(BELLE GLADE, Fla.) — The non-profit law firm FRLS -Florida Rural Legal Services (which serves both urban and rural areas in South & Central Florida) recently partnered with Community Building Advocates Inc. (CBA), Midway Specialty Care, Victim Services PBC, Jamaican of the Palm Beach, and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) to host an informative lunch-and-learn event in Belle Glade. Held at the local library, the event focused on educating the elder community about key legal and healthcare issues to be aware of as they age.
During the session, Belle Galde Managing Attorney Zade Shamsi-Basha with FRLS provided a presentation on heirs’ property—often referred to as family land—which occurs when property is passed down to multiple heirs without a clear, legally binding will. This situation can lead to legal challenges, as all heirs own the property collectively as "tenants in common," rather than individually owning separate portions. Without a clear title or proof of ownership, heirs can face significant obstacles, including difficulty in accessing loans, applying for grants, and protecting their property from predatory real estate developers.
FRLS attorneys emphasized the importance of tracing the ownership of the land from the original titled owner to the current heirs as a critical first step in resolving these issues.
The presentation also highlighted the necessity of gathering detailed information about all heirs, both living and deceased, to establish a clear line of ownership.
Participants were encouraged to engage with FRLS for further assistance in navigating these legal matters.
"FRLS is committed to continuing these partnerships through referrals, community events, and additional workshops, ensuring that residents have access to the legal resources they need to safeguard their homes and families," said Shamsi-Basha.
Free legal services are funded by a grant from FFLA - Funding Florida Legal Aid.
For more information about heirs' property or to seek legal assistance, contact Florida Rural Legal Services at 1-888-582-3410 from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.
About Florida Rural Legal Services:
Florida Rural Legal Services is a non-profit law firm dedicated to providing high-quality civil legal services to low-income individuals and families across South and Central Florida in 13 counties and farmworkers statewide. Our mission is to ensure access to justice for all, regardless of economic status.