Adams County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Adams County in 2026
AdamsCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Adams County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find ownership history, recorded deeds, tax assessments, mortgage documents, liens, plat maps, and related encumbrances. Record availability and completeness may vary depending on the document type, recording date, and the office maintaining the record.
Property records in Adams County may be searched through several official channels, including online databases, in-person visits to county offices, mail requests, and through licensed professionals such as title companies or real estate attorneys. The primary official resources are:
- Adams County Tax Assessor – property valuations, ownership data, and assessment records
- Adams County Chancery Clerk – recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and official instruments
- Adams County Tax Collector – tax bills, payment history, and delinquency information
- Mississippi Secretary of State – UCC filings and certain lien records
- Adams County GIS/Mapping System – parcel boundaries, aerial imagery, and zoning layers
Online Search Methods:
1. Property Appraiser Website
The Adams County Tax Assessor maintains the primary database for property valuation and ownership information. Members of the public may access this resource at no cost and without registration.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID number
- By subdivision name
- By map or GIS location
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property site address and legal description
- Parcel identification number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms)
- Assessed value of land and improvements
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
- GIS map location and property card
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Adams County Tax Assessor portal
- Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
- Review the results list returned by the system
- Select the relevant property to view the full property card
- Access maps, sales history, and assessment details
- Print or save the information as needed
2. County Chancery Clerk Official Records Search
The Adams County Chancery Clerk serves as the official recorder of instruments affecting real property. Recorded documents are indexed by grantor and grantee name and are available for public inspection.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller or transferor)
- Grantee name (buyer or transferee)
- Book and page number
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and declarations of restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Lis pendens notices
- HOA documents and condominium declarations
How to Search:
- Visit the Chancery Clerk's office in person or access available online indexes
- Select the search type (grantor, grantee, document type, or date range)
- Enter the search criteria
- Review the results and note the book and page or instrument number
- Request document images or certified copies as needed
- Fees may apply for copies or certified documents
3. Tax Collector Website
The Adams County Tax Collector maintains records of property tax bills, payment history, and delinquency status. Public access is provided at no charge.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel number
- Tax account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and amount due
- Payment history and outstanding balances
- Exemptions applied
- Millage rates by taxing authority
- Delinquent tax certificate information
- Payment options and installment plan status
4. GIS / Mapping System
Adams County maintains a geographic information system that provides visual access to parcel data, zoning layers, flood zones, and aerial photography.
How to Use:
- Navigate the interactive map to the subject property location
- Click on the parcel to view linked property information
- Access zoning layers, flood zone designations, and environmental features
- Measure distances and view property boundaries
- Link to associated assessment or recorded document records
In-Person Searches:
Property Appraiser Office
Adams County Tax Assessor
115 South Wall Street
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 442-6732
Adams County Tax Assessor
Services available in person include public access computers, staff assistance, property cards, maps and plats, and exemption application processing.
Clerk of Court / Recorder Office
Adams County Chancery Clerk
115 South Wall Street
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 446-6684
Adams County Chancery Clerk
Services include viewing official recorded instruments, requesting certified copies, searching grantor and grantee indexes, accessing record books, and receiving staff assistance with document searches.
Tax Collector Office
Adams County Tax Collector
115 South Wall Street
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 442-8601
Adams County Tax Collector
Services include tax payment processing, copies of tax bills, delinquency information, and tax certificate searches.
By Mail Requests:
Property Appraiser
Written requests for property information may be submitted by mail to the Adams County Tax Assessor at 115 South Wall Street, Natchez, MS 39120. Requests should include the property address or parcel number, the type of information sought, and a self-addressed return envelope. Copying fees may apply.
Chancery Clerk / Recorder
Requests for copies of recorded instruments may be submitted by mail to the Adams County Chancery Clerk at 115 South Wall Street, Natchez, MS 39120. Requests should specify the document by book and page number, instrument number, or property address with an approximate date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request.
Through Professionals:
Title Companies
Licensed title companies conduct comprehensive title searches, prepare abstracts of title, and issue title insurance commitments. These services identify all recorded interests affecting a property and are performed by professionals with expertise in local recording practices. Costs vary by transaction.
Real Estate Attorneys
Attorneys provide legal title opinions, assist with complex ownership issues, and represent clients in property disputes. Costs vary based on the scope of services required.
