What is the process called through which an owner loses title to property after not using it for a certain number of years?

The process by which an owner loses title to property after not using it for a certain number of years is known as adverse possession. This legal doctrine allows a person who possesses someone else's land for an extended period to claim legal title to it, provided they meet specific criteria outlined by state law.

In Michigan, for example, an individual must occupy the property in a way that is visible, continuous, exclusive, and notorious for a statutory period, which is typically 15 years. This means that the occupant must treat the land as if they are the owner, while the original owner does not take steps to reclaim their property.

Adverse possession serves several purposes in property law, including promoting the productive use of land and resolving disputes over land ownership. It is important to note that the original owner must not have taken legal action or have been using the property during this time for the adverse possessor to gain title.

Other processes listed, like donation or expropriation, refer to the voluntary transfer of property or property taken for public use, respectively, and do not involve the loss of title through neglect or lack of use. The transfer of title typically refers to the method of formally conveying ownership of the property and does not involve the conditions under