Adverse possession is a law, recognized in every state. Using it, a neighboring landowner can take title to land you have purchased and paid taxes on. Having a survey and knowing where your legal boundaries are does not protect you. If someone claims part of your property, you will have to defend your rights in court or risk losing through default.

The original intent of adverse possession was to insure that land was productive and to correct mistakes in surveys and titles. It has become an avenue for some to pressure neighbors into relinquishing property rights to avoid costly litigation.

It is time to bring this law into the 21st century to protect landowners. A bill was introduced last year to do this. It was not acted upon by the Property Rights Committee.

Contact your Wisconsin state representative to let him or her know you want this law changed.