Real Estate Agents
Licensed real estate agents may access MLS data for listed properties, pull property histories, and provide comparable sales data as part of their representation services.
Search Tips:
By Address
- Use the complete street address, including directionals (N, S, E, W)
- Try variations with and without unit or apartment numbers
- Check spelling variations if initial results are not returned
By Owner Name
- Enter last name first, followed by first name
- Try variations with and without middle initials
- Search both current and previous owner names
- Consider business entity names versus individual names
By Legal Description
- Use the exact legal description as it appears on the deed
- Include subdivision name, lot and block numbers, and section, township, and range where applicable
For Historical Records
- Records predating digitization may require an in-person visit to the courthouse
- Staff at the Chancery Clerk's office can assist with locating records in books or on microfilm
Common Search Challenges:
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear due to recording processing delays
- Very old records may not be digitized and require in-person retrieval
- Indexing errors or name spelling variations may affect search results
- Properties with address changes may require searching under multiple addresses
- Common names may return multiple results; verify by parcel number or legal description
What You Cannot Find Online:
- Unrecorded documents and private agreements not submitted for recording
- Pending sales prior to closing and recording
- Documents filed under seal by court order
- Some pre-digital historical records not yet scanned
What Is Adams County Property Records
Property records in Adams County are official documents related to real property — including land and buildings — maintained by county government offices as part of the public record. These instruments establish legal ownership, document transfers of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and provide the foundation for the chain of title essential to real estate transactions.
Purpose of Property Records:
- Establish and verify legal ownership of real property
- Provide an unbroken chain of title from original grant to present owner
- Record encumbrances including mortgages, liens, and easements
- Document property transfers and sale prices
- Support property tax assessment and collection
- Protect property rights and enable title insurance
- Facilitate real estate lending and transactions
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Transfer records and ownership history
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
- Title documents establishing chain of title
Encumbrance Records
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Deed restrictions and covenants
- Homeowner association documents
- Lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records
- Property tax assessments and tax bills
- Payment history and exemption records
- Millage rates and special assessments
- Delinquency records and tax deed proceedings
Legal Descriptions
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Surveys and metes and bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
- Condominium declarations
Building and Permit Records
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violation records
- Zoning classifications and land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records:
Adams County Chancery Clerk
The Chancery Clerk serves as the official recorder of instruments affecting real property in Adams County. This office records and indexes deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and all other documents submitted for recording, and maintains these instruments as permanent public records.
Adams County Chancery Clerk
115 South Wall Street
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 446-6684
Adams County Chancery Clerk
Adams County Tax Assessor
The Tax Assessor maintains property valuation records, assessment rolls, ownership information, property characteristics, and exemption applications.
Adams County Tax Assessor
115 South Wall Street
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 442-6732
Adams County Tax Assessor
Adams County Tax Collector
The Tax Collector maintains tax bills, payment records, delinquent tax information, and tax certificate and tax deed records.
Adams County Tax Collector
115 South Wall Street
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 442-8601
Adams County Tax Collector
Legal Framework:
Property recording in Mississippi is governed by Miss. Code Ann. § 89-5-1, which establishes the requirements for recording instruments affecting real property and provides constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors. Under this statute, a conveyance of land not recorded as required is void as against any subsequent purchaser in good faith and for valuable consideration whose deed is first recorded. The Mississippi Public Records Act, Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1, further ensures that property records maintained by county offices are accessible to members of the public.
Are Property Records Public Information in Adams County?
Property records in Adams County are public information. Under the Mississippi Public Records Act, Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1, all public records are available for inspection and copying by any person unless a specific exemption applies. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to access property records.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
- The Mississippi Public Records Act mandates public access to government-held records
- Mississippi recording statutes require that recorded instruments be available for public inspection
- The common law tradition of public land records predates statehood
- Constructive notice principles require that recorded documents be accessible to all
Why Property Records Are Public:
Transparency
Public access to property ownership records ensures accountability in property taxation, prevents fraudulent transfers, and supports transparent government operations. The public has a recognized interest in knowing who owns real property within the county.
Commercial Purposes
Open property records enable real estate transactions, title searches, title insurance underwriting, property appraisals, market analysis, and mortgage lending. The real estate industry depends on the public availability of these records to function effectively.
Legal Protections
Recording and public access to property instruments establishes the chain of title, provides constructive notice of recorded interests, protects against fraudulent conveyances, and determines the priority of competing claims to the same property.
