Federal Permanence, Illinois Updates & Recent Cases: Estate Planning in 2026 and Beyond (Tuesday, November 17, 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Edwin P. Morrow III, J.D., LL.M., MBA, CFP^{^®}, CM&AA^{^®}

Co-Chair of the Estate Planning and

Estate + Trust Administration Practice Groups

Kelleher + Holland, LLC

Monica J. Gurgiolo, J.D., CPA
Equity Member, Co-Chair of the Estate Planning and
Estate + Trust Administration Practice Groups
Kelleher + Holland, LLC

Following the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, the federal estate, gift, and GST tax exemption is “permanently” set at $15 million per person ($30 million for couples) beginning in 2026, eliminating the TCJA sunset and shifting much planning emphasis from transfer-tax avoidance to basis management, asset protection, and non-estate tax goals; Illinois retains its $4 million estate-tax threshold while expanding the small-estate affidavit limit to $150,000 (excluding vehicles), updating the power of attorney statute, and enacting medical aid-in-dying. We will examine recent cases, including Tax Court decisions such as McDougall and Lewis on QTIP trust modifications and beneficiary consents that can trigger unexpected gift-tax consequences, underscoring the need for careful review of existing plans and administration strategies.

After attending this meeting, attendees will be able to do the following:

Explain the federal estate, gift, and GST tax exemption under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and how it shifts planning emphasis toward basis management, asset protection, and non-estate tax goals.
Analyze recent Tax Court decisions on QTIP trust modifications and beneficiary consents and evaluate their gift-tax implications for existing plans.
Identify recent Illinois law changes affecting planning and administration.

Overall, the presentation is designed to educate professional advisors on current and changing laws that will affect their advice to clients and their practice.

Program Schedule

5:30 pm – Check-in and Reception
6:00 pm - Welcome/Introductions/Dinner
6:30 pm – Presentation and Q&A
7:30 pm – Announcements and Adjournment

Target Audience
Professional advisors who advise clients on estate planning and estate and trust administration, including tax considerations in the planning and administration.

Level of Complexity
Intermediate (assumes base knowledge of estate planning and estate and trust administration). The program ranges from basic Illinois law updates to more complex federal tax concepts.

C-E: 1-Hour CLE; CFP, and CPE Credits (approval pending)

Location
The meeting will take place at Rolling Green Country Club 2525 E Rand Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.

Registration
Registration closes on Thursday, November 12. An email with a link to download the handout will be sent before the meeting.

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Northwest Suburban Estate Planning Council upcoming events

Federal Permanence, Illinois Updates & Recent Cases: Estate Planning in 2026 and Beyond (Tuesday, November 17, 2026)