resources Commission, A Guide to Administrative Review Before the Natural Resources Commission (2021). As there is currently no relevant statute establishing a statute of limitations for riparian rights disputes, the statute of limitations is likely the default of ten years. Ind. Code § 34-11-1-2.Thus, lakers should be aware that it is now possible to be time-barred from filing a claim for such a dispute.

About the Author: Pat Murphy is an experience trial lawyer. He has handled matters involving real estate disputes, adverse possession, easements, boundary disputes, property law, and construction. He also represents businesses in cases involving trade secrets, unfair competition, product liability and bet-the-company litigation. He can be reached at 260.423.8971 or at pat@barrettlaw.com.

Trending Articles

Introducing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore


by Jennifer Verta

This year’s awards reflect the strength of the Best Lawyers network and its role in elevating legal talent worldwide.

2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore

Revealing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria


by Jamilla Tabbara

These honors underscore the reach of the Best Lawyers network and its focus on top legal talent.

map of Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria

Effective Communication: A Conversation with Jefferson Fisher


by Jamilla Tabbara

The power of effective communication beyond the law.

 Image of Jefferson Fisher and Phillip Greer engaged in a conversation about effective communication

The 2025 Legal Outlook Survey Results Are In


by Jennifer Verta

Discover what Best Lawyers honorees see ahead for the legal industry.

Person standing at a crossroads with multiple intersecting paths and a signpost.

The Best Lawyers Network: Global Recognition with Long-term Value


by Jamilla Tabbara

Learn how Best Lawyers' peer-review process helps recognized lawyers attract more clients and referral opportunities.

Lawyers networking

Jefferson Fisher: The Secrets to Influential Legal Marketing


by Jennifer Verta

How lawyers can apply Jefferson Fisher’s communication and marketing strategies to build trust, attract clients and grow their practice.

Portrait of Jefferson Fisher a legal marketing expert

Is Your Law Firm’s Website Driving Clients Away?


by Jamilla Tabbara

Identify key website issues that may be affecting client engagement and retention.

Phone displaying 'This site cannot be reached' message

A Guide to Workers' Compensation Law for 2025 and Beyond


by Bryan Driscoll

A woman with a laptop screen reflected in her glasses

Medical Malpractice Reform Trends in Texas, Utah, Georgia and SC


by Bryan Driscoll

A fresh wave of medical malpractice reform is reshaping the law.

Medical Malpractice Reform Trends hed

Why Jack Dorsey and Elon Musk Want to 'Delete All IP Law'


by Bryan Driscoll

This Isn’t Just a Debate Over How to Pay Creators. It’s a Direct Challenge to Legal Infrastructure.

Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey standing together Infront of the X logo

Best Lawyers Launches CMO Advisory Board


by Jamilla Tabbara

Strategic counsel from legal marketing’s most experienced voices.

Group photo of Best Lawyers CMO Advisory Board members

Changes in California Employment Law for 2025


by Laurie Villanueva

What employers need to know to ensure compliance in the coming year and beyond

A pair of hands holding a checklist featuring a generic profile picture and the state of California

Common Law Firm Landing Page Problems to Address


by Jamilla Tabbara

Identify key issues on law firm landing pages to improve client engagement and conversion.

Laptop showing law firm landing page analytics

New Employment Law Recognizes Extraordinary Stress Is Everyday Reality for NY Lawyers


by Bryan Driscoll

A stressed woman has her head resting on her hands above a laptop

Best Lawyers Introduces Smithy AI


by Jamilla Tabbara

Transforming legal content creation for attorneys and firms.

Start using Smithy AI, a content tool by Best Lawyers

How to Create High-Converting Landing Pages for Your Law Firm


by Jamilla Tabbara

Learn how to create high-converting law firm landing pages that drive client engagement and lead generation.

Laptop screen displaying website tools to improve client conversion rates