Community liaisons
Our Community Liaisons are available to assist Allottees with any services or inquiries you may have regarding Allottee Ownership.
Our main priority is educating and finding ways to communicate information to the Allottees more effectively.
Follow the link to schedule an appointment to meet with a Community Liaison, or call us at (520) 807-2121
The following content is general information not specific legal advice.
Why is a will/trust/gift deed important?
Having a Will prevents automatic federal/tribal distribution.
If an Allottee passes away without a will, their land is distributed according to the rules of AIPRA (American Indian Probate Reform Act), not necessarily according to your wishes.
A will is especially important for an allottee, because it determines what happens to their land after death under very specific legal system. Without a will, land interests can be divided into tiny percentages, dozens or even hundreds.
With a Will
You can avoid unintended transfers, protect against fractionation and it gives you control over trust or restricted lands.
You can consolidate ownership or pass land to one. A will also allows you to keep the land within the tribe or family under AIPRA. However, some interests may pass only to tribal members and certain eligible heirs.
Benefits of a Will
A Will serves as a true reflection of your values
Reduced Stress
Minimize Family Tension
Preserves Legacy
Relief and Peace of Mind
Common Reasons for Not Preparing a Last Will
17% of individuals thought their estate would automatically go to the right person
21% of individuals never thought about writing a will
25% of individuals do not have sufficient assets to pass on
37% of individuals don't consider the importance and will put it off until they're older
Alternatives to a Will
Other options for dispersing your property are selling land or gift deeding your land. Allottees can sell their land to family members, co-owners in the same allotment, or to the tribe. Gift deeding is also another way to distribute property. An allottee can gift deed their property to family members, co-owners, and the tribe
These two processes do not go through probate. Once the appropriate actions are taken the gift deed or sales takes effect immediately.
(Contact BIA Realty regarding Gift Deeding)
Roadmap of a Will
Call to Make an Appointment
You can call our office at (520) 807-2121, ask for a Community Liaison to set your appointment.
If you have previously met with a CL and would like to continue working with them, you may ask for:
Lisa Corella, Janice Norris, or Naomi Reyes
Fill Out Requested Information & Schedule Second Appointment
You'll fill out a Request for Indian Trust Land Information (TAAMS). A TAAMS form is used by BIA to manage trust asset ownership, encumbrance, and land records.
You will be given a list of what documents are needed and schedule your second appointment.
List of Needed Documents
- Identification
- Enrollment
- Assets
- Marriage License(s)
- Divorce Decree(s)
- Children (Biological or Adopted)
- Grandchildren
- Other Relatives
- Executor(s)
Asset Distribution
When you return your documents, we will go over how you want your assets distributed:
- Sole Beneficiary
- Tenants in Common
- Joint Tenancy with the Right of Survivorship
Draft Sent for Approval
Once a draft is complete, it will then be sent to the attorney for approval. If they have any questions, we will reach out to you for clarification.
We will make necessary changes and set an appointment for your Signing Ceremony.
Signing Ceremony
CONGRATULATIONS!! You have finished your Will!