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B & A BULLETIN Q1 2026
THE ROAD TO BOTT & ASSOCIATES DEDICATION AND DESTINY Have you ever blinked and realized that nearly 20 years have gone by? days now and smile, knowing that I achieved those goals and so much more.
That’s how I feel as I write this cover article, as this month marks the 19th anniversary of Bott & Associates. It seems like only yesterday I was asking diners if they wanted refills on their drinks while dreaming of becoming an attorney and maybe even a mom someday. I look back at those
Nobody becomes the head of a law firm overnight, and my journey to establishing my own business began with years of study. I spent most of the 1990s earning a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Northern Illinois University (NIU), a Master of Science in Accountancy from Dominican University, and a Juris Doctor degree from John Marshall Law School (now known as UIC Law). As meaningful and rewarding as my years at university were, I received my best education about life while working as a restaurant server. I worked in that industry on and off from my sophomore year of high school through my first year in law school. In those seven years, I learned more about customer service, time management, memorization, and thinking under pressure than any course could ever teach me. Besides dealing with cooks and customers, I devoted time to working in areas that were more specific to my eventual career. My first job out of NIU was at the United Airlines Credit Union, where I gained extensive knowledge of banking. In my first year of law school, I began working part time as a law clerk for the small firm of Weiss and Block. After graduation, the firm hired me as an associate attorney. In this role, I worked with business owner clients in matters involving buying, selling, and estate planning.
Client Appreciation Testimonial Drawing!
We truly appreciate the trust you place in our firm, and we’d love to hear about your experience working with us! Scan the QR code to let us know you’d like to participate and fill out the short form. We’ll send a link to
the email address you provide (Gmail preferred) to leave your testimonial. After it goes live, your name will be automatically entered into our raffle, and you’ll receive a confirmation of your entry. One winner will be selected each month from January to March to win a special gift basket for sharing your feedback! All testimonials submitted on or before Jan. 31 will be included in the January drawing. All testimonials submitted on or before Feb. 28 will be included in the February drawing. All testimonials submitted on or before March 31 will be included in the March drawing.
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KINDNESS COUNTS The Everyday Magic of Empathy
If you’re still looking for a good New Year’s resolution (or already gave up on your original ones!), try giving more than you take in 2026. Feb. 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day. Of all the fun and special “days” that fall on the calendar throughout the year, this one is especially significant to me. My parents are super- generous people, and they’ve always encouraged me to do things for others without expecting anything in return. Three years ago, an event in my professional life showed me the power of generosity in a way I had never experienced before. I was attending a dinner meeting for an industry group when its leader, Dennis, suggested an intriguing exercise. He handed everyone in the group two $50 bills and asked us to use them to do something nice for someone randomly and later share our experiences with him. I thought it was a beautiful gesture, but I wasn’t sure how I’d use that $100. I soon found my answer. One day, my daughter Jocelyn and I were in the checkout line at a Dollar Tree when we noticed the woman working behind the counter didn’t appear to be
having a good day. I’m sure she was just getting by on her wages and probably lived paycheck to paycheck as she worked harder than her pay warranted.
This decision was uncommon, as Buffett and his wife had two daughters and an adopted son. Typically, the surviving spouse is named as the sole trustee when they share children with the deceased. Unfortunately, the co-trustee selection also appears to have been misguided, as legal documents suggest that Buffett’s better half doesn’t exactly get along with his former cash confidant. Last year, Jane filed a petition accusing Mozenter of misconduct, claiming that he (among other things) withheld critical financial information, failed to manage trust assets correctly, and collected $1.7 million in fees from a trust that generates $2 million in annual income. Mozenter responded by filing a competing petition, alleging that Buffett’s spouse has interfered in business decisions and acted in her own interests. While the litigation hadn’t been resolved as this newsletter goes to print, it’s safe to say the atmosphere surrounding the ordeal hasn’t been anywhere near the type of peaceful tropical stroll that Buffett envisioned in his famously laid-back lyrics. The lesson here? Always communicate your estate plan clearly with those you’ve assigned roles, and work to ensure that everyone involved can work together effectively to execute your final wishes without conflicts. Please contact us today to review your existing estate plan, especially if reading about Jimmy Buffett’s busted trust has prompted you to reconsider your trustee options. After our transaction, I handed her both $50 bills and said, “I just wanted to give this to you. I hope it helps you in your day!” Her eyes lit up with excitement as she asked me if I was really sure I wanted to give her so much money. I was, so I did. I’m glad Jocelyn, who was 13 at the time, was there to see it. She’s never been a me, me, me type of teenager, but I still wanted her to know the impact she could make on someone by being generous. Whether you give someone an unexpected financial lift or simply hold the door for them, practice random acts of kindness on Feb. 17 and every other day this year. Sometimes, the greatest gift you’ll receive is the ability to give one to someone else.
