What is the definition of Adverse Possession?

Adverse possession is defined as the process by which an individual can acquire legal ownership of land under certain conditions after holding possession of it for a specified period. This legal doctrine typically requires that the possession be actual, open, hostile, exclusive, and continuous for a certain duration, as specified by state law. The essential idea is that the possessor treats the property as their own while the true owner fails to assert their rights, eventually leading to a legal claim for ownership.

The other options do not align with the definition of adverse possession. Acquiring property by purchasing from the state pertains to legal transactions rather than possession. Claims based on verbal agreements do not provide legal grounds for ownership, as adverse possession requires demonstrable, physical, and continuous use of the property. Transferring property rights through inheritance involves a legal transfer between individuals and is unrelated to the concept of claiming land through adverse possession.