Free Estate Planning and Will Preparation Program

Program to help Detroiters transfer homeownership easily, so families can build and keep wealth for future generations.   

Program Overview:

The Free Estate Planning and Will Preparation Program offers educational workshops and legal services to help Detroit residents protect their homes and build generational wealth.  Through a combination of in-person and virtual sessions, participants learn the essentials of estate planning — including how to address issues like tangled titles, which are common in Detroit.  Workshops cover key estate planning tools such as:

  • Wills
  • Lady Bird Deeds
  • Power of Attorney
  • Conservatorship

Eligible Detroiters can also get connected with a professional attorney to receive a personalized will and estate plan — at no cost.  These legal documents are critical for ensuring that a home and other assets are smoothly transferred and preserved for the next generation.
 

Why Is Having a Will or Estate Plan Important?

In Detroit, more than 5,500 homes are considered "heirs' property" — homes passed down informally without updated legal paperwork.  These tangled titles mean that current residents often can't prove ownership.  As a result, families may be unable to:

  • Qualify for property tax relief or home repair programs
  • Access homeowner's insurance
  • Use their home equity when needed

This legal uncertainty can lead to unsafe living conditions, financial hardship, or even losing the family home.  Without a proper estate plan, these issues can ripple through entire neighborhoods.

A will or estate plan ensures:

  • A smoother, legally recognized transfer of property
  • Avoidance of lengthy and costly court proceedings like probate
  • Access to critical support and resources
  • Long-term stability for families and communities

Planning ahead keeps homes in the family and strengthens neighborhoods for future generations.
 

The Program Includes:

  • Free educational workshops on estate planning — available in-person or online.
  • Eligible participants receive free legal services from a licensed attorney who will create a personalized estate plan.

 

Who Is Eligible?

  • Workshops are free to everyone — regardless of income or homeownership status.
  • Free legal services may be available to Detroit homeowners whose household income is at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.  Check the table below to see if your income qualifies under the current guidelines.

Family Size

300% Poverty Guideline

1

$46,950

2

$63,450

3

$79,950

4

$96,450

5

$112,950

6

$129,450

7

$145,950

8

$162,450

Source***:   detailed 300% poverty guidelines-2025

 

How to Register for a Workshop?

Participation is simple.  To register for a workshop, you can:

  1. Call 866-313-2520, press option 3, then press option 2, and ask for estate planning workshops;
  2. Visit the Detroit Housing Network website (scroll down to the Estate Planning and Will Workshops section to see the schedule); or
  3. For a list of workshops held at neighborhood Detroit Library branches, click here and register online.