Seeking pro bono attorney to help clients close generational wealth gap

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Minneapolis, Minn.) —In partnership with the Hennepin County Recorder and Examiner of Titles, the pro bono unit of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid is gearing up to help clients close the racial wealth gap with the help of pro bono attorneys.

“We’re excited to help neighbors put in place Transfer on Death Deeds and to do this meaningful work, we are scouting attorneys who are looking for a simple, yet concrete way to give back to their community,” says Matt Hulstein, pro bono unit supervisor. “Every year, countless Minnesotans lose stable housing and millions of dollars of equity to unresolved title issues. TODD Tuesdays is a way to prevent that. The work of our pro bono partners will positively impact area homeowners for generations to come.

Members of this new cohort of volunteer attorneys will meet with residents the first Tuesday of the month at the Recorder’s Office. To volunteer, email Matthew Hulsltein: mhulstein@mylegalaid.org.

Hulstein shares that one of the pitfalls survivors face is known as Heirs’ Property: Property that belongs to survivors of a deceased individual by right, while the legal title remains in a deceased person’s name. This often happens when mom or dad dies without an estate plan. 

“In this situation, new owners cannot borrow against the house, work with an existing mortgage lender, or sell, ” according to Hulstein. “They also lose out on valuable benefits like the homestead exemption, mortgage interest deduction, financial assistance, and others. Foreclosure, forfeiture, and condemnation lurk around every corner.”

Hulstein’s suggested reading on what’s at stake includes: To Prevent Racial Wealth and Homeownership Gaps from Widening, Break Down Barriers to Estate Planning | Urban Institute. 

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Media contact:
Lisa Ramirez
Communications Director
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
lramirez@mylegalaid.org