# Wis. Stat. § 893.25: Adverse possession, not founded on written instrument

> Wisconsin · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C893_S893.25

## Section

- **Citation:** Wis. Stat. § 893.25
- **Heading:** Adverse possession, not founded on written instrument
- **Jurisdiction:** Wisconsin
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** WI Code / Chapter 893 / Section 893.25

## Text

(1) An action for the recovery or the possession of real estate and a defense or counterclaim based on title to real estate are barred by uninterrupted adverse possession of 20 years, except as provided by s. 893.14 and 893.29 . A person who, in connection with his or her predecessors in interest, is in uninterrupted adverse possession of real estate for 20 years, except as provided by s. 893.29 , may commence an action to establish title under ch. 841 .

(2) Real estate is possessed adversely under this section:

(a) Only if the person possessing it, in connection with his or her predecessors in interest, is in actual continued occupation under claim of title, exclusive of any other right; and

(b) Only to the extent that it is actually occupied and:

1. Protected by a substantial enclosure; or

2. Usually cultivated or improved.

History: 1979 c. 323 .

## Nearby sections

- [Wis. Stat. § 893.01 Civil actions; objection as to time of commencing.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C893_S893.01.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 893.02 Action, when commenced.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C893_S893.02.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 893.03 Presenting claims.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C893_S893.03.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 893.04 Computation of period within which action may be commenced.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C893_S893.04.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 893.05 Relation of statute of limitations to right and remedy.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C893_S893.05.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 893.07 Application of foreign statutes of limitation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C893_S893.07.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 893.10 Actions, time for commencing.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C893_S893.10.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 893.11 Extension of time if no person to sue.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C893_S893.11.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 893.12 Advance payment of damages; limitation extended.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C893_S893.12.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 893.13 Tolling of statutes of limitation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C893_S893.13.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 893.14 Limitation on use of a right of action as a defense or counterclaim.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C893_S893.14.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 893.15 Effect of an action in a non-Wisconsin forum on a Wisconsin cause of action.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C893_S893.15.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 893.16 Person under disability.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C893_S893.16.md)
- [Wis. Stat. § 893.17 Transition; limitation if disability exists; temporary.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C893_S893.17.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WI_C893_S893.25. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.
