You and your spouse have recently divorced, and the judge has signed the divorce decree. Now what? Although you may feel that you have spent enough time and money on lawyers, there is one last attorney you need to talk to: an estate planning attorney. Estate planning after divorce is a crucial step to ensure your assets and wishes reflect …
As agriculture evolves in Illinois, more farmers are expanding by buying land, diversifying crops, investing in agri-tourism, or scaling up operations. But growth can come with costly legal missteps. In this blog, Top 5 Legal Mistakes Illinois Farmers Make When Expanding Their Operation, we’ll outline the most common legal pitfalls and how to avoid them so your farm can grow …
You’ve just received your deployment orders. No matter how soon you’re leaving, there’s still time to ensure your affairs are in order. Estate planning for military families is a critical step in protecting your loved ones and securing your legacy while you serve. Review or prepare a Family Care Plan. Regardless of the branch of the military in which you …
If you’re a farmer or agricultural business owner in Illinois, protecting your land, legacy, and livelihood should be a top priority especially when you’re preparing for marriage. In this blog, Why Every Illinois Farmer Should Consider a Prenup Before Getting Married, we’ll explore how prenuptial agreements can safeguard your farm, prevent future legal disputes, and provide peace of mind for …
Divorce is never easy, and when a farm is involved, things get a lot more complicated. In this blog, Divorce and the Family Farm in Illinois: What Every Spouse Should Know, we explain how agricultural assets are treated during divorce in Illinois, how to protect your family’s legacy, and why working with a lawyer who understands both divorce and farm …
Grazing leases for cattle in Illinois aren’t just a handshake deal anymore—especially with unpredictable weather patterns, rising land values, and increasing liability concerns. Whether you’re a landowner leasing out pasture or a cattle producer looking to lock in grazing rights, a written agreement can make or break your bottom line. In this blog, we will share the ultimate checklist to …
In 2025, women- and minority-owned businesses continue to grow at a record pace in Illinois—and a clear trend is emerging: many of these entrepreneurs are choosing the Limited Liability Company (LLC) structure to launch or scale their businesses. Below, we share, “Why More Women and Minority Entrepreneurs in Illinois Are Choosing LLCs in 2025. But why are LLCs the go-to …
Removing a business partner is one of the most delicate legal issues a business owner can face. In Illinois, it’s not as simple as voting someone out or changing the locks. If done incorrectly, you could face a costly lawsuit, damage your business’s reputation, and trigger major tax or liability consequences. But when handled properly—and legally—you can protect your business …
If you’re launching a new business, product line, or creative venture, one of the first things you’ll likely think about is the name—your brand identity. But before you start using a name, logo, or slogan publicly, it’s essential to ask: Should I conduct a trademark search first? The short answer is yes. A trademark search is one of the most …
When building a brand, securing a trademark is a critical step, but understanding how long that protection lasts is just as important. Unlike patents or copyrights, trademarks can potentially last forever. However, that protection isn’t automatic or permanent. To keep a trademark active, owners must follow specific legal steps and continue using the mark in commerce. The Basics: Federal Trademark …
Have a catchy phrase that you want to protect? Whether you’re a small business owner, food producer, or ag entrepreneur, you might be wondering: Can I trademark a catchphrase? The short answer is yes, as long as it meets certain criteria. Here’s what you need to know if you want to legally protect your catchphrase and use it as a …
If you have applied to register your trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”), you may receive something called an “Office Action.” While it can feel discouraging to get one, an Office Action is not a rejection. It is a request for clarification or correction that gives you the opportunity to respond and keep your application moving …