ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY RIGHTS IN THAT WHIS IS ALREADY OWNED

Finders, Keepersh?
Adverse Possession: Normally, an unauthorized entry onto land owned by another constitutes a trespass. However, where the trespasser possesses anotherfs property for an uninterrupted statutory period and in a certain manner, the doctrine of adverse possession will effect a transfer of title to the owner of the land, to the possessor (formerly known as the gtrespasserh; now known as the gownerh).


Hypothetical: Assume Oren purchased the parcel of land known as gBlackacreh some years ago, and thus acquired title to Blackacre via a deed recorded in the local courthouse records. The property is located in a relatively undeveloped area on the outskirts of town. Oren neither uses nor visits the parcel, but instead he intends to hold it for its future appreciation potential (i.e., as an investment), or perhaps as a location for his retirement hideaway. The adjoining property owner, Alex, needs a shed in which to store some equipment. Lacking suitable space on his own parcel, Alex builds the garage entirely on Blackacre. Years later, Oren visits Blackacre in order to have it appraised, and discovers Alexfs garage on his land. Oren sues Alex in ejectment to recover possession of Blackacre. Assuming Alex has been present on Blackacre for the statutory period and certain other requirements are met, Oren loses; title to Blackacre belongs to Alex.