Opinion ID: 1944839
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: Easement by Acquiescence

Text: The defendant also argues that he established his right to an easement by acquiescence. Like adverse possession, the doctrine of acquiescence to an observable physical boundary line constitutes a recognized means by which a claimant can gain title to the real estate encompassed by that boundary line, even though another party clearly possesses record title to that land. Pucino v. Uttley, 785 A.2d 183, 186 (R.I.2001) (citing DelSesto v. Unknown Heirs of Lewis, 754 A.2d 91, 95 (R.I.2000)). [A] party alleging acquiescence must show that a boundary marker existed and that the parties recognized that boundary for a period equal to that prescribed in the statute of limitations to bar a reentry, or ten years. Id. at 186-87 (quoting Locke v. O'Brien, 610 A.2d 552, 556 (R.I.1992)). Because there is not a scintilla of evidence in this case to support a finding of an easement by acquiescence, we decline to address that issue, save to uphold the decision of the trial justice finding that defendant failed to establish title to the purported right-of-way between his lot and Sunderland Drive through acquiescence.