In Alabama, it is essential for family landowners — including heirs property owners — to be prepared for potential natural disasters. Family land, or heirs property, is often passed down informally through generations without a clear legal title, which can create challenges in verifying ownership or occupancy when seeking disaster assistance from agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Taking steps now can help ensure you are ready if your property is affected by a disaster.

Steps to Verify Home Ownership or Occupancy

FEMA requires family land or heirs property owners to verify their ownership or occupancy to qualify for disaster relief. Use the following steps to ensure you’re prepared:

1. Gather Important Documentation

• Deeds, wills, or affidavits of heirship. Locate any legal documents, such as a will, deed, or affidavit of heirship signed by family members that can help prove your connection to the family land.
• Property tax records. Collect property tax receipts or assessment records. Even if these documents are in a deceased relative’s name, they can help establish your family’s connection to the land.
• Mortgage statements. If applicable, mortgage documents showing an heir’s name can serve as additional proof of ownership.

2. Prepare Proof of Occupancy

• Utility bills. Utility bills in your name, showing the address of the family land, are an essential form of proof.
• Driver’s license/state ID. Ensure that your driver’s license or state ID reflects your current address on the property.
• Lease agreement. If you’re living on family land but don’t hold formal ownership, having a written lease agreement with other heirs may help prove occupancy.

3. Create Digital Backups

• Backup important documents. Scan and save all essential documents to a cloud service or an external drive. This way, documents are accessible even if you need to evacuate quickly.

4. Seek Guidance from Heirs Property Support Organizations

• Alabama Heirs Property Alliance (AHPA). The Alabama Heirs Property Alliance offers educational resources, guidance, and support to help families navigate the complexities of heirs property ownership. While not a legal resource, AHPA can connect you to tools and services to clarify ownership and ensure your documentation is in order for disaster assistance.
• Legal Services Alabama. This organization provides legal aid to heirs property owners, helping to resolve ownership disputes and ensuring all necessary proof is ready for FEMA.

5. Utilize Local Assistance Programs

• Alabama Cooperative Extension System. The system offers guidance for family land or heirs property owners, helping navigate legal complexities and access the support you need to secure your rights.

6. Consider Working Towards an Affidavit of Heirship in the Future

• If you lack formal ownership documentation, FEMA may accept an affidavit of heirship, which is a sworn statement from family members affirming your connection to the family land. Legal services, such as Legal Services Alabama, can help you prepare this document according to FEMA’s guidelines.

For more information on the verification process, FEMA provides guidance on verifying homeownership or occupancy, which outlines accepted documents and steps. You can visit their web page at https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/verifying-home-ownership-or-occupancy.

Why This Matters for Family Landowners

Family land, or heirs property, is common in Alabama and often lacks formal legal titles, which can cause delays or prevent receiving disaster assistance from agencies like FEMA. Taking steps now to organize documentation and working with support organizations like the Alabama Heirs Property Alliance can ensure readiness for any future disasters.

By proactively preparing, family landowners can protect their homes, secure their rights, and ensure access to relief when it’s most needed.

For more information, contact Jamie Mardis at 334-734-0121 or jcm0235@auburn.edu.