What is adverse possession and how can it transfer property rights?

Adverse possession allows a person to gain legal ownership of another's property by occupying it openly, continuously, and without permission for a period specified by state law, typically ranging from five to twenty years. The possession must be actual, open and notorious, exclusive, hostile meaning without the owner's consent, and continuous for the statutory period. If all requirements are met, the possessor can file a court action to obtain legal title.