News Summary
Lowcountry Legal Volunteers in Beaufort, South Carolina, has received a $200,000 grant from FHLBank Atlanta to help families address heirs’ property issues. This funding will support their efforts in providing 225 wills, education, and legal assistance to families across Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties. The program aims to empower families through essential estate planning and prevent future complications associated with inherited property without clear title.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Lowcountry Legal Volunteers (LCLV) has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLBank Atlanta) as part of its effort to address heirs’ property issues in the South. This grant, administered through South Atlantic Bank, will support LCLV in delivering essential estate planning services, aimed at empowering families across Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties.
The grant is part of the FHLBank Atlanta’s 2024 Heirs’ Property Family Wealth Protection Program, which seeks to help families secure their land and avoid complications that arise from heirs’ property. Heirs’ property refers to land that has been passed down without a legal will or clear title, leading to significant challenges for families trying to maintain ownership and transfer property to future generations.
LCLV plans to use the funding to provide 225 wills and offer heirs’ property education and prevention services. The organization focuses on helping families protect and safeguard their generational wealth through comprehensive estate planning solutions, which include the creation of wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
The importance of preventing heirs’ property complications is underscored by the widespread nature of the issue across the Southern United States. Without proactive interventions, families face hurdles in maintaining their property and solidifying their legacy for future generations. LCLV aims to address these problems before they arise by offering services directly to families in need.
Supporting Services and Collaboration
In addition to providing wills and educational services, LCLV will refer clients needing further assistance with complex issues, such as deeds and trusts, to local attorneys who are willing to offer their services at low or no cost. This approach highlights LCLV’s commitment to making legal support accessible to all families.
Collaboration plays a crucial role in extending the reach of LCLV’s mission. The organization has established partnerships with various entities, including the Lowcountry Gullah Foundation, Penn Center, and the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce. They also work with the Heritage Library and the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation to bolster legal advocacy related to heirs’ property issues.
Future Plans and Outreach
LCLV operates from two regional offices: one located in Okatie, within the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and another at the Lowcountry Outreach Center in Beaufort. The project funded by this grant is set to run through September 2026, during which LCLV will conduct an array of estate planning clinics, consultations, and outreach events across the counties. While the organization will assist with resolving existing heirs’ property cases, the emphasis remains on providing proactive solutions aimed at preventing future complications.
The funding received from FHLBank Atlanta highlights the significance of organizations like LCLV in safeguarding homeowners’ assets and nurturing the development of generational wealth. As Kirk Malmberg, President of FHLBank Atlanta, indicated, support from organizations focused on such community challenges is crucial for promoting long-term stability and success.
Anne Caywood, Executive Director of LCLV, remarked on the crucial role of prevention in securing families’ land and legacy. By equipping families with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of estate planning, LCLV aims to create a future where land and opportunities can be passed down without facing legal uncertainties.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Foundation of the Lowcountry Awards Impact Grants
Additional Resources
- Your Island News
- Explore Beaufort SC
- The Guardian
- ABC News
- Daily Yonder
- Wikipedia: Heirs’ Property
- Google Search: Heirs Property
- Google Scholar: Heirs Property
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Heirs Property
- Google News: Heirs Property
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
