What is required for an adverse possession claim aside from the duration of possession?

For an adverse possession claim, in addition to the required duration of possession, the payment of property taxes is a crucial element. This requirement reinforces the possessor's claim to the property and demonstrates their intention to treat the property as their own. By paying property taxes, the possessor is actively participating in the responsibilities associated with ownership, which can be a key factor in establishing a claim to title by adverse possession.

This legal principle underscores the intent to possess the property openly and continually, one of the foundational elements of adverse possession. Without such payment, an adverse possessor might struggle to fulfill the legal requirements necessary to assert their claim successfully.

Other options do not reflect the legal criteria for adverse possession. Mutual agreements or verbal acknowledgments do not typically contribute to the assertion of an adverse possession claim, as the possession must be hostile and without permission from the true owner. Public notice of possession can be beneficial but is not a strict legal requirement in all jurisdictions.