Can I Do Adverse Possession Myself?
My question involves real estate located in the State of: California
My husband and I purchased our house which included our garage on a fenced in lot over 25 years ago. Five years after our purchase, we received a notice of a parcel to be sold at an auction. Come to find out, it was our garage lot. We paid all of the back taxes and have continued to pay them now over 20 years, even though the garage parcel is not in our name. We had lived there for 16 years and since have moved, but continue to use it as a rental. When we located the "true owner," after 20 years to discuss this matter he said someone moved a house that was on the property and replaced it with a garage. I don't understand that since the house and the garage are of like structures (painting & stucco). He said he has the title and will not relinquish it until we pay market value for the property.
Is there anyway I could fill out forms for the adverse possession myself or at low cost?
Re: Can I Do Adverse Possession Myself?
You can file a quiet title action with the appropriate court. This will take some time and research on your part. Your best resource will be the clerk of court or local law library.
Re: Can I Do Adverse Possession Myself?
It seems as if you thought that the parcel where the garage sits was part of your parcel. You have paid over 20 years' worth of the taxes with no contact from the owner. You find the "owner" and remind him that he owns the property.
Follow lwpat's advice, you seem to be in pretty good shape on this.