What is Adverse Possession?

Adverse possession is a legal process through which an individual can claim ownership of a piece of property under certain conditions, typically requiring continuous and exclusive possession of the land for a specified period, along with the property being used in a manner that is open and notorious. This means that the possession must be visible and apparent so that the actual owner can make a claim if they choose to do so. If these conditions are met, the individual may eventually obtain legal title to the property, despite not having acquired it through a traditional means such as purchase or inheritance.

The other options do not accurately describe adverse possession. The sale of land to the highest bidder pertains to auctions and does not involve claiming ownership without a buyer's transaction. Transferring property due to failure to pay taxes refers to a tax lien or tax foreclosure process, which is also unrelated to the principle of adverse possession. Negotiating property lines involves discussions between property owners regarding boundaries, which does not pertain to acquiring titles or legal ownership. Therefore, option B clearly defines the process and conditions under which one can claim ownership through adverse possession.