Q: If you paid taxes Can someone take your property if you abandoned it for year and haven't maintained your property?

A: In Texas, simply paying property taxes on your land does not automatically protect it from claims of adverse possession, especially if you have abandoned the property and have not maintained it. Adverse possession, commonly known as "squatter’s rights," allows someone to claim ownership of land under certain conditions. If your son's wife, who owns the lot next to your property, regularly maintains the land (such as cutting the grass) and uses it as her own, she might potentially make a claim of adverse possession. However, for a successful claim, she must meet specific legal requirements, including possessing the property openly, notoriously, exclusively, continuously, and under a claim of right for a prescribed period, typically 10 years in Texas.

A: No, someone cannot legally take your property or claim you abandoned it simply because you have been absent or failed to maintain it. As long as you continue paying property taxes and possess valid title, ownership and rights remain legally yours regardless of occupancy, use or condition.

In order to claim you "abandoned" the property, the neighbor would typically have to show that you intended to give up all ownership rights and make no further claims - a very high bar. Simply leaving it unused, even long-term, does not meet the qualifications for abandonment. Especially if you remain current on property taxes, as this clearly signals continued ownership.

Additionally, someone else providing occasional maintenance like cutting grass does not relinquish your rights either. If anything, you could file a complaint against them for trespassing.

In summary - absent some very compelling evidence you intended to surrender all legal rights in the land, paying property taxes is sufficient to retain full ownership regardless of occupancy, use or maintenance. The neighbors have no claim and cannot take your land just because you have been absent for long stretches or failed to upkeep it. Your property rights remain intact. Consult a real estate attorney if the neighbors make threats or file claims.