Opinion ID: 3177876
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: introduction

Text: ¶1 We are asked to decide only one issue in this case: how and when does a party acquire title to property under the doctrine of boundary by acquiescence? Does title transfer by operation of law at the time the elements of boundary by acquiescence are met or by judicial decree at the time the trial court enters its order? This case arises out of a boundary dispute involving Wayne Hughes and Patricia Hampton-Hughes (collectively, Hugheses) and their neighbor, Q-2, L.L.C. and its predecessors-in-interest (collectively, Q-2). Although the Hugheses agree that Q-2 properly obtained title to the property at issue under the doctrine of boundary by acquiescence, they argue that it did so at the time the elements of the doctrine were satisfied, allowing the Hugheses to subsequently reacquire the property through adverse possession. Q-2 disputes the Hugheses‘ claim and argues that it did not obtain title until the trial court ruled in its favor, preventing the Hugheses‘ adverse possession claim. After reviewing our prior boundary by acquiescence cases, the related doctrine of adverse possession, and the policy rationales underpinning these doctrines, we hold that a party obtains title under the doctrine of boundary by acquiescence by operation of law at the time the elements of the doctrine are satisfied. Accordingly, we affirm the decision of the court of appeals.