What is typically required for a valid claim of adverse possession?

A valid claim of adverse possession typically requires continuous possession for a specific time. This principle means that a person must occupy the property in a manner that is open, notorious, exclusive, and adverse to the interests of the true owner for a legally defined period, which varies by jurisdiction.

The rationale behind this requirement is to promote the efficient use of land and to resolve disputes about property ownership. By allowing someone who has been in continuous possession of a property for a specified period to gain legal title, the law encourages landowners to actively manage their property and discourages neglect.

Other aspects of adverse possession often include that the possession be actual (meaning the person is physically present on the property) and exclusive (the claimant is not sharing possession with the true owner or the public). However, the defining feature that encapsulates the essence of a claim to adverse possession is indeed the continuous duration of occupation for a specific statutory period. This requirement fosters stability in property rights and ownership determinations.