In an easement situation, which estate is considered dominant if my driveway crosses over my neighbor's property?

In the scenario where your driveway crosses over your neighbor's property, your estate is considered the dominant estate. This is because you hold the easement, which grants you the right to use your neighbor's land for a specific purpose—in this case, accessing your property via your driveway. This right provides a benefit to you as the holder of the easement, as it allows for necessary access that would not otherwise be available.

In real estate terminology, the dominant estate is the property that benefits from the easement, while the property over which the easement runs is termed the servient estate. Therefore, since your estate benefits from the easement by providing you with necessary access, it is rightfully classified as the dominant estate in this situation.

The other options do not accurately reflect the relationship established by an easement. For instance, your neighbor's estate, referred to as the servient estate, does not gain a benefit from the easement; instead, it allows you to exercise your rights over their land. The term "both estates" does not apply since only one property benefits from the easement. Finally, "dependent estate" is not a recognized term in this context, further confirming that your estate is the dominant one in the relationship