Opinion No. Oag 13-91, (1991)

JOHN A. BODNAR, Corporation Counsel Winnebago County

You have asked for my opinion on the following two questions:

1. Can the register of deeds record a death certificate and an accompanying affidavit, designating a surviving joint tenant, as an alternative to summary or formal probate proceedings for the purpose of the recordation of transfer of title from a deceased joint tenant to a surviving joint tenant?

2. Are county and municipal tax listing officials required to designate the surviving joint tenant as the owner of property on tax listings and billings upon the filing of a death…