A home is often a family's biggest investment. Without the right legal documents, it could be at risk.

The Bronx Neighborhood Housing Services is encouraging homeowners to plan through its estate planning program, offering services such as wills, trusts, healthcare proxies, powers of attorney, and deed reviews to help families protect their homes and preserve their legacy.

The organization says one of the biggest threats homeowners face is deed theft, where someone fraudulently transfers ownership of a property. Charles Hamilton, a participant in the program, shared the story of someone he knows who was locked out of her own property after allegedly becoming a victim of deed theft.

"She tried to gain access to the property, and she couldn't. The person who was in the property wasn't her... they ended up calling the police on her," Hamilton said.

Bronx NHS says estate planning is about more than deciding who inherits a home. Having the proper legal documents in place can help families avoid confusion during medical emergencies, reduce the risk of family disputes, and identify potential deed issues before they become larger legal or financial problems.

"Planning ensures that what you've built...your assets, your legacy, everything you've worked hard for—is passed down from one generation to another safely and securely," said Marcie Auguiste, of Bronx NHS.

According to Bronx NHS, communities facing tax liens, foreclosure risks, and deed theft are especially vulnerable. Last year, the organization says it helped 2,306 homeowners avoid having their tax debt included in the city's tax lien sale.

Hamilton hopes other homeowners don't wait until it's too late.

"You don't want to wait until something bad happens before you decide to look into it, because by then it will already be too late."