What is the concept of "adverse possession"?

The concept of "adverse possession" is centered around obtaining legal title to a property through continuous and exclusive physical possession over a designated statutory period, which is usually established by state law. This means that if a person occupies a property openly, without permission from the owner, and meets specific duration and other legal requirements, they may eventually claim the property as their own.

This legal principle serves as a means to encourage the productive use of land and resolve disputes over unclear property ownership. The statutory period can vary from state to state, and during this time, the possessor must treat the property as their own, which includes making improvements and paying property taxes, depending on local laws.

In contrast, the other options presented do not align with the legal definition of adverse possession. For example, acquiring title through a forced sale refers to legal processes such as foreclosures, inheritance deals with transferring property following someone's death, and claiming abandoned property often involves different legal standards than those governing adverse possession.