Providing Access To Justice

Wills & Heirs’ Property Prevention Program

Our Wills and Heirs’ Property Prevention Program is multifaceted, serving all those who qualify across the Lowcountry with one overarching goal – making sure those who need a Will drafted, and qualify for our services, can put this important document in place for both them and their family members. 

Understanding Heirs’ Property

Watch this video to learn more about the history heirs’ property, the issues it creates and how to get the help you need to protect your land for future generations.

Wills are important because they give you the power to protect your wishes by clearly outlining what you want to happen with your property after you die as well as protecting any minor children you have.

Heirs’ property is land that has been passed down through generations from family member to family member, often without it being properly deeded and no Will in place resulting in it having anywhere from several heirs to hundreds of heirs. 

A Will allows a property owner to clearly designate who inherits the property, preventing complications and disputes among heirs. Without a Will, the property becomes “heirs’ property,” with ownership distributed according to state intestacy laws, potentially leading to fragmented ownership and disagreements over the property’s future use.

Our partnerships in this program include working closely with…

  • The Lowcountry Gullah Foundation, Center for Heirs’ Property and Heritage Library to provide the resources, education and free Wills to help prevent land loss and heirs’ property which often arise when a landowner dies without having a Will.
  • The Beaufort County Office of Veterans Affairs to offer free Wills to all qualifying United States Veterans
  • Local Housing Authorities and other community-wide organizations working to help prevent homelessness

We encourage you to talk to our partners and find out how they can help you when it comes to everything from the creation of a Will to assisting you with avoiding and navigating heirs’ property issues. 

The Lowcountry Gullah Foundation
80 Lady’s Island Drive – Lowcountry Outreach Building
Beaufort, South Carolina
(843) 715-3506

Centers for Heirs’ Property
8570 Rivers Avenue – Suite 107
Charleston, SC
(843) 745-7055

The Heritage Library
2 Corpus Christi Place – Suite 100
Hilton Head, SC
(843) 686-6560

Beaufort County Veterans Affairs
100 Clearwater Way
Beaufort, SC
(843) 255-6880