Public Interest
Property records support community planning, historical and genealogical research, journalistic investigation, and tax assessment transparency.
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens and encumbrances of record
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics including size, age, and building type
- Deeds and all other recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Under current Mississippi law and federal guidance, certain personal identifiers are redacted from recorded documents before public release. Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are removed from documents prior to recording or are redacted from publicly accessible images. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under applicable state programs.
Homestead exemption applications may contain personal financial information and are subject to separate access policies administered by the Tax Assessor's office.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public may inspect and obtain copies of property records in Adams County. There is no residency requirement, ownership requirement, or business purpose requirement. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, property owners, investors, genealogists, historians, and members of the media.
Commercial Use of Property Records:
The commercial aggregation and use of public property records is permitted under current law. Title insurance companies, property data services, and real estate platforms routinely compile and redistribute public property information. Anti-harassment laws, fair housing statutes, and other applicable regulations continue to govern how information derived from public records may be used.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Adams County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at the Adams County Chancery Clerk's office at no charge. Fees are assessed when copies or certified copies of recorded instruments are requested. Under Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7, public bodies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public records, not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction.
Current Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of recorded document (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of recorded instrument | $1.00 per page + certification fee |
| Recording a new instrument (deed, mortgage, etc.) | $10.00 for first page + $1.00 each additional page |
| Plat recording | Fee varies by size |
| Online document viewing | Free (where available) |
| In-person record inspection | No charge |
Fees are subject to change by the Chancery Clerk's office in accordance with applicable state law. Members of the public are advised to confirm current fees directly with the office prior to submitting a request.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check or money order payable to Adams County Chancery Clerk
- Credit or debit card (availability subject to office policy)
What Is Available at No Cost:
- In-person inspection of any public property record
- Online viewing of assessment data through the Tax Assessor's portal
- Online viewing of tax payment information through the Tax Collector's portal
- GIS map access where provided by the county
Fee waiver provisions are not broadly established under Mississippi public records law for standard copy requests, though government agencies and certain nonprofit entities may negotiate access arrangements for bulk data.
What's Included in a Adams County Property Record
A complete Adams County property record draws from multiple county offices and may include the following categories of information.
Ownership Information:
Current Ownership
- Legal owner name or names as recorded on the current deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by entirety, trust, LLC, corporation, or life estate)
- Ownership percentage where multiple owners hold undivided interests
- Acquisition date and deed book and page or instrument number
- Mailing address for tax bill delivery
Previous Ownership
- Chain of title reflecting all prior owners
- Transfer dates and historical deed references
- Ownership timeline from original grant to present
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Legal description including lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, and section, township, and range where applicable
- Parcel identification number and tax account number
Physical Characteristics:
Land Information
- Lot size in square feet or acres
- Lot dimensions, frontage, and depth
- Corner lot designation
- Land use designation and zoning classification
Building Information
- Total living area in square feet
- Year built and effective year
- Number of stories and building type
- Construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, and foundation type
- Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and total rooms
- Garage type and spaces, pool, porch or patio, fireplace, and HVAC systems
- Water source and sewer system type
- Condition and quality ratings
Valuation Information:
- Assessed land value and building value
- Total assessed value and market value estimate
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification where applicable
Tax Information:
- Current year tax amount and taxable value after exemptions
- Millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, municipality, special districts)
- Tax payment history and delinquency records
- Exemptions applied, including homestead, senior, disability, veteran, and agricultural exemptions
Sales History:
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed types for recent transfers
- Grantor and grantee names for each transaction
- Deed document numbers and qualified or unqualified sale designation
- Documentary stamp amounts
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages with lender names, amounts, and recording dates
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens
- Easements, deed restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens notices
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Current zoning classification and permitted uses
- Future land use designation
- Special taxing district assignments
- Flood zone designation per FEMA mapping
- Wetlands and conservation area designations
Maps and Images:
- Property photograph and aerial imagery
- GIS map with parcel boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch
- Historical aerial photographs where available
Building Permit Information (where integrated):
- Building permits issued, permit dates, and descriptions
- Contractor information and permit values
- Certificate of occupancy and inspection records
What Is Not Typically Included in Public Property Records:
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Personal financial information beyond what appears in recorded instruments
- Interior photographs unless provided by the appraiser
- Social Security numbers (redacted under current law)
- Private agreements not submitted for recording
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
- Confidential details from exemption applications
How Long Does Adams County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Adams County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting real property — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are never destroyed. This permanent retention is required by Mississippi law and is essential to the integrity of the chain of title.
