Home for Generations Clinic

Eligibility

Individuals with low incomes, who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-U.S. citizens may be eligible for free legal advice on their probate matter at this clinic.

Probate Documents

Attendees may be turned away from the clinic without the below probate documents.

• Will (if there is one)
• Tax bill for the property for the year the decedent passed away.
• Proof of title: Whatever proof you have that you should be given title to the home you live in, for example:
  • Last recorded deed to the property.
    • (Copies can be purchased for a small fee at Register of Deeds, 400 Monroe Street, 7th Floor).
  • Land contract
  • Receipts showing payment to the last owner.
  • Death certificate(s) for previous property owner.
• Copies of any previous probate matters for this property, whether case is open or not.
• List of Family Tree
  • All known heirs, devisees and interested parties, which includes their names, current addresses and current telephone numbers, and their relationship to the deceased person (e.g., “son,” “wife,” etc.)
  • HEIRS are: Spouse, children, parents of the deceased person.
  • DEVISEES are: People named to receive benefits in a will who are not heirs.
  • INTERESTED PARTIES are: Others who may have interest in the property, including mortgage/creditors.
• Current government-issued picture ID, front and back.
• Public assistance letter (if applicable).
  • If you have a low income and you are receiving public assistance, the probate court will waive the initial filing fee ($175.00). If this applies to you, also bring with you a printout or letter from DHHS showing your current status and your case number.
• “Paid in Full” funeral bill.

What else do I need to know?

• If you are unable to attend or have a legal issue that cannot wait, call the Counsel & Advocacy Law Line toll-free at (888) 783-8190.
• This clinic is staffed by primarily by volunteer attorneys and further legal assistance after the clinic is not guaranteed.