Define "adverse possession" in Texas property law.

Adverse possession in Texas property law refers to the method of acquiring title to property through continuous, open, and notorious possession. This legal doctrine allows a person to claim ownership of land under certain conditions, typically when they occupy the property in a manner that is clear, evident, and without permission from the rightful owner for a specified period, which is usually ten years in Texas.

The key aspects of adverse possession include that the possession must be actual (the possessor physically occupies the property), exclusive (the possessor is not sharing possession with others), hostile (the possessor is on the property without permission), and notorious (the possession is visible and known to others). If these conditions are met, the possessor can eventually obtain legal title to the property, despite the original owner's lack of actual transfer of title through a typical sale or deed.

Understanding these requirements is crucial for anyone involved in property law in Texas, as it highlights how land ownership can be claimed through long-term occupation under specific circumstances, thereby impacting real estate transactions and property rights.