What is required for adverse possession to be legally recognized?

For adverse possession to be legally recognized, possession must be visible and hostile. This means that the person claiming adverse possession must be using the property in a way that is apparent to others and not secretive, ensuring that the character of the possession is unmistakable. Additionally, the term "hostile" refers to the possession being without permission from the legal owner, asserting a claim to the property that contradicts the owner's rights.

Visibility ensures that the owner has the opportunity to take action if they wish to reclaim their property, while hostility indicates that the possessor is treating the property as their own, therefore negating the permission typically granted by the owner. This combination is essential because it helps establish that the possessor is treating the land as theirs for an uninterrupted period, which is a key requirement for claiming adverse possession.