Which of the following is NOT a statutory period for Adverse Possession?

Adverse possession is a legal doctrine that allows a person to claim ownership of land under certain conditions, typically involving the actual possession of the property for a specified period of time, use that is open and notorious, and continuous. In Texas, the statutory periods for adverse possession are defined in the Property Code.

The correct answer reflects that a 15-year period is not recognized under Texas law for establishing a claim of adverse possession. In Texas, the recognized statutory periods are typically 3 years, 10 years, and 25 years. The rationale behind these specific timeframes is founded on common law principles that balance the interests of property rights against the potential for land to become neglected or abandoned over time.

To clarify, the 3-year period applies when an individual holds land under a title that is void or defective but colorably valid. Ten years is the period for possession under a claim of right, and 25 years applies to situations of continuous and uninterrupted possession beyond dispute or challenge. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone involved in land surveying, as these timeframes can significantly impact property rights and disputes over land claims.