Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Illinois

But have you been paying taxes on it?

In order to claim that you own the land, you would have to bring a Quiet Title lawsuit in Illinois court, assuming that the property is in Illinois. You would have to prove that your use of the property -i.e., mowing grass and shoveling the driveway- was:

1. Acutal

2. Open [for the public to see readily]

3. Notorious [generally known and talked of, well or widely known, universally recognized]

4. Exclusive

5. Hostile [adverse to another person's interest or preventing another person's use]

6. and Continuous for a period of years.

You need to hire a qualified real estate attorney in your local to help you with this expensive lawsuit and to review the facts.

DISCLAIMER: This answer is provided as a public service and as a general response to a general question. It is not meant, and should not be relied on, as specific legal advice, not does it create an attorney-client relationship. The law changes frequently and varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.