answersLogoWhite

0

Every state has different laws regarding adverse possession. You need to discuss your particular situation with an attorney. In general, the five elements that must be met to have a claim of adverse possession are that the possession are as follows:


1. Open and notorious. Your possession must be in a manner that is overt (done right out in the open), not covert. Your possession must be seen. That gives the owner notice that you are in possession and the opportunity to eject you.
2. Actual and uninterrupted. That means that you actually have possession and control over the land in question, without the owner's consent, and that possession is not only occasional.
3. Exclusive. You are the exclusive possessor and actually entered the property for the required period of possession which varies in different jurisdictions.
4. Hostile. That means that you treat the land in question as your own against the rights of the legal owner. Adverse possession is not created when you have the permission of the landowner to use his land (so a long-term tenant cannot claim adverse possession).
5. Made under a claim based in good faith. Those seeking equity must do equity. So if you acted in bad faith somehow, your claim would be barred. For example, moving the fence to a position where you knew it didn't belong would be considered bad faith.

You must have met all five of these elements to qualify for adverse possession. You have the burden of proving you met each element. You must have met these elements for the statutory period required in your state. In most states your title would need to be perfected by a court action.


Important

If you believe that you have a claim of adverse possession, or are facing an adverse possession lawsuit, you should see a real estate attorney immediately. Adverse possession is a complicated area of law, and you don't want to take it on without the guidance of a qualified counselor at law. You should consult with an attorney who specializes in real estate law.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

How do you get a legal form for adverse possession in Virginia?

how do i get legals for adverse possession in north chesterfield, virginia.


What is toll in adverse possession?

Tolling is the extension or modification of the statutory limitations period pertaining to adverse possession.


Does adverse possession transfer to the new owner of a property?

Yes, adverse possession can transfer to the new owner of a property if the conditions for adverse possession are met and the new owner does not take action to prevent it.


Can I win a adverse possession eviction case?

You cannot claim adverse possession on property you had permission to use. Forget it.


What is the process for adverse possession in Kentucky?

The Adverse Possession in Texas is also known as the Squatter's Right. The process of adverse possession in Texas must start with a claim. Thereafter a due judicial procedure will be followed.


Does adverse possession include trees?

Depending on how many years Adverse Possession can apply. Get land survey and talk to lawyer.


Does adverse possession apply to bank property?

It would if you met all your state's requirements for making a claim under adverse possession.


What is adverse position?

Adverse possession is an option of getting title for real property through possession. This is gaining the ownership through continuous hostile possession which excludes the true owner.


Can you get adverse possession if you use violence?

The only way to get adverse possession is by using the law to your advantage and meeting all the requirements of your state law.


Does a property owner have less rights than a person claiming adverse possession?

That depends on the details. If the adverse possessor has met the time requirement for adverse possession the property owner has no defense to the action.


Can you get title to property through adverse possession for an 1' encroachment?

As long as you have satisfied your state's prerequisites to adverse possession with regard to the 1' piece of land, you may begin adverse possession proceedings. However, since the piece of land is only 1', you should seriously consider not pursuing an adverse possession claim. Not only will you have to pay an attorney to represent you in court, you also have to live next to the neighbor whose property you are adversely possessing. If you want to pursue adverse possession, it is highly recommended that you try mediation before going to court. (See below link.)


Where to file the adverse claim?

Generally, an adverse possession suit is filed in a court of equity.