In essence, a person (which includes certain business entities, trusts, etc.) who owns residential real estate (at least one but no more than four units) may now designate a beneficiary to receive the property immediately upon their death. If prior to their death they change their intention they may revoke the instrument.

Generally, the owner must sign the instrument with two credible witnesses present. Each witness must also sign the document and it must be notarized. The owner may direct someone else to sign on his or her behalf in his or her presence.

A transfer on death instrument is effective upon the owner’s death when the beneficiary accepts the transfer as well as files an affidavit of death with the Officer of the Recorder in the county where the residential real estate lies.

Only an Illinois licensed attorney is allowed to prepare the “transfer on death instrument” or its revocation.

If you have further questions, or would like us attorney to prepare this instrument for you, please call our office at (312) 986-8330.

The University of Iowa College of Law recently highlighted Curtis J. Tarver II. The interview captures his decision to attend law school through his current position at Saulter Tarver LLP. To read more click the following link: http://blogs.law.uiowa.edu/news/?p=2144

A significant number of property owners assume that in a “down” market their property value has decreased. As such they expect their property taxes to be reduced in proportion to the reduction in their property value. Unfortunately, things don’t work so easily. In fact, many property owners are finding that instead of a reduction in property taxes they are seeing an increase in a assessed value which corresponds with an increase in property taxes.

Saulter Tarver LLP represents commercial and residential property owners in aggressively challenging property assessments. Our firm handles these matters on a contingency fee basis. In other words, our firm is only entitled to fees if we are successful in obtaining a reduction for our clients.

• Representing family in wrongful death (negligence) where driver of truck for multinational entity strikes and kills the decedent.
• Representing family in wrongful death (willful and wanton conduct) matter where the decedent was murdered and there has been a criminal conviction.
• Representing family in a wrongful death (medical malpractice) matter whereby the decedent’s reaction to a medication cause Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome.
• Representing the estate of a decedent against an assisted living facility where here entire jewelry collection became missing immediately after her death.
• Representing client in federal ERISA dispute.
• Defending an out-of-state corporation in a wrongful death (premises liability)

“CGLA provides skilled representation to those who need it most but who can least afford it.” Curtis J. Tarver II, Firm Partner, said. “Our firm has been extremely fortunate and we owe our support to those who need assistance.”

For more information on CGLA please visit: www.cgla.net

“This accident was absolutely avoidable. We have a family man who was committed to providing a better life for his wife and children killed senselessly. There are a myriad of things that went wrong in this instance and we plan to point them out one by one,” Keenan J. Saulter, Firm Partner, said.

Saulter Tarver LLP takes great pride in supporting the communities in which we serve.

Saulter Tarver LLP Partner Curtis J. Tarver II serves on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Association of Minority Recruiters (CAMR) an organization established in 1989 with a focus on advancing the development of minority human resource professionals.

Gregory T. Hinton is the organization’s founder and has continued to push CAMR to new heights. Saulter Tarver LLP is proud to support CAMR and to sponsor this award in the name of a person who is constantly finding ways to raise the bar and help the next generation exceed it.

Saulter Tarver LLP also wishes Mr. Hinton well in his new position as Chief Diversity Officer for the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and the Democratic National Convention Committee.