[JHeath]

http://www.suntimes.com/business/2512366,o...-072010.article

July 19, 2010
BY DAVID ROEDER AND LISA DONOVAN Staff Reporters

The patriarch of the O’Brien family, owner of O’Brien’s Restaurant in Old Town and other businesses, has accused his son of fraud in gaining control of the enterprises.

Daniel O’Brien sued his son Peter in Cook County Circuit Court, saying that over 15 years Peter deceived him and his wife into signing documents that transferred the control. Peter O’Brien, prominent in Chicago business circles and until recently a member of the board that ran McCormick Place, was largely running the businesses on his parents’ behalf.

The suit in Cook County Circuit Court also charged that in 2004, while Daniel and his wife, Mary, were grieving the deaths of two daughters in just three months, Peter tricked them into signing documents that disinherited all descendants except Peter and his children. Daniel and Mary are in their 80s.

Peter O’Brien did not return a phone message. His parents are represented by Dan Webb, a partner at Winston & Strawn LLP and former U.S. attorney in Chicago.

The O’Briens are best known for their restaurant at 1528 N. Wells, but they also own nursing homes, rental property and real estate, including the Whittaker Woods golf club and housing development in New Buffalo, Mich.

Daniel and Mary said they discovered the fraud in 2009 and formally renounced the inheritance document. They said they had no intent to relinquish control of the businesses and did not intend to bequeath more than 50 percent of any business to one heir.

[taxthedeer]

Isn't Mr. O'Brien also the owner of that giant piece of crap known as the Warren Building?

[JHeath]

Isn't Mr. O'Brien also the owner of that giant piece of crap known as the Warren Building?

Absolutely one and the same.

[taxthedeer]

Absolutely one and the same.

Sounds like the parents granted their son power of attorney which he might have in turn quitclaim deeded their various assets amongst himself, his wife and children.

[JayC]

The issue has been noted to be fraud by others. This must be studied very well so that they can't offend a parent. They should have to decide first very well before they will take an action.