Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Washington

Re: adverse possession

It depends on the facts and you will need an attorney to litigate this matter. Our WA attorney can consult with you on this.

Re: adverse possession

I am licensed in WA and can answer your question. The answer is 10 years if the previous owner has paid taxes, and 7 years if the adverse possessor has paid the taxes.

You cannot adversely possess against a city or county or state or the federal government.

Your possession has to meet several requirements - it must be open and notorious, actual and exclusive, hostile and under claim of right. Each of those words has been interpreted by caselaw. So, if you are missing one element, there is no adverse possession.

Hope this helps. Elizabeth Powell