The Problem- The existence of heirs property in North Georgia results in real property (typically land) being trapped due to a cloud on the title generally resulting from one or more generations of owners dying without the benefit of estate planning or a will and manifests in a fragmented ownership structure whereby the heirs are not readily known, there was no probate that determined the disposition of the property, and in many instances the would-be heirs do not have the financial means to hire an attorney to clear the title. Therefore, the real property (land) generally sits dormant for extended periods of time. Furthermore, the proliferation of title fraud and increase in property taxes can often result in catastrophic loss (there is usually no title insurance in place) or tax foreclosure. For the community, these properties are not available for development, sale, or other disposition due to the lack of clear and marketable title.

The Solution- The Georgia Mountains and Lakes REALTORS® Association (GMLRA) has established Heirs' Property Legal Assistance Center (HPLAC) in North Georgia for the purpose of helping families realize generational wealth by providing counseling, access to resources/programs and pro bono or reduced-fee legal services in order to resolve/clear the title while also helping to provide education that assists to avoid/prevent the phenomenon of heirs property in the future. The HPLAC will also advocate for property owner rights in the specific context of heirs property as it relates to public policy and matters of law. The Center will operate as a not-for-profit in the state of Georgia and exist for the sole purpose of community service. Our long-term goal is to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Center and provide other organizations with the blueprint, assets and consultation to establish other heirs property assistance centers in Georgia and throughout the United States.