Alabama recognizes two adverse-possession paths: 20 years of open, continuous possession by prescription, or 10 years under Ala. Code § 6-5-200 with color of title recorded, annual tax listing, or title by descent/devise. A mere trespasser holds no rights and can be removed through ordinary eviction or ejectment.
Alabama law splits adverse possession in two. Common-law prescription requires possession that is actual, exclusive, open, notorious, hostile, and continuous for 20 years. The statutory short path, Ala. Code § 6-5-200, cuts the period to 10 years but adds conditions: the claimant must show "a deed or other color of title purporting to convey title... duly recorded... for 10 years," or have "annually listed the land for taxation in the proper county for 10 years," or derive title "by descent cast or devise from a predecessor... in possession." A squatter without any of these has no claim. Owners remove squatters and holdover trespassers through unlawful-detainer or ejectment actions; self-help removal is not permitted.
A squatter with no valid adverse-possession claim is removed by court order through unlawful detainer or ejectment. Criminal trespass under Ala. Code § 13A-7-2/13A-7-4 may also apply; owners may not use self-help to evict.
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Mobile, AL
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