East Texas Heirs' Property Initiative
As part of our expansion efforts, the Center for Heirs’ Property® (CHP) has launched a new initiative, the East Texas Heirs’ Property Initiative.
About The Initiative
East Texas is unlike any of the models and provides CHP with an opportunity to develop and test a new model for helping to expand heirs’ property expertise in the southern region. In East Texas, there is no existing nonprofit legal entity or existing coordinating organization. There is, however, deep interest and expressed commitment to addressing heirs’ property. We are elated to collaborate with entities who have worked in this space and help guide what supporting families require when mitigating this complex land issue.
Meet The East Texas Team
Dr. John Cooper, Consulting Project Director
Dr. John Cooper leads the Center for Heirs’ Property’s East Texas Heirs’ Property Initiative (ETHPi), where he is implementing CHP’s model in a region without an existing coordinating organization while helping to shape a next-generation approach for expansion.
He is responsible for building the initiative’s foundation—establishing an advisory board, engaging initial staff, and developing systems for landowner outreach, recruitment, and support. He works within CHP’s communications and operational infrastructure to advance fundraising, engagement, and evaluation efforts that support the initiative’s growth.
Unlike CHP’s work with implementation partners, ETHPi is a direct initiative of CHP, built from the ground up in response to community demand. By customizing CHP’s proven model to this context, Dr. Cooper is helping create a replicable pathway for delivering heirs’ property support in communities where infrastructure must be developed from inception.
Dr. Cooper’s work centers on participatory planning and community-based development, helping communities leverage local assets to drive sustainable outcomes. He holds degrees from Texas A&M University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Jennifer Robinson, Senior Attorney
As Senior Attorney for the East Texas Heirs’ Property initiative, Attorney Jennifer Robinson works with CHP to understand heirs’ property in Texas and to conform CHP documentation, policies and processes to comply with Texas law. She provides legal counsel to landowners and conducts education seminars for landowners.
Attorney Jennifer Robinson has more than 32 years of experience advising on real estate issues. Her practice area has focused on general real estate matters, real estate contract review, landlord tenant issues and eminent domain. She has represented numerous clients in real estate contract disputes, condemnation lawsuits and in dealing with various real estate issues.
Ms. Robinson, who has a B.A. in economics from University of Texas at Austin and her law degree from Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law.
Keyshawn McMiller, ETHPi Program Coordinator
Patricia Lester, Paralegal
Contact Us
- 9800 Richmond Ave, Suite 595 Houston, TX 77042
- 346.771.7055 x313
- 843.745.7054
East Texas Heirs’ Property Events
As part of our growing commitment to East Texas, we host community events that bring critical resources directly to families. These include free legal education, one-on-one support, and practical tools to help landowners resolve heirs’ property issues, manage their land, and preserve their legacy.
The Texas Heirs’ Property Coalition would like to invite you to the Texas Heirs' Property Summit on March 25-26, 2026 in Houston, TX. This event will bring together professionals, students, and interested stakeholders to better understand the issue, explore solutions and build connections with heirs’ property practitioners and supporters across the state. During this inaugural gathering, nonprofit leaders and experts in the field will share resources, experiences, and proven approaches that protect homeownership, stabilize communities, and preserve intergenerational wealth. Attendees will leave with knowledge of practical interventions and approaches, new connections with stakeholders from across the state, and insights into heirs’ property challenges to advance solutions in their Texas community. READ MORE
In conjunction with the summit, attendees can choose to participate in a day-long Estate Planning Heirs’ Property Training for Housing Counselors provided by the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) on March 26. This training will equip housing counselors and other community advisors with the information they need to incorporate estate planning information into their home buyer and financial education programs. Participants will also receive information on how to develop referral networks to connect clients with appropriate legal services.
Participants may register as a stand-alone training or as part of the full Summit. Please feel free to share this invitation with others in your network.
This event is made possible with generous support of JPMorganChase.
Registration Cost:
Summit Only (General) – $125
Summit Only (Nonprofit & Student) – $75
Summit + Training – $100
Training Only – $50
