A respected Hinsdale, IL, attorney, Cynthia Ann Miller maintains a large real estate firm with offices in Naperville and Downers Grove. She represents clients in the sale and acquisition of diverse property types. As an attorney, Cynthia Ann Miller also handles issues related to disputes with homeowners and other community associations.

Purchasers of properties within private communities, including townhomes and condominums, typically agree to abide by rules set out by the homeowners' association (HOA). Set in place by the property developer, residents often have the opportunity to sit on the HOA board and amend or enforce its rules.

The Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) sets forth these rules. Many CC&Rs go beyond simply prohibiting behaviors, addressing the standards of property uniformity, value, and other conditions that owners must abide by. Issues addressed range from lawn mowing frequency to whether fences can be erected.

Naturally, with many rules in place there are substantial areas where disputes can arise. Mediation processes enable smaller issues to be resolved, with HOA rules amended as necessary, without going to court. In cases of major disagreement, including HOA overreach, a lawsuit may present the most effective way forward.