2026 Articles

2025 Annual Department of Justice Report January 2026 The United States Department of Justice's 2025 Annual Report to Congress on Department of Justice Activities to Combat Elder Fraud and Abuse was recently released, summarizing activities during the prior fiscal year that were intended to promote elder justice through enforcement, raising public awareness, capacity building, victim support and recovery, and sharing data and research.

2025 Joint Midyear Meeting Photos February 2026 The Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Judges Association proudly co-hosted the 2025 Joint Midyear Meeting on December 11–12 at the JW Marriott Chicago, bringing members of the legal community together for two days of connection and collaboration.

2026 Annual Meeting Photos July 2026 ISBA members and guests gathered at the Ritz-Carlton in St. Louis on June 11–12, 2026, for the Annual Meeting, which featured outstanding CLE programming, networking, and business meetings. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the Annual Meeting a success!

Beyond the Trust: Leveraging Letters of Intent By Lauren Evans February 2026 When creating or updating a trust, many individuals focus solely on the legal document itself. While the trust establishes the framework for asset management and distribution, it often leaves room for interpretation regarding the grantor’s personal wishes, preferences and instructions. This is where a Letter of Intent, also known as a Letter of Wishes or Letter of Instruction, becomes an invaluable companion to a trust.

A Broken Clock Is Right Twice a Day and Other Things Your Mother Tried To Teach You: Tips for Young Lawyers By Kathleen M. Kraft July 2026 The lessons you learned as a child can still be equally applicable in the practice of law.

Case Law Summary of Dakota R. Mills Longenecker v. Deborah K. Ferlita Denker, et al., 2026 IL App (4th) 250820-U By Meghan E. Tepas May 2026 In Longenecker v. Denker, the Fourth District Appellate Court recently held that the testamentary exception does not extend to disputes over the construction or interpretation of wills or trusts.

Case Law Update By Meghan E. Tepas January 2026 A summary and analysis of Estate of John Podmajersky, Jr., a 1st District of the Appellate Court unpublished decision.

David E. Hoy, 1948-2025 February 2026 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of attorney David E. Hoy who passed, at age 77, on December 18, 2025.

FinCEN Update By Nicky Sonntag May 2026 FinCEN's Anti-Money Laundering Regulations for Residential Real Estate Transfers Rule remains in limbo as a district court in Texas overturned it, which means that reporting persons are not currently required to file real estate reports with FinCEN under the new Rule.

Flinn Report Summary: December 5, 2025, Through January 30, 2026 By Joseph P. O’Keefe April 2026 Highlights from the Flinn Report, including DCFS rulemakings, amendments concerning consumer legal funding loans, changes relating to unclaimed property, and more.

Is Probate Ever “Desirable”? Practical Takeaways From the April Meeting of the ISBA Subcommittee on Lawyers New to Trusts & Estates By Emily R. Vivian June 2026 A recap of the Zoom program, hosted by the ISBA Subcommittee on Lawyers New to Trusts and Estates, on April 23, 2026, exploring when probate may be a good idea. Featuring three panelists, this educational program contained a wealth of information, including discussion of standing, leverage, and insurability; Letters of Office; digital assets; and guardianship and planning alternatives.

Joint Tenancy Bank Accounts Inconsistent With Decedent’s Estate Plan By Gary R. Gehlbach June 2026 When advising clients on estate planning, it is important to consider the implications of the Joint Tenancy Act. A fairly frequent scenario is one in which the client’s estate plan (by will or trust or both) leaves the client’s estate to the client’s surviving spouse, and, if not survived by the spouse, to the client’s descendants per stirpes; however, when a client adds a child to personal property, such as a bank account, this could result in joint tenancy that undermines the client's intentions.

Love, Money, and the Family Business: Considerations To Prevent Private Disagreements From Becoming Public Legal Battles By Meghan E. Tepas April 2026 Family wealth conflicts sit at the collision point of personal history and legal obligation. Understanding the duties that govern trustees, executors, directors, and officers; acknowledging the family dynamics that so often cause disputes; and designing plans that factor in reality can keep private tensions from boiling over in court.

Medicare Considerations for Senior Lawyers, Revisited By David Chroust January 2026 Learn 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.

Member Appreciation & Recognition Reception Highlights June 2026 On May 14, 2026, ISBA members and colleagues gathered at the beautiful Morton Arboretum in Lisle to celebrate the 2025–26 ISBA Award Recipients, connect with fellow legal professionals, and enjoy an evening of meaningful conversation and camaraderie.

Message From the Chair By Oana L. Militaru July 2026 A note from the Chair of the Trusts and Estate Section Council, discussing the upcoming bar year.

Reverse Mortgages, Medicaid, and Help To Remain in Your Home By Leonard F. Berg March 2026 An inquiry on the ISBA Central discussion group for Trusts and Estates asked whether a reverse mortgage would disqualify a person from receiving Medicaid benefits. The simple response is that Medicaid disqualification is not automatic; however, the larger issue is identifying resources to help a client to remain in their home.

Spotlight on Trusts & Estates Section Council Member Alan E. Stumpf By Hayden R. Earl February 2026 A spotlight article featuring Trusts & Estates Section Council Member, Alan E. Stumpf!

1 comment (Most recent February 13, 2026)

Subcommittee on Lawyers New To Trusts & Estates: February Monthly Meeting Review April 2026 A summary of the monthly continuing education meeting, hosted by the ISBA Subcommittee on Lawyers New to Trusts & Estates, discussing powers of attorney and healthcare directives.

T&E Q&A Recap: Guardianship Basics and Beyond By Melissa A. Grisoni May 2026 A summary of the "Basics and Beyond" Zoom Q&A session, held on March 26, 2026, discussing the fundamentals of guardianship, and providing a roadmap for practitioners to navigate the complexities of both guardian of the person and estate for minors and disabled adults.

T&E Q&A: The Basics and Beyond—Trust Funding By Melissa A. Grisoni March 2026 A summary of the topics covered in the "T&E Q&A: The Basics and Beyond" meeting via Zoom on January 22, 2026, hosted by the ISBA Trusts & Estates Section Subcommittee on Lawyers Who are New to Trusts & Estates. Don't miss the next one!

Unlocking the Potential of Generative AI for Lawyers: Red Flags and Best Practices By Carolyn Elefant July 2026 Seven common issues experienced when using Generative AI, and seven best practices for incorporating Generative AI into your legal practice.

Where’s Your Will? A Preventative Approach to the Epidemic of Lost Wills By Melissa A. Grisoni February 2026 At a recent Trusts & Estates Section Council meeting, council members discussed the feasibility of a county will repository where testators could file their original wills during their lifetime. While the administrative hurdles of such a system are significant and the idea was not widely embraced, the conversation highlighted a pervasive and growing problem in our practice: the lost original will.