Property Ownership

In Illinois, what is 'adverse possession' and what are the requirements to establish it?

AGovernment seizure of abandoned property after 5 years
BAcquiring legal title to another's land through open, notorious, continuous, hostile, and exclusive use for the statutory period (20 years in Illinois)✓ Correct
CA court order allowing trespassing for emergency access
DThe right to purchase neighboring property at a discounted rate

Explanation

Adverse possession in Illinois requires open, notorious, hostile (without owner's permission), exclusive, and continuous possession of another's land for 20 years (or 7 years with color of title and payment of taxes). If all elements are met, the adverse possessor can file a quiet title action to obtain legal ownership.

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