text: explain the law of adverse possession?   the laws vary by state, but, generally, if you openly claim a piece of property as your own, by fencing it, or maintaining it, for a period of time, and nobody challenges you for it, it's yours. in texas, i believe the time period is 25 yrs. one note, you can't claim adverse possesion against a municipality or govt. agency, or a right of way, over any period of time.