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.

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.

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E. Tepas January 2026 A summary and analysis of Estate of John Podmajersky, Jr., a 1st District of the Appellate Court unpublished decision.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

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.

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)

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.