Margaritaville Mismanagement INSIDE JIMMY BUFFETT’S ESTATE BATTLE
Jimmy Buffett may have been a man of margaritas, but when it came to estate planning, he was apparently as effervescent as an empty glass. By the time he passed away in 2023 at 76, the “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise” singer had amassed a $275 million fortune through his music (including selling more than 20 million albums) and ventures as a restaurateur. Although he was wise enough to revise his original estate plan in the three- plus decades that followed its initial drafting, the final version of said plan is currently the cause of a contentious court battle. While it’s unclear whether Buffett had discussed his intentions with the affected parties, Buffett assigned his wife, Jane, and his longtime business manager and financial advisor, Richard Mozenter, as co-trustees of his marital trust.
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My experience in estate planning gained momentum when a firm in downtown Chicago called Handler, Thayer, and Duggan hired me to handle the estate planning needs of high-net-worth individuals and businesses. The five years I spent with this firm broadened my understanding and ability to apply the tools and tactics necessary to protect our clients’ assets and legacies. After having my first son, I soon realized that attempting to maintain a positive work/life balance while working in the city wasn’t sustainable for me. I found a job in the suburbs with a solo practitioner, Allen Gabe. Allen gave me plenty of opportunities for “rainmaking training,” which is basically industry lingo for “attracting new business.” Over the 4 1/2 years I worked for him, I joined the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, began conducting numerous seminars and networking events, and essentially established a firm within a firm. After having my second son, I finally decided that starting my own business would be the best way for me to balance my family and career. Bott & Associates opened for business on Jan. 16, 2007. Running a firm while finally being able to take the kids to school, volunteer in school activities, attend parent/teacher conferences, and enjoy a more fulfilling work/life balance will always be my most cherished professional milestone.
Nineteen years after welcoming our first client, we continue to serve a diverse range of individuals who believe in leaving a lasting legacy for their loved ones. Who is a typical Bott & Associates client? What’s beautiful about what we do is that there isn’t one. We’ve assisted single folks, same-sex couples, blended families, business owners … you name it. It’s always a privilege to help our clients through some of the most challenging times they’ll ever experience. We do so without hesitation, guided by compassion, empathy, and a commitment to making a difference. Thank you to every single client who has ever entrusted us with their legacies and helped us succeed. We have ambitious goals for 2026, and I look forward to sharing our progress with you in the years ahead.
Most importantly, thank you for giving this mom and former server a chance to fulfill her dreams.
Upcoming Events Please call us at 847-818-9084 for more information on our events.
Free Estate Planning Seminars We invite you to join our upcoming free seminars, where you can take the first step toward peace of mind by creating or updating your estate plan. Attorney Maritess Bott will discuss common concerns families face and explain how proper estate planning can provide clarity, protection, and confidence for the future.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Take a Break
Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM
For complete information, please visit the Seminars page on our website at BottEstatePlanning.com
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Inside This Issue • A Journey of Justice and Joy • Rich Returns on Selfless Choices • Cheeseburgers and Legal Chaos • Check Out Our Upcoming Events! • Take a Break • Make 2026 Your Healthiest Year Yet
3 Daily Habits That Will Transform Your 2026
Start every day strong. Many Americans fall into the same routines year after year, and most are dangerous for their overall well-being. They stay up too late, wake up to an alarm a few hours later, scramble to get ready, and jump in the car as soon as possible to get to work. Your morning routine sets the tone for your day. If you’re in a hurry every morning, you will feel rushed and exhausted. Give yourself ample time in the morning to take care of yourself and some simple chores. Make your bed, have a glass of water, take good care of your hygiene, eat something, and incorporate some movement into your mornings. It will be hard initially, but you’ll feel the benefits within a few weeks. Diet and exercise matter. This is probably not news to you, but we can’t downplay the importance of diet and exercise. Listen to your
As we enter another new year, there’s no better time to adjust your daily habits to help you become the healthiest version of yourself mentally and physically. Here are three strategies you can incorporate into your New Year’s expectations and resolutions that will help ensure 2026 is your healthiest year yet!
body; it will tell you what it needs. Many people fall into the trap of overeating without realizing it or starving themselves when they want to lose weight, but this won’t make them feel good. Eat when your body tells you to, stick to a healthy diet, and find time for exercise. You need to find ways to motivate yourself, especially when you want to stay in bed and stick to comfort foods. Your body will thank you. Drink more water. How much water do you drink each day? The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that men should drink about 15.5 cups of fluids daily and women should drink 11.5 cups. If you aren’t hitting these numbers, it’s time to adjust. Start and finish each day with a glass of water. Walk around with a refillable bottle. Staying hydrated will help your body function much better.
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