Legal Basis for Retention:
The permanent retention of recorded instruments is supported by Mississippi recording statutes and the state's records retention schedule administered by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Under applicable state law, the Chancery Clerk is required to preserve all recorded instruments as permanent public records. The necessity of an unbroken chain of title for every parcel of real property makes destruction of these records legally and practically impermissible.
Records Kept Permanently:
Deed Records
All recorded deeds are maintained permanently, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, trustee's deeds, and all other conveyance instruments. Records in Adams County date back to the county's formation and include instruments from the territorial and early statehood periods.
Mortgage Records
All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions, releases, modifications, and assignments are maintained permanently, even after the underlying loan has been paid in full.
Lien Records
All recorded liens — including judgment liens, tax liens, mechanic's liens, and releases thereof — are maintained permanently as part of the official record.
Plats and Surveys
All recorded subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats are maintained permanently.
Other Recorded Instruments
Easements, deed restrictions, declarations, powers of attorney affecting property, and court documents affecting title are all maintained permanently.
Format and Storage:
Historical records in Adams County exist in multiple formats depending on the period of recording:
- Pre-20th century records: Handwritten ledger books
- Early-to-mid 20th century: Typed entries in bound record books
- Mid-to-late 20th century: Microfilm
- Recent decades: Digital scans and electronic document management systems
All formats are maintained at the Chancery Clerk's office, with climate-controlled storage for paper and microfilm records and backup systems for digital files.
Access to Historical Records:
Records from approximately the past 20 to 40 years are accessible online in most counties with active digitization programs. Older records require an in-person visit to the courthouse, where staff can retrieve documents from books, microfilm, or digital archives. Members of the public requesting very old records should contact the Chancery Clerk's office in advance to allow for retrieval time.
Property Appraiser Records:
Assessment records, property cards, and assessment rolls are maintained permanently by the Tax Assessor. Exemption applications are retained for a period consistent with the state records retention schedule, which at present requires retention for a minimum of five years following the applicable tax year.
Tax Collector Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years. Tax certificates are maintained until redeemed or until a tax deed is issued. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are retained for several years following resolution.
Chain of Title:
Every transfer of real property in Adams County from the original land grant to the present owner is reflected in the permanent record maintained by the Chancery Clerk. Title searches conducted in connection with real estate transactions review the chain of title for a period of at least 30 to 60 years, and a full abstract may extend back to the original grant. Gaps in the chain of title create title defects that must be resolved before clear title can be conveyed.
Contact for Historical Records:
Adams County Chancery Clerk
115 South Wall Street
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 446-6684
Adams County Chancery Clerk
Adams County Tax Assessor
115 South Wall Street
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 442-6732
Adams County Tax Assessor
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
200 North Street
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 576-6850
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
How To Find Liens on Property in Adams County?
A lien on real property in Adams County is a recorded encumbrance that gives a creditor a legal claim against the property as security for a debt or obligation. Members of the public may search for liens through the following official channels.
Types of Liens Recorded Against Real Property:
- Judgment liens arising from court judgments
- Federal and state tax liens filed by the IRS or Mississippi Department of Revenue
- Mechanic's liens filed by contractors or materialmen
- HOA assessment liens
- Code enforcement liens
- Child support liens
- Municipal special assessment liens
Step-by-Step Search Methods:
1. Adams County Chancery Clerk — Official Records Index
The Chancery Clerk's office maintains the official index of all recorded instruments, including liens. Members of the public may search this index in person or through available online access.
- Visit the Chancery Clerk's office at 115 South Wall Street, Natchez, MS 39120, or access the online index where available
- Search by the property owner's name as grantor or grantee
- Search by document type, selecting lien categories (judgment lien, mechanic's lien, tax lien, etc.)
- Review results and note the book and page or instrument number for each lien found
- Request copies of lien documents as needed; standard copy fees apply
Adams County Chancery Clerk
115 South Wall Street
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 446-6684
Adams County Chancery Clerk
2. Federal Tax Liens — IRS and Mississippi Secretary of State
Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the Chancery Clerk in the county where the taxpayer resides or owns property. Members of the public may also search federal tax lien records through the IRS Centralized Lien Operation by contacting (800) 913-6050.
