We know heirs' property can feel overwhelming. The legal jargon, the family dynamics, the tough decisions. That's why we created a bi-weekly newsletter: to deliver easy-to-digest educational content straight to your inbox.
Each edition will break down key topics, share real stories, and spotlight insights from thought leader and Co-Founder Mavis Gragg. We also wanted to keep you updated on all things HeirShares as our five-year-old company continues to grow and innovate.
Thank you for reading!
Lesson of the Week
This week, we're answering a critical question: Can heirs' property be sold? Yes, but the process is complex and often disadvantageous to the family. Courts can order a sale if heirs can't reach an agreement, or a single heir can initiate a partition action.
However, thanks to the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act (UPHPA), courts are now required to explore options such as buyouts and subdivisions before forcing a sale.
Still, if a court deems a partition in kind (dividing land) impractical, the property must be sold. Ideally, on the open market, not at an auction, to preserve fair value. But the harsh reality is that many heirs end up forced into a sale anyway, often at a discount. A court-ordered sale or a single heir's action can overshadow the desires of the broader family.
Learn more at our Help Center:
Real-World Examples
Stories that illustrate how partition sales unfold in real life.
Developers Target Black Heirs’ Land in South Carolina
AP reports on descendants of formerly enslaved families in South Carolina—like those in the Phillips and Gullah Geechee communities—fighting developers encroaching on ancestral land. Rising taxes and complex heirs’ property rules are making families vulnerable to forced partition sales, even with recent legal reforms in place
Equity Erased: Forced Sales Hurt Heirs, Poor Homeowners
In Asheville, NC, a family lost their home to a speculator through a forced partition sale. The buyer, Mr. Tucker, gained interest in the property for just $250 per heir—a total of $3,750 at auction—after two elderly siblings signed over their shares. The speculator then sold the entire house three months later for $55,000. Meanwhile, the eight family heirs received only $445 each, losing both their heritage and significant equity
Did You Know?
Data Designer: Monica Gragg
Studies show that partition sales of heirs’ property often bring in 30–70% below full market value. These forced sales are typically rushed, with no proper marketing, leading families to lose land at fire-sale prices. This isn’t just a theoretical loss; it’s a painful reality for many families when courts order a sale instead of allowing heirs to work out a fair solution.
Word of the Week: fire-sale
A fire-sale price means a property or asset is sold very quickly and at a deeply discounted price, often under pressure or in distress situations
Looking for trustworthy guidance on heirs’ property? Check out our Help Center — the only resource of its kind dedicated exclusively to heirs’ property issues. With dozens of articles written by Mavis Gragg, you’ll find clear explanations on everything from deeds and title basics to land use, stewardship, and more.
Plus, you can join the conversation by leaving comments and connecting with others who are navigating similar challenges.