The Illinois Supreme Court announced today amendments to M.R. Order 29741 which will eliminate filing and appearance fees in minor guardianship cases and appearance fees in small claim cases. The amended rules are effective October 1, 2025. “The Illinois Supreme Court is always looking to remove barriers to access to justice in our state,” Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis said. “Removing and simplifying fees and processes for underrepresented litigants helps ensure they are able to have their voices heard in court.”

 Left unchecked, an overflowing email inbox leads to an inbox overflowing with spam, an increased risk of phishing attacks, and an overall loss of control over your personal information. Fortunately, you can clean up your digital footprint. Not only is it possible, it might even be easier than you think. Read the April Illinois Bar Journal’s Pointers From Practice HQ column, “Cleaning Up Your Digital Footprint,” for tips to spring clean your digital mess.

Leading appellate attorney reviews the Illinois Supreme Court opinion handed down Wednesday, April 9. 

Short of involving the criminal justice system, which most agree is ill-suited to the task, Illinois law possesses very few tools for responding to mental health crises, writes Austin R. Carlson in his April Illinois Bar Journal article, “Involuntary Commitments in Illinois.” One reason is that individuals who otherwise have the power to make healthcare decisions for a prospective patient may not consent to inpatient admission on their behalf.