At Rincker Law PLLC, our commitment to exceptional client service is driven by the dedicated professionals who strengthen our firm each day. As part of our Meet the Team series, we are proud to spotlight Linda Gibson, our Senior Certified Paralegal, whose experience, compassion, and meticulous attention to detail make her an invaluable member of our team. With several years …
The Central Illinois Paralegal Association (CIPA) has officially announced its 2026 Board-Elect, marking an exciting new chapter of leadership for paralegals across the region. CIPA Announces Its 2026 Board-Elect: Rincker Law Celebrates Linda Gibson’s Election as Secretary, a milestone we are proud to highlight as we recognize both the Board’s incoming leaders and the incredible accomplishment of our Senior Certified …
Grandparents play an important role in children’s lives, especially in close-knit communities throughout Central Illinois. When family conflict arises, grandparents often wonder: Do grandparents have rights in Illinois? Understanding these rights is essential for families in Champaign, Shelbyville, and the surrounding areas who may be navigating complicated relationships, guardianship issues, or limited access to a grandchild. This guide explains what …
Many people believe that a simple will is all they need to accomplish their goals for the future. However, a flawed estate plan can create just as many headaches, heartaches, and expenses for your loved ones as having no plan. Life changes, laws evolve, and even the best intentions can fall short, leaving family members facing court battles, unexpected taxes, …
Many grandparents in Central Illinois step into caregiving roles when parents are unable or unavailable to meet a child’s needs. During these moments, families often ask: When can grandparents seek guardianship of a minor child in Illinois? Because Illinois law strongly protects parental rights, grandparents must understand both the opportunities and limitations the law provides. Different counties, including Champaign and …
Rincker Law PLLC is proud to share that our principal attorney, Cari Rincker, was recently featured in an in-depth attorney profile in the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) Rural Practice Section Newsletter. The profile, written by Sara Peska and Ean R. Albers, offers a detailed look into Cari’s career path, her return to rural Illinois, and her longstanding dedication to …
In this blog, “From Trademarks to Tractors: Why More Farmers Are Protecting Their Ag Brands and Innovations in 2026,” we explore the growing importance of intellectual property (IP) protection in modern agriculture. As Illinois farm families expand their businesses into online sales, ag-tech, and branded products, protecting their ideas and identity has become just as important as protecting their land …
In this blog, “Farms, Family, and Fairness: How the Next Generation of Farm Divorces Will Shape Ag Businesses in 2026,” we explore how the intersection of family and business law is reshaping the future of agricultural operations and generational wealth. Divorce in a farm family can be one of the most complex legal events because it affects not only the …
Fairness vs. Equality in Inheritance Planning Many parents strive to treat their children fairly, but fairness doesn’t always mean equality. When it comes to inheritance, a thoughtful estate plan considers each child’s unique circumstances, ensuring distributions truly support their needs. When Unequal Inheritance Is Fair Here are common situations where unequal but fair distributions may be the right choice: Different …
When a child may need someone other than a parent to take responsibility for their care, courts must determine whether guardianship is appropriate, and if so, who should serve in that role. In these cases, judges rely on one central principle: how Illinois courts determine the best interests of the child in guardianship cases. This standard guides decisions about appointing …
When a family seeks guardianship of a disabled adult in Illinois, one of the most important questions the court must answer is how Illinois courts determine capacity in guardianship cases. Capacity determines whether guardianship is necessary, how broad the guardian’s authority should be, and whether less restrictive alternatives can keep the adult safe. Illinois courts strive to balance the protection …
Why Joint Ownership Can Put Your Children’s Inheritance at Risk Owning your home or financial accounts jointly with someone—such as a spouse or adult child—is common. However, the way you hold title can have serious, unintended consequences for your estate plan and your children’s inheritance. The most frequent form is joint tenants with right of survivorship, which means that when …