Which of the following is NOT typically required to establish adverse possession?

• A. Actual possession
• B. Open and notorious use
• C. Continuous possession for the statutory period
• D. Good faith belief in ownership

Answer: (D)

A key idea here is that good faith belief in ownership is not required for adverse possession. The law looks at how you use the land and for how long, not what you believe about who owns it. To establish adverse possession, you must actually possess the land (physically use or occupy it), use it in a way that is open and obvious to others (open and notorious), and continue that possession for the entire statutory period. The possession must also be hostile or under a claim of right (without permission) and exclusive, meaning you’re not sharing with the true owner. So even if you honestly think the land is yours, you can still acquire title if you meet those elements for the statutory period. In Michigan, that period is 15 years. Because good faith belief isn’t required, that is the element that isn’t typically needed.