Lady Justice

The 2026 Legal Audit: 5 Gaps in Your Protection (And How to Close Them)

January 20, 2026
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Posted By: Robert M. Kaplan
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Life moves fast. Over the last 12 months, your assets may have grown, your family situation could have shifted, and Illinois's laws may have changed. A legal audit isn’t about looking for trouble; it’s about ensuring your current plan actually works when you need it most. With a little guidance from an experienced attorney, you can identify gaps and strengthen your protection.

The "Life Change" Review: Does Your Will Still Know You?

Your will reflects your wishes, but life doesn’t stand still. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the acquisition of new assets can all render an outdated will ineffective. A legal audit checks that your will still mirrors your intentions and aligns with current Cook County and Illinois laws. Updating your will ensures your loved ones receive exactly what you intend, without leaving questions for the courts.

Power of Attorney: Who Holds the Keys in a Crisis?

A power of attorney (POA) grants someone authority to make decisions on your behalf if you can’t. But if your POA is outdated, lives have changed, or the designated agent is no longer available, your plan could fail when it matters most. During your 2026 legal audit, your attorney will verify your agents are still the right choice and that the documents reflect your current wishes.

Beneficiary Designations: The "Secret" Will

Bank accounts, retirement plans, and insurance policies often bypass your will entirely. So-called “secret wills” live in beneficiary forms. If your beneficiaries haven’t been reviewed in the last year, they may not match your intentions. A thorough legal audit ensures your designations are current, avoiding costly disputes for your family later.

The Digital Estate: Protecting Your 2026 Footprint

Our lives are more digital than ever. From crypto-wallets to sentimental photo clouds, these digital assets need a key holder. Your Illinois business attorney can help designate someone to manage your online accounts, protect sensitive data, and ensure your digital life is treated with the same care as physical assets.

Business Compliance: Is Your LLC in Good Standing?

If you own a business, it’s easy to overlook regulatory updates or annual filings. Even minor compliance gaps can lead to penalties or jeopardize liability protection. Your family lawyer or business attorney can verify your LLC, corporation, or partnership is in good standing and that your agreements protect both you and your company.

Schedule Your Legal Consultation in Schaumburg 

A 2026 legal audit isn’t about fear; it’s about foresight. Reviewing your will, powers of attorney, beneficiary designations, digital estate, and business compliance ensures your plan functions seamlessly in real life. If you’re in Schaumburg or Cook County, the Law Offices of Robert M. Kaplan, P.C. provide comprehensive legal help to protect your family, assets, and legacy. 

Schedule a review today and close any gaps before they become problems.