What is a common use of "trespass to try title"?

The concept of "trespass to try title" is a legal action used specifically in property law. Its primary purpose is to resolve disputes regarding the ownership of property. A common use for this action is to clear claims of adverse possession. Adverse possession involves a situation where a person may acquire legal ownership of land under certain conditions, despite not holding the deed to it.

When a party claims adverse possession, the rightful owner may need to initiate a "trespass to try title" lawsuit to affirm their ownership and remove any claims made by the adverse possessor. Through this legal process, the court can establish who has the superior title to the property in question, thereby resolving conflicting ownership claims.

This process does not typically include addressing property tax disputes, determining boundaries, or protecting against illegal transfer, as those issues are handled under different legal principles and procedures. Thus, the use of "trespass to try title" is integral in clarifying ownership where adverse possession claims arise.