Buying or Leasing Farm Equipment in Illinois: Legal Tips for Protecting Your Investment

Buying or Leasing Farm Equipment in Illinois: Legal Tips for Protecting Your Investment

Cari RinckerFamily Farm, Farm Business, Farm Law, Farm Life, Legal Contracts for Farm Businesses in IL, Selling Farm Equipment

For many Illinois farmers, equipment is one of the largest and most important investments they make. Whether you’re purchasing a new tractor, leasing harvesters, or upgrading irrigation systems, these deals often involve significant financial commitments. In this article, Buying or Leasing Farm Equipment in Illinois: Legal Tips for Protecting Your Investment, we share key legal and financial considerations to help …

Share this Article
Should You Form an LLC for Your Farm? A Guide for Illinois Agricultural Businesses

Should You Form an LLC for Your Farm? A Guide for Illinois Agricultural Businesses

Cari RinckerAgriculture Law, Family Farm, Farm Business, Farm Law, Farm Life

For Illinois farmers, protecting your land, equipment, and livelihood isn’t just about good crops, it’s about having the right legal foundation. In this article, “Should You Form an LLC for Your Farm? A Guide for Illinois Agricultural Businesses”, we explain how forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) can safeguard your personal assets, streamline ownership, and position your farm for long-term …

Share this Article
How to Legally Structure Your Illinois Farm Business for Growth and Protection

How to Legally Structure Your Illinois Farm Business for Growth and Protection

Cari RinckerAgriculture Law, Family Farm, Farm Business, Farm Law

Choosing the right legal structure for your farm isn’t just about paperwork, it can affect your taxes, liability, succession planning, and even your eligibility for certain programs. In this article, How to Legally Structure Your Illinois Farm Business for Growth and Protection, we share the pros and cons of common farm business structures in Illinois so you can select the …

Share this Article
Hiring Seasonal Farm Workers in Illinois: What You Need to Know About Ag Labor Laws

Hiring Seasonal Farm Workers in Illinois: What You Need to Know About Ag Labor Laws

Cari RinckerAgriculture Law, Farm Law, Farm Life

For many farms in Illinois, seasonal workers are essential to keeping operations running smoothly during planting, harvesting, and peak production seasons. But hiring help isn’t as simple as shaking hands and getting to work. In this article, Hiring Seasonal Farm Workers in Illinois: What You Need to Know About Ag Labor Laws, we explain the key state and federal rules …

Share this Article
How to Pass Down the Family Farm in Illinois Without a Legal Battle

How to Pass Down the Family Farm in Illinois Without a Legal Battle

Cari RinckerFamily Farm, Farm Closings, Farm Law, Farm Life

For many Illinois farm families, the land is more than just soil and crops, it’s a legacy built over generations. Unfortunately, without the right legal planning, that legacy can be torn apart by disputes, probate delays, and tax burdens. In this article, How to Pass Down the Family Farm in Illinois Without a Legal Battle, we share key strategies for …

Share this Article
Person reading about estate planning after divorce in a newspaper

Your Divorce Decree: The First Step in Estate Planning

Cari RinckerDivorce, Estate Planning, Family/Matrimonial Law

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 …

Share this Article
Top 5 Legal Mistakes Illinois Farmers Make When Expanding Their Operation

Top 5 Legal Mistakes Illinois Farmers Make When Expanding Their Operation

Cari RinckerAgriculture Law, Farm Law, Farm Life

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 …

Share this Article
Military family walking outdoors, symbolizing support, planning, and deployment readiness.

Deployment Ready? Estate Planning for Military Families

Cari RinckerEstate Planning

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 …

Share this Article
Why Every Illinois Farmer Should Consider a Prenup Before Getting Married

Why Every Illinