As 2026 approaches, a series of federal and Illinois legislative changes are set to reshape estate planning, creating both opportunities and risks for individuals and families. In response, Kravets Law Group, a Chicago-based estate law firm, is offering complimentary estate plan reviews to ensure that existing plans remain effective under the new legal landscape.
The most consequential federal change is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which permanently sets the federal estate tax exemption at $15 million per person beginning January 1, 2026. This higher exemption may reduce the need for complex tax planning for many estates, but it also means that some previously established strategies could become obsolete or even counterproductive. At the state level, Illinois Public Act 104-0346 raises the small estate affidavit threshold from $100,000 to $150,000 and excludes registered vehicles from the calculation, simplifying the probate process for smaller estates. Additionally, several pending bills, such as the Family Farm Preservation Act, could further alter the estate planning picture for Illinois families. Moreover, amendments to the Illinois Supreme Court Rules effective January 1, 2026, will refine the procedural framework for probate and trust litigation, potentially affecting how disputes are resolved.
These changes underscore the importance of regularly reviewing estate plans to ensure they align with current laws and personal wishes. Kravets Law Group's review process covers core documents such as wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney for property and healthcare, and beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other assets. The goal is to identify whether existing documents still reflect the client's intentions and whether recent or pending changes create planning opportunities or risks that should be addressed.
"Our goal with these estate plan reviews is to give people clarity, not apply pressure," said founding attorney Daniel Kravets. "I want people to walk out of the meeting knowing where they stand and what to do next, which is more than most can say about their estate plans." This client-centered approach reflects the firm's philosophy of treating legal representation as a partnership rather than a transaction.
Free consultations are available both in person and virtually, with flexible scheduling to accommodate clients with demanding work schedules or mobility limitations. Appointments can be booked by phone or through the firm's website. By taking advantage of this offer, Illinois residents can enter 2026 with confidence that their estate plans are up to date and optimized for the new legal environment.
