Adverse possession is a legal principle that allows someone to claim ownership of a property or land after continuous, unauthorized use for a specific period. This typically occurs when someone occupies land they don’t legally own but treats it as their own without the owner’s objection.
Over time, and if legal conditions are met, the possessor may gain legal title to the property.
Adverse possession is used in cases where a property owner has neglected or abandoned their land, and another party has openly used it for many years. The concept promotes the productive use of land and discourages neglect.
It becomes relevant in boundary disputes or when a neighbor unintentionally uses part of an adjacent property for an extended period without challenge.
While there is no numeric formula, the application of adverse possession typically requires meeting specific legal conditions over a statutory period. These conditions often include continuous use, exclusivity, open and notorious possession, and hostility (without the owner's permission).
The time frame required varies by jurisdiction, commonly ranging from 5 to 30 years.
Meeting all elements consistently over time is essential to make a legal claim.
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