West Cook News

Cicero residents attended a community forum focused on protecting their homes and property, an event organized by the Cook County Clerk’s Office in partnership with Town President Larry Dominick and other local leaders. The session addressed issues such as property transfers after death and the prevention of property fraud.

“Events like this give our residents the knowledge they need to protect their homes and their families’ future,” said Town President Larry Dominick. “We want to make sure no one in Cicero loses what they’ve worked so hard for because of fraud or a lack of planning.”

Robin Staggers, Special Assistant to the Cook County Clerk, spoke about how families can lose property when loved ones die without leaving a will or trust. She explained that the Clerk’s Office offers the Transfer on Death Instrument program, which allows homeowners to name beneficiaries for a single recording fee of $59. This approach is more affordable than traditional trusts, which often involve higher costs and ongoing fees.

The forum also discussed rising cases of property fraud—sometimes called “paper terrorism”—where criminals file false documents, change names on deeds, or use properties for fraudulent loans. To counteract this problem, the Clerk’s Office provides a free Property Fraud Alert system that notifies owners if any activity is recorded against their property.

Cicero Assessor Emilio Cundari highlighted why planning ahead is important: “Too often, families face unnecessary hardship when a loved one passes without the proper documents in place. This program provides peace of mind, and I encourage every homeowner in Cicero to take advantage of these tools.”

Speakers at the event shared examples involving well-known celebrities who died without estate plans, leading to lengthy legal disputes. Attendees learned about affordable legal tools—including transfer-on-death instruments, payable-on-death accounts, and vehicle beneficiary affidavits—that can help keep property within families and simplify transfers.

Legal experts, fraud investigators, and community affairs representatives were present to answer questions and provide individual guidance after the presentation.

“Knowledge is power,” said organizers, who expressed hope that Cicero families would use these resources to protect their assets into the future.

Residents seeking more information about transfer options or wishing to sign up for Property Fraud Alert are encouraged to contact the Cook County Clerk’s Office or visit cookcountyclerkil.gov.