Today in Texas, I believe it is 10 years of uncontested occupancy and
payment of taxes. Maybe just Taxes being paid without other payments by
other parties. 
It is a court case and must be adjudicated to transfer title. That I am
positive about. Probably similar laws in Virginia 
John P. Adams
Texas

-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Lyle E. Browning
Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2014 9:37 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Adverse Possession

Today, adverse possession must be "open and notorious" for a number of years
before the subject land is adjudicated in court. In researching the Town of
Beverley/Westham just west of Richmond in Henrico, towards the end of its
existence early in the 19th century, it appears that Thomas Taylor tried
such a move against Thomas Jefferson who reminded that worthy that TJ had
the original deed and was not of any mind to allow Taylor to take the
property.

How long has the present system been in place? And if different in the late
18th to early 19th century, would the documents appear as deeds or in
chancery suits or where?

Thanks in advance,

Lyle Browning
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