General question but I'll share my situation in case it helps:

Virginia. Neighbor and I have a boundary tree. It is dead and needs removed. Neighbor got quotes for $2500 and I'm happy to pay half.

For the work contract with the arborist: will it be 1 contract that both neighbors sign, or will we each have a separate contract with the arborist? Or is there one contract between one neighbor and the arborist, and the other neighbor just signs a separate permission slip for the work to be done? Does the work contract limit liability between the two neighbors at all, or just between the arborist and the homeowner(s)? What happens to me if my neighbor doesn't pay?

The fact that this is one job being done on behalf of two separate parties is confusing me, and I am so scared of tree law.

(Sorry in advance if this is the wrong sub)