In re Estate of Rennick

In this appeal, we decide whether admissions contained in a discovery deposition are admissible against a deceased party’s estate. Plaintiff, Judy Furniss, brought a professional negligence action against attorney John D. Rennick, alleging malpractice in the preparation of an estate plan. Following attorney Rennick’s death, his estate was substituted as a party. Prior to trial, plaintiff sought a ruling on the admissibility against Rennick’s estate of admissions Rennick made in a discovery deposition. The Peoria County circuit court ruled that under Supreme Court Rule 212 (134 Ill. 2d R.…