Squatter’s Rights in Wyoming

In Wyoming, squatters can claim legal ownership through adverse possession after continuously occupying a property for 10 years. This process requires meeting several specific requirements: open and notorious possession (obvious occupation visible to the legal owner and public), exclusive possession (being the only one using the property), continuous possession for the full 10-year period without significant gaps, and payment of all property taxes throughout this period.

Unlike some states with 20 or 30-year requirements, Wyoming’s 10-year timeframe is relatively shorter, making it somewhat easier for squatters to establish legal claims. However, squatters have no legal rights during this 10-year period, and property owners can remove them at any point before the time requirement is fulfilled. After 10 continuous years of adverse possession, the original owner loses all rights to the property, and the squatter can legally register a deed.

It’s important to note that squatters cannot claim adverse possession on government-owned land, including national forests, parks, and other public lands. Attempting to adversely possess public land is considered trespassing and can result in significant fines and even jail time.

To prevent squatting, property owners should regularly monitor their land (especially remote areas), post no trespassing signs, erect fences and gates, remove brush and vegetation that could provide shelter, use the property frequently, hire caretakers for vacant structures, document all property inspections and maintenance, and promptly evict unauthorized occupants.

The concept of adverse possession in Wyoming reflects the state’s homesteading history and the balance between encouraging productive use of abandoned land and protecting property rights. While some argue it allows neglected properties to be put to good use, others contend it infringes on legitimate ownership rights and effectively rewards trespassing.