Adverse Possession
Adverse possession in real estate is a legal doctrine that allows a person to claim ownership of land belonging to another party if certain conditions are met. Generally, these conditions include continuous, open, notorious, hostile, and exclusive possession of the property for a statutory period of time, which varies by jurisdiction. Adverse possession typically arises when a person occupies and uses land without the permission of the legal owner and, over time, asserts a claim of ownership based on their occupation. If the requirements for adverse possession are satisfied, the occupier may acquire legal title to the property, extinguishing the rights of the original owner.