Harris Trust & Savings Bank v. Donovan

The issue in this case is whether the illegitimate child of Thomas J. Donovan is entitled to a one-third interest in the family trust executed by Thomas J. Donovan. The circuit court of Cook County held that Thomas J. , Donovan did not intend that the illegitimate child be a beneficiary under the family trust. The appellate court reversed and remanded for further proceedings. (203 Ill. App. 3d 259.) We granted petitioner John M. Donovan’s petition for leave to appeal (134 Ill. 2d R. 315).

Thomas J. Donovan (hereinafter decedent) died on August 24, 1982. Probate proceedings were initiated…