Land Ownership

Who would have thought that the term “squatter’s rights” would still hold relevance today? Like most people I thought that “squatter’s rights” became obsolete near the end of the land rush period. Seems like that’s a big misconception for a lot of people. Quite surprisingly, in certain situations, someone can occupy your land and acquire legal ownership of it. The legal term for acquiring land ownership in this way is “adverse possession”; in normal speak, “squatter’s rights”. A trespasser who tends to the upkeep and care of the land over an extended period of time, and by all outward appearances seems to be the rightful owner will have legal recourse to that land’s ownership. So, if you haven’t visited the “north forty” in a while you might want to meander around your property. Hopefully you won’t have any unwanted surprises. If you do, firmly but calmly lay claim to your property. And, if you haven’t already, consider fencing, you know what they say; fences can make the best neighbors.