What does the term 'estop' mean?

The term 'estop' is a legal doctrine used primarily in property and contract law, which means to stop or impede someone from claiming something or taking action contrary to a previous position or representation that they have made. It originates from the principle of “estoppel,” which prevents a party from asserting something that contradicts what is implied by a previous action or statement. In surveying and land use, this can come into play when a landowner cannot contest encroachments or boundary lines after having made representations or allowing actions that suggest acceptance of those boundaries. This concept serves to provide legal certainty and protect parties who rely on those representations. Understanding this principle is crucial for a surveyor as it can impact property disputes and boundary agreements.