Adverse possession Definition
In real estate, adverse possession is a means of acquiring title to another's land without compensation.
Adverse possession requires the actual, visible, hostile, notorious, exclusive, and continuous possession of the property under a claim of title. In simple terms, this means that those attempting to claim the land are occupying the land exclusively and openly as if it were their own. Generally they must do this continuously without challenge by the lawful owner for a fixed statutory period in order to acquire title.