LAKE CITY, Fla., May 22, 2025 -- Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. (TRLS), in partnership with First Federal Bank (FFB), was awarded an Heirs Property Family Wealth Protection Fund grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLB Atlanta), for the purpose of providing free legal services regarding heirs property and estate planning to "homeowners" of North Florida. Homeowners who reside in the counties of Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Suwannee, Taylor or Union, and have household incomes below 120% of the Area Median Income, will be eligible to apply for legal services related to heirs property and estate planning. Residents whose homes were damaged as the result of Hurricanes Idalia, Debby or Helene will be given priority for full representation. "TRLS helps individuals and their families navigate complex scenarios," says John Medina, President and CEO of First Federal Bank. "First Federal Bank is honored to help facilitate access to legal services to these deserving homeowners."
"Heirs property" is real property that is currently titled in the name of a deceased individual, regardless of whether the homeowner had a Will at the time of their death. TRLS will provide legal representation in probate matters to the heir(s) of the property in an effort to have the property legally titled in the name of the resident heir. These clients, along with homeowners who already possess clear title to their homes, will be eligible to apply for legal services related to Estate Planning (wills and deeds) in an effort to prevent future heirs property issues.
"TRLS is grateful to First Federal Bank and FHLB Atlanta for the funding, which will allow TRLS to serve more clients in the designated counties" says Donna MacRae, Executive Director of Three Rivers Legal Services. For more information on how to help Three Rivers Legal Services, visit trls.org/volunteer.
About First Federal Bank:
First Federal Bank is a leading financial institution committed to serving the needs of its customers and communities. With banking locations in northern Florida and coastal South Carolina, First Federal Bank is a community-owned bank that provides a wide range of consumer and commercial banking solutions, services, and loans. Additionally, SBA and USDA customers are served by lending offices across the Southeast and Midwest, and mortgages are offered nationwide. With over $3.9 billion in assets, First Federal is headquartered in Lake City, Florida and has a steadfast focus on innovation and customer satisfaction. For over 20 years the bank has consistently been recommended by BauerFinancial, Inc. Furthermore, Newsweek named First Federal the "Best Small Bank in Florida" for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 and "Best Regional Bank" for 2024 and 2025. To learn more, visit the website at www.ffbf.com
About Three Rivers Legal Services:
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. (TRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free legal services to low-income or otherwise disadvantaged individuals and families in North Florida. Services include advice and consultation, brief services (drafting legal documents), negotiation, and full representation in court and/or administrative cases. TRLS services are limited to civil legal matters, including but not limited to probate, estate planning, housing law, consumer law, family law, public benefits (Social Security, SSI, Medicaid), elder law, sealing and expungement of criminal records, and education law. To learn more visit www.trls.org
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