How To Fight Adverse Possession And Protect Your Property?

You can fight adverse possession by promptly asserting ownership—send a written notice, document your use, and file a quiet title or ejectment action before the statutory period (often 5–20 years, depending on the state) runs. Adverse possession typically requires open, notorious, continuous, exclusive, and hostile occupation, so early action and clear boundaries can stop a claim from ripening. This article explains the legal elements, practical prevention steps, and how to respond if a neighbor is already encroaching.

Ray Hrdlicka – Host – Attorneys.Media

“In twenty years, the person buys it. And so, he doesn’t have a claim against the existing neighbor. But does that new owner have a claim against the previous owner of his land?”

Michael Campbell – Business Dispute Attorney – Pierce County, WA

“Not usually. Sometimes, if the previous owner knew that he was selling property that was misrepresented, that the description, that the legal description didn’t match what he actually owned, you could make a claim. But chances are that claim isn’t going to go very far.”