“Adverse Possession”

Glossary

Definition: The laws of adverse possession allow a person to obtain title to land by simply using the land for a period of time specified by state and federal laws.

For instance, a neighboring property owner may have built a fence, placing it several feet inward on your property. If you know the fence is on your land, but do not dispute its placement, you could lose title to that portion of your property.

The intruder's use of the land must be in the open for everyone to see. Laws dictate other qualifications that must also be met. The length of time required to obtain land by adverse possession varies. If you feel you are involved in a situation like this be sure to check local laws as quickly as possible to find remedies for the problem.