Resources When
Facing Challenges
Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone.
Explore common situations families encounter—including
heirs’ property challenges.
Understand Your Situation
Know Where You Stand
Get clarity on your property ownership, legal options, and next steps to protect your family’s legacy.
Multiple Heirs, No Will
A family home passed down without a will, leading to shared ownership among several relatives.
Unclear Property Title
Difficulty proving ownership makes it hard to access loans or assistance programs.
Risk of Displacement
Facing threats from developers or tax sales due to unresolved ownership.
Get Support
Access a Network of Legal Aid and Support Services.
Find support through directories, partnerships, and community/non-profit
organizations across the U.S.
Find support through directories and partnerships across the U.S.
Discover More
Explore in-depth guides, articles, stories, and resources designed to help families and communities strengthen their estate planning and navigate heirs’ property challenges. Dive into step-by-step instructions, legal insights, and real stories that show how others have successfully protected their homes and legacies. Learn everything you need to take informed action and secure your family’s future.
Explore
Resources
ARTICLES
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The New York Times: “Estate Planning” Articles
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Kitces.com: All Nerd's Eye View Articles On Estate Planning Strategies
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Trustandwill.com: Estate Planning 101: What Is Estate Planning?
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Kiplinger: The Basics of Estate Planning
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Boston College Initiative on Land, Housing and Property Rights: The Lurking Dangers of Heirs’ Property – Boston College Law School Magazine
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National Urban League: What is Heirs; Property? A New Movement to Reclaim Land Lost to History
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NeighborWorks: Don’t Sell ‘The Big House’
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NewsOne: Heirs’ Property And Black Land Loss: A Hidden Threat To Generational Wealth
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USA Today: The heirs property: one man's struggle to hold onto family land in the American South
REPORTS
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Asset Funders Network Brief: AFN_Investing_Heirs_Property_Report.pdf
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NCLC: Heirs Property Report: How to Prevent Home Loss, Close Racial Wealth Gap
VIDEOS
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Al Roker Entertainment: Gaining Ground: What is Heirs' Property?
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The Center For Heirs' Property Preservation: 5 Historic African American Communities
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HeirShares: Untold Stories
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Lowcountry Gullah: The History of Heirs' Property
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PBS Life Ahead: Estate Planning and Elder Law
BOOKS
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Alexander A. Bove Jr. Esq: The Complete Book of Wills, Estates & Trusts: Advice that Can Save You Thousands of Dollars in Legal Fees and Taxes
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Denis Clifford Attorney: Estate Planning Basics (Nolo)
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Hanks Liza Attorney: Nolo's Guide to Estate Planning
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Mary Randolph JD: 8 Ways to Avoid Probate
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Melanie Cullen: Get It Together: Organize Your Records So Your Family Won't Have To