What does 'tacking' allow in the context of possession?

In the context of possession, 'tacking' refers to the legal principle that allows a person to combine their period of possession with that of a previous possessor to establish a continuous claim to ownership. This is particularly relevant in cases involving adverse possession, where a claimant must prove they've possessed the property for a certain period of time as defined by law.

By allowing successive periods of possession to be added together, tacking helps in cases where an individual may not have possessed the property for the required duration on their own but can prove that the previous possessor had a valid claim and that there has been no interruption in possession. This principle is fundamental in establishing rights to property and ensuring that long-term possession can lead to a legitimate claim of ownership, even if it has transitioned through different hands.

Understanding tacking is crucial for land surveyors and legal professionals involved in property disputes, as it can significantly affect the outcome of ownership claims.