What is required for an effective adverse possession claim to be established?

For an adverse possession claim to be effectively established, continuous physical possession of the property is essential. This means that the claimant must occupy and use the property in a manner that is consistent and uninterrupted for a specific period, which varies by jurisdiction. This requirement ensures that the possession is not fleeting or temporary but rather persistent enough that it effectively demonstrates the claimant's control over the property.

While factors such as proof of intention to possess, payment of property taxes, and mutual agreements with the actual owner can influence adverse possession claims or may be relevant in certain jurisdictions, they are not universally required. Continuous possession is a fundamental criterion because it shows the owner’s abandonment of the property and establishes the adversarial nature of the claiming party's use as being contrary to the true owner’s rights.