Which of the following factors is NOT essential for establishing adverse possession?

The essential factors for establishing adverse possession generally include continuous use, hostile use, exclusive use, and often the payment of property taxes. Payment of property taxes is important in many jurisdictions, as it can serve as evidence that the adverse possessor is treating the property as their own. However, it is not universally required in all legal contexts to establish a claim of adverse possession.

In contrast, continuous use indicates that the claim must be maintained over a specified period without interruption. Hostile use means that the possession is without the permission of the true owner. Exclusive use indicates that the possessor is acting as the sole user of the property, not sharing it with others. These elements are foundational in establishing adverse possession, whereas payment of property taxes, while beneficial, may not be strictly necessary in every state or case, hence it is not considered essential. This nuance is crucial for understanding the legal doctrine of adverse possession.