Call for ArticlesElder Law, November 2025Read about how you can submit your articles for the Elder Law Section Newsletter.
The Combined Guardianship and Mental Health Docket, or Calendar 20, Segregates Some of the Trees From the ForestBy Ann KrasuskiElder Law, November 2025The author of the companion article has not identified a problem that a combined docket solves. No doubt, the Mental Health Code (Code) and adult guardianship under the Probate Act address and strive to solve issues people face. Yet, as the author discusses, there are still shortcomings. But after several pages discussing gaps in mental health care and problems families face, she has not identified how establishing a combined docket solves any shortcomings or how it benefits respondents.
End of Year DonationsElder Law, November 2025As 2025 ends, please consider including advocacy organizations, assistance programs, legal aid providers, and law schools as part of your end of year donations. Not-for-profit organizations receive most of the donations that make their services possible during November and December.
Illinois Supreme Court NewsElder Law, November 2025A brief overview of legal developments in Illinois, including elimination of filing and appearance fees in minor guardianship cases, amendments to the Supreme Court Policy on Remote Court Appearances in Civil Proceedings, changes to several Illinois Supreme Court rules, and more.
ISBA Leadership OpportunitiesElder Law, November 2025Interested in serving on an ISBA Section Council? Be sure to self-nominate prior to the nomination deadline of January 15, 2026!
Join Us at the ISBA & IJA Midyear Meeting—a Taste of What’s AheadBy Ted M. NiemannElder Law, November 2025The Joint Midyear Meeting, hosted by the Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Judges Association, is a can't-miss event, offering CLE programs on democracy preservation and the ethical use of AI; a Member Appreciation Reception featuring Glow Bingo and prizes; the Illinois Bar Foundation for the Champions Breakfast; the IJA/ISBA Joint Midyear Meeting Luncheon; and a Holiday Reception honoring the Supreme Court of Illinois. Register today!
Mark Your Calendars…Elder Law, November 2025Mark your calendars for these upcoming holidays, events, and special occasions in December!
Medicare Considerations for Senior Lawyers, RevisitedBy David ChroustElder Law, November 2025Learn more about your Medicare options, including the potential limitations on your ability to change between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan, and then choose the best Medicare option for you by considering your personal preferences and circumstances.
Recent Legal DevelopmentsElder Law, November 2025A summary of new state laws, impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and 2024 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment.
Call for ArticlesElder Law, August 2025Read about how you can submit your articles for the Elder Law Section Newsletter.
Social Security Fairness Act of 2023Employee Benefits, August 2025The Social Security Fairness Act of 2023, signed in early 2025, eliminates WEP and GPO, which had reduced Social Security benefits for many public workers. The SSA is now issuing retroactive payments (back to January 2024) and increasing monthly benefits. No action is needed if your contact info is up to date. Those previously denied benefits due to WEP/GPO can now apply.
Call for ArticlesElder Law, July 2025Read about how you can submit your articles for the Elder Law Section Newsletter.
Health and Human Services Policy UpdateElder Law, July 2025Read updates from Health and Human Services, Illinois Supreme Court News, Older Americans Act, and more!
Mark Your Calendars…Elder Law, July 2025Mark your calendars for the following dates in August 2025.
New Workplace Laws in 2025: What Employers Need to KnowBy Lindsay DreisBusiness Advice and Financial Planning, July 2025Illinois has passed several new laws and made significant amendments to its key statutes governing employment that have gone into effect as of January 1, 2025. These modifications largely provide employees with broader protections and the ability to access documents concerning their employment as well as place more transparency requirements on employers.
Call for ArticlesElder Law, June 2025Information on submitting articles for the newsletter.
Is There a Duty to Assess a Client’s Capacity to Execute Estate Planning Documents?By Gary R. GehlbachElder Law, June 2025To what extent, if at all, does an attorney have a duty to determine if a client has sufficient capacity to execute a last will and testament or other estate planning documents? Noting “that there is no Illinois law directly on the subject,” a recent First District Illinois Appellate Court decision characterizing this issue as a “case of first impression,” rejected plaintiff’s argument that “an affirmative duty [exists] to determine a client’s competence.” However, if the attorney is put on notice of a client’s disability, the attorney is “obligated to determine the extent of that disability with respect to [the client’s] capacity to alter her estate plan.”
Legal Studies SurveyElder Law, June 2025Illinois State University Professor Jason M. Cieslik, J.D. is conducting a survey to assess how attorneys utilize paralegals in their practice. The survey only takes between 10-15 minutes. Your participation is greatly appreciated!
New Workplace Laws in 2025: What Employers Need to KnowBy Lindsay DreisElder Law, June 2025Illinois has passed several new laws and made significant amendments to its key statutes governing employment that have gone into effect as of January 1, 2025. These modifications largely provide employees with broader protections and the ability to access documents concerning their employment as well as place more transparency requirements on employers.
Updates & ResourcesElder Law, June 2025Updates and resources on various topics of interest to Elder Law practitioners.
Call for ArticlesElder Law, May 2025Information on submitting articles for the newsletter.
Enforceability of Non-Compete Agreements in IllinoisBy Ariana Thao & Lawrence StarkElder Law, May 2025Non-compete agreements between employers and employees are enforceable in Illinois under the Illinois Freedom to Work Act (IFWA), but only under specific conditions. As of January 1, 2022, such agreements are restricted based on employee salary (minimum $75,000/year), employment conditions (e.g., not enforceable against those laid off due to COVID-19-like events unless certain payments are made), and employee categories (e.g., union members or most construction workers are excluded).
Social Security Fairness Act of 2023Elder Law, May 2025The Social Security Fairness Act of 2023, signed in early 2025, eliminates WEP and GPO, which had reduced Social Security benefits for many public workers. The SSA is now issuing retroactive payments (back to January 2024) and increasing monthly benefits. No action is needed if your contact info is up to date. Those previously denied benefits due to WEP/GPO can now apply.
Updates & ResourcesElder Law, May 2025Updates and resources on various topics of interest to Elder Law practitioners.