State tax liens filed by the Mississippi Department of Revenue are recorded with the Chancery Clerk and may also appear in the Secretary of State's UCC filing database.
3. Mississippi Secretary of State — UCC and Lien Filings
Certain lien filings, including UCC financing statements that may affect real property fixtures, are maintained by the Mississippi Secretary of State. Members of the public may search these records online through the Secretary of State's business services portal.
Mississippi Secretary of State
125 South Congress Street
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 359-1633
Mississippi Secretary of State
4. Adams County Tax Collector — Tax Delinquency and Tax Liens
Delinquent property tax records and tax certificate information are maintained by the Tax Collector. A property with outstanding delinquent taxes carries a statutory lien in favor of the taxing authority.
Adams County Tax Collector
115 South Wall Street
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 442-8601
Adams County Tax Collector
5. Title Search Through a Licensed Title Company
A comprehensive lien search is performed as part of a title search conducted by a licensed title company or real estate attorney. This professional search reviews all recorded instruments in the Chancery Clerk's index, federal lien databases, and other sources to identify every encumbrance of record affecting the subject property.
Search Tips for Lien Searches:
- Search under all name variations of the current and prior owners
- Search under both individual names and any associated business entity names
- Review the full recording history, not only recent years
- Verify that any lien shown as released has a corresponding recorded release instrument
- Federal tax liens survive property transfers in certain circumstances and require careful review
What Is Property Owner Rule in Adams County?
The property owner rule in Adams County, Mississippi, refers to the legal principle that permits a property owner to testify as to the value of their own real property in legal proceedings without being qualified as an expert witness. This rule is well established in Mississippi jurisprudence and is grounded in the recognition that an owner has inherent knowledge of the property they possess.
Legal Basis:
Mississippi courts have long recognized that a property owner is competent to give opinion testimony regarding the value of their own property. This principle is consistent with the general evidentiary rule that lay opinion testimony is admissible where it is rationally based on the witness's perception and helpful to the determination of a fact in issue, as reflected in the Mississippi Rules of Evidence. The property owner rule is applied in condemnation proceedings, property damage cases, tax assessment appeals, and other civil matters where property value is at issue.
Application in Adams County:
In Adams County, the property owner rule is applied in proceedings before the Adams County Circuit Court, Chancery Court, and in administrative hearings before the Board of Supervisors sitting as the Board of Equalization for property tax assessment appeals. A property owner who believes their assessed value is incorrect may appear before the Board of Equalization and offer testimony as to the market value of their property without retaining a licensed appraiser, though professional appraisal evidence is also admissible and may carry greater weight.
Property Tax Assessment Appeals:
Under Mississippi law, property owners who dispute their assessed valuation must first appeal to the county Board of Supervisors sitting as the Board of Equalization. The appeal process requires the owner to appear and present evidence of value, which may include the owner's own testimony under the property owner rule, comparable sales data, independent appraisals, and other relevant evidence. Decisions of the Board of Equalization may be further appealed to the Chancery Court.
Adams County Board of Supervisors
115 South Wall Street
Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: (601) 446-6326
Adams County Board of Supervisors
Ownership Rights and Responsibilities:
Property ownership in Adams County carries both rights and obligations under Mississippi law and local ordinances. Owners have the right to use, enjoy, and transfer their property subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, and encumbrances of record. Owners are obligated to pay property taxes assessed by the county, maintain the property in compliance with applicable codes, and honor recorded easements and covenants running with the land.
Under Miss. Code Ann. § 27-35-1, all real property in Mississippi is subject to ad valorem taxation based on assessed value, and property owners are required to ensure their property is properly listed with the Tax Assessor. Failure to pay property taxes results in a statutory lien against the property and may ultimately lead to a tax sale.
Adverse Possession:
Mississippi law recognizes adverse possession as a means by which a person may acquire title to real property through open, notorious, hostile, exclusive, and continuous possession for a period of ten years, as provided under applicable state statutes. Claims of adverse possession in Adams County are adjudicated in the Chancery Court.
Eminent Domain:
The government's power of eminent domain allows federal, state, and local authorities to acquire private property for public use upon payment of just compensation. In Adams County, condemnation proceedings are filed in the Circuit Court or Chancery Court, and property owners are entitled to contest the amount of compensation offered, including through testimony under the property owner rule as to the value of the property taken.