Ongoing Community Education Initiatives
Probate and Estate Planning Initiative
Our goal is to raise community awareness about the probate process, introduce programs and financial resources to help heirs navigate the costly process of resolving title issues, and inform property owners at risk of losing their property due to heirs’ property complications.
Why This Initiative Matters
- Nearly $550 million in property value is at risk due to probate complications.
- 1,600 heirs’ property parcels and 1,400 single-owner parcels with no estate planning.
- Many families risk losing generational wealth due to a lack of planning.
- Our goal: Educate, empower, and provide resources to property owners.
The Problem: Understanding Heirs’ Property Issues
Heirs’ property refers to land passed down informally through generations without proper legal documentation. This often leads to “cloudy title” issues, making it difficult for heirs to:
- Access financial resources (e.g., loans, grants)
- Qualify for property tax exemptions
- Sell or transfer ownership legally
How to Get Started with
Probate & Estate Planning in Alachua County
Navigating heirs’ property or planning your estate can feel overwhelming—but we’ve created a simple, guided process to help you take the right steps toward securing your property and protecting your family’s legacy.
Step 1: Attend a Probate & Estate Planning Summit
Start by joining one of our countywide summits, held throughout the year in areas with the highest concentration of heirs’ property or properties at risk of entering this status.
You will learn about:
- Probate basics and how it affects property ownership
- Estate planning essentials to help you prepare for the future
- The risks of unclear or “cloudy” title
- Available programs like our Heirs Relief Program
- Legal and tax implications you should know about
These free events are designed to raise awareness and connect you with actionable next steps
Summit Speakers
Summit Speakers
Step 2: Join a Probate & Estate Planning Workshop
After attending a summit, the next step is to attend one of our hands-on workshops, where you’ll receive personalized guidance on how to move forward.
You will gain:
- Insights into completing a family tree and documenting heirs
- Support with gathering documents relevant to your estate or probate case
- A better understanding of what you need before hiring an attorney
- Access to legal Q&As, property information, and tax guidance
Note: Depending on the complexity of your case, you may not complete your documents during the workshop—but you will leave with clear direction on what’s next.
Step 3: Finalize Your Documents and Contact Legal Services
Once you’ve documented heirs or started your estate plan through our workshop, you’re prepared to take the final step.
Here’s what to do next:
- Complete any remaining forms or documentation
- Contact one of our partners directly: Three Rivers Legal Services or the Federation of Southern Cooperatives—if you qualify for free or low-cost legal support
- If you do not qualify for these services, reach out to a local probate or estate planning attorney to begin your case
- Move forward with confidence as you finalize probate or secure your estate plan
We’re here to support you every step of the way as you work to secure your property, protect your legacy, and build generational wealth.
Three Rivers Legal Services
Applicants call:
866-256-8091 or 352-372-0519
to do an application
Federation of Southern Cooperatives
(404) 765-0991
Additional Infomation and Resources
What is Probate and Estate Planning?
Probate: is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is properly distributed to heirs and designated beneficiaries and any debt owed to creditors is paid. The court oversees the process to ensure that the estate is properly administered.
Estate Planning: is the act of putting together a financial plan that will constitute a document like a will and manage your estate after your death or incapacitation.