Georgia State Launches Free Law Clinic for Heirs’ Property as Atlanta Bank Pledges $1.5 Million
Updated
Updated · WABE 90.1 FM · Aug 31
Georgia State Launches Free Law Clinic for Heirs’ Property as Atlanta Bank Pledges $1.5 Million
3 articles · Updated · WABE 90.1 FM · Aug 31
Summary
Georgia State University has opened a law clinic offering free legal help to families facing heirs’ property disputes, a problem tied to involuntary land loss and blocked wealth transfer.
Heirs’ property often arises when someone dies without a will and ownership is split among relatives without clear title records, making it harder to keep land or qualify for disaster aid.
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta is funding the clinic with $1.5 million; its survey found about 60% of homeowners nationwide earning under $50,000 lack a will, trust or estate plan.
Sarah Stein, the clinic’s director, said the issue is a major driver of Black land loss across the South’s Black Belt and also leaves Atlanta families vulnerable to below-market offers from developers.