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Inequity In Equity: The Tragedy Of Tenancy In Common For Heirs' Property Onwers Facing Partition In Equity, Faith R. Rivers

Faith R Rivers

This article considers the impact of the default intestacy estate of tenancy in common on African American heirs’ property. This piece considers the evolution of the heirs' property conundrum in the Lowcountry of South Carolina – the birthplace of the dream of African-American land ownership – and explores the implications of this form of property ownership on tenants in common facing partition in courts of equity, particularly in developing Sunbelt communities. Comprehensive property law reform is critically needed. I propose a new legal framework to better regulate the externalities that plague the commons of heirs’ property and achieve more equitable …