First Federal Bank Partners with Three Rivers Legal for Homeowners' Legal Aid Grants

In an important initiative aimed at assisting low-income homeowners in North Florida, Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. (TRLS), in partnership with First Federal Bank (FFB), has been awarded a significant grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLB Atlanta). This grant is specifically designed to facilitate legal assistance targeted at owners of heirs property through the newly established Heirs Property Family Wealth Protection Fund.

This funding allows TRLS to expand its services, focusing on providing essential legal support for matters related to heirs property and estate planning. Specifically, the program is aimed at homeowners who reside in the counties of Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Suwannee, Taylor, or Union. Individuals or families with household incomes below 120% of the Area Median Income are eligible to apply for these invaluable legal services.

The concept of "heirs property" refers to real estate that remains titled under the name of a deceased individual, regardless of whether a will exists. This situation can lead to complicated legal issues for heirs attempting to establish clear ownership of the inherited property. The TRLS aims to provide legal representation in probate matters with the hope of transferring property titles into the names of living heirs. Additionally, homeowners already holding clear titles can also seek assistance in matters of estate planning, including the drafting of wills and deeds, to help avoid heirs property challenges in the future.

According to John Medina, President and CEO of First Federal Bank, this partnership reflects a deep commitment to community service: "TRLS helps individuals and their families navigate complex scenarios. First Federal Bank is honored to facilitate access to legal services for these deserving homeowners."

TRLS is particularly focused on helping those whose homes have suffered damage due to Hurricane Idalia, Hurricane Debby, or Hurricane Helene, noting that these residents will be prioritized for comprehensive legal representation.

Donna MacRae, Executive Director of TRLS, expressed gratitude towards First Federal Bank and FHLB Atlanta for the resources provided through the grant. She stated, "This funding will allow TRLS to serve more clients effectively in the designated counties."

First Federal Bank, headquartered in Lake City, Florida, prides itself on being a community-focused financial institution. With over $3.9 billion in assets, it has been recognized for offering a wide range of consumer and commercial banking services and loans. The bank has consistently garnered accolades over the years, including being named "Best Small Bank in Florida" by Newsweek for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 and recognized as a top regional bank for 2024 and 2025.

To learn more about the legal services provided by TRLS and how you can contribute, you can visit their official website at trls.org/volunteer. Both entities continue to play a pivotal role in improving access to legal resources for underserved populations in North Florida, ensuring that those affected by economic hardship have the opportunity to secure their property rights and plan for their futures more confidently.

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