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“Breaking Bad” – most recently the title to a popular television series starring Bryan Cranston – is an old colloquialism. Its meaning, “defy authority” and “skirt the edges,” is what many of us did as children when not getting our way. As a result, adults would step in and we children would learn a lesson.

Memories from such teachings should have helped us become more responsible adults, and better neighbors. But today, violence is all over the news, particularly in public places, churches and neighborhoods.

So, what have we learned?

True, no one can predict random violence in a public place. But can we not minimize violence or disputes at home, and in our neighborhoods?

Specifically, how do conflicts between neighbors start? How can we prevent these from spiraling into a legal nightmare or violence?

It’s important to start with the perspective that even the best of neighbors can have honest differences. Statistics show as many as one in three neighbors will, at some point, have a dispute or conflict. Most originate from simple issues, such as noise, boundary disputes, poor parenting, parking, shared driveways, fences, trespassing or pets. Each could become a source of conflict.

Over the years, I have seen and litigated lawsuits among neighbors. While my experiences have not provided answers to all situations, one common thread pervades: most can be traced back to a choice to escalate a dispute through bad judgment or retaliatory behavior.

As an example, you may have heard of instances where adjacent neighbors assert rival claims over the same area of property. In a recent situation, Neighbor One eventually determined to settle the matter through use of self-help. Neighbor Two was predictably outraged. What followed was a physical altercation, arrest, and separate lawsuits by each against the other.

Worse, each neighbor initially failed to consider that each still needed to live next door to the other. These people would no doubt have to face each other throughout the course of daily activities.

Of course, many of us might say Neighbor One set the stage by choosing the “self-help” route. But even that statement is problematic: when reduced to insisting our depravity is not as bad as the other guy’s, what does this “moral equivalence” argument indicate about our own actions?

In a recent news story, one man shot a neighbor over a surveillance camera, culminating from a feud which lasted for years. In another, one man was recently sentenced to 110 years in prison for fatally shooting his neighbor.

The simplest advice is that while many can find themselves in a dispute, escalation almost always involves a choice. Be smart. Assume that any retaliation over a real or perceived slight would bring create little good. Is it better to communicate? Or at least avoid overreacting and, instead, get some advice?

Seeking legal advice about a situation on the front end could end up costing each neighbor less aggravation or money. And possibly save each neighbor from a life-altering dispute.

Often, very little is lost through refusing to overreact in the moment. Seeking and following proper legal advice can help confront bad behavior, without creating spiraling legal issues or “breaking bad.”

Richard Howard, Jr. is one of the most respected, dedicated and hard-working litigation attorneys in Bucks County. As a trusted advocate and counsel for his clients, Rick draws upon his strong judgment, undaunted work ethic, and extensive 24-year experience handling wide varieties of challenging and simple civil litigation matters, to effectively handle each client’s most difficult legal matters in today’s world. Rick prides himself on getting to the “real issue,” in truly relating to each situation, and doing what is “right” for his clients and in accordance with the Golden Rule.

This blog is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.