Legal Aid Seeks Attorneys for Transfer Deed Clinics
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid is recruiting volunteer attorneys to help homeowners set up Transfer on Death Deeds at Hennepin County clinics starting in 2027.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Financial Planning
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Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid is recruiting volunteer attorneys to help residents draft, execute, and record Transfer on Death Deeds, which let property pass directly to a beneficiary without probate. Monthly clinics will begin in 2027 at the Hennepin County Recorder's Office in downtown Minneapolis.
Why it matters
Heirs' property, held without formal estate planning, can leave new owners unable to borrow against or sell a home and can cost them the homestead exemption and mortgage interest deduction. The initiative aims to reduce these problems and narrow racial and generational wealth gaps through estate planning.
According to the Urban Institute, nearly 70% of older Black homeowners, 76% of older Hispanic homeowners, and 35% of older white homeowners lack a will or trust. The Transfer on Death Deed project was launched in 2023, and the number of volunteers needed for the 2027 clinics has not been stated.
The players
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
A nonprofit legal services provider that offers free civil legal help to low-income residents in central Minnesota, and whose pro bono unit is leading the Transfer on Death Deed initiative.
Hennepin County Recorder's Office
The county office that records property documents in Hennepin County, which partners with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid to host the clinics.
The details
Volunteer attorneys will meet residents on the first Tuesday of each month at the Recorder's Office in the Government Center downtown, where they will help draft, execute, and record the deeds free of charge. The project is run by Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid's pro bono unit with the Hennepin County Recorder and Examiner of Titles, and walk-ins will be welcome.
Timeline
2023: Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid launches the Transfer on Death Deed project.
2027: Monthly clinics begin at the Hennepin County Recorder's Office.
First Tuesday of each month, starting 2027: Volunteer attorneys meet residents at the clinic.
Historical Trend
Urban Institute research shows that older Black and Hispanic homeowners are far less likely than older white homeowners to have a will or trust, a gap that has contributed to heirs' property problems. The Hennepin County clinics extend that research into a local effort to close the gap through Transfer on Death Deeds.
Homeowners who want to avoid probate can use a Transfer on Death Deed to name a beneficiary while keeping full control of the property during their lifetime. Walk-in residents can get free help drafting and recording the deed at the clinic on the first Tuesday of each month starting in 2027.
The takeaway
Naming a Transfer on Death beneficiary is a practical step for homeowners who want their property to pass without probate. Residents who lack a will or trust can prepare now by learning how these deeds work before the clinics open.
What happens next
Monthly Transfer on Death Deed clinics are scheduled to begin in 2027 at the Hennepin County Recorder's Office, with more scheduling details to follow.
Further reading
Explore more Financial Planning coverage for Minneapolis residents weighing estate-planning options.
More information
Volunteers and residents can learn more through the Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid volunteer registration page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Minnesota Lawyer.
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