Adverse Possession of Property under New Hampshire Law

Adverse Possession of Property under New Hampshire LawThe concept of “adverse possession” is one of the oldest doctrines in property law. In simple terms, if a person is deemed to have adversely possessed someone else’s property for a long enough period of time, the first person may be able to acquire legal ownership over it.

In order to acquire title to real estate by adverse possession, “the possessor must show twenty years of adverse, continuous, exclusive and uninterrupted use of the land claimed.” O’Hearne v. McClammer, 163 N.H. 430, 435 (2012). Therefore, in order to constitute adverse possession, the property must be used without the actual owner’s permission, and must be used for twenty continuous years.

Occasional use of the property is not sufficient to constitute adverse possession. Additionally, the use must be open and visible enough that the true owner has (or should have) notice of the adverse possession.

Establishing title via adverse possession is difficult. Twenty years is a substantial period of time, and it is often difficult to prove continuous use. Courts construe evidence of adverse possession strictly. Adverse possession is not possible against government land.

The doctrine of “boundary by acquiescence” is closely related to adverse possession. Under that theory, if adjacent landowners have each occupied their property up to a certain boundary for twenty years, that boundary may become legally binding, regardless of how the deed’s metes and bounds read.

Author: Jay Leonard

If you have a question about real estate or land use law, contact the experienced property attorneys at Welts, White & Fontaine by calling (603) 883-0797 or using the form at the foot of this page. Welts, White & Fontaine is Nashua’s largest law firm and serves the legal needs of both individuals and businesses in towns such as Amherst, Milford, Hudson, Brookline, Windham, Hollis, Merrimack, Litchfield, Bedford, Londonderry, Pelham, and of course Nashua.

This blog is intended for informational use only. The information contained herein should not be construed as offering legal advice or a legal opinion. At Welts, White & Fontaine, P.C. our lawyers have experience with representing families and closely held businesses. We have balanced business plans with family and estate plans and we can help you develop strategies for a successful family owned business

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