Can Sam become owner of the farm by adverse possession if he maintains possession?

• A. Yes, as long as he maintains possession
• B. No, possession alone is never enough
• C. Yes, if he pays taxes on time
• D. Yes, only if the owner signs over title

Answer: (A)

Adverse possession works when someone uses land as if it were their own in a way that is actual, open and notorious, exclusive, and hostile to the true owner for the required statutory period. If Sam keeps possession in that manner for the full period, he can acquire title even without the owner’s signature or paying taxes. Taxes owed on the property aren’t required to claim adverse possession, and the owner does not have to sign over the deed. The critical point is maintaining possession that satisfies all the elements for the entire statutory period (for Washington, typically about 10 years). If any of those elements are missing, adverse possession wouldn’t apply.