Definition
Dominant estate
The parcel that benefits from an appurtenant easement.
The dominant estate holds the right — for example, the rear lot entitled to cross a shared drive to reach the road.
The benefit passes automatically with ownership of the parcel.
Why it matters when you buy
Buying the dominant estate means buying guaranteed access; confirm the recorded route matches the one in use.
Related terms
General educational reference only. Prescription periods and their exceptions change, and several states set the period by case law rather than by statute. Read the linked official code and consult a licensed attorney in that state before relying on any of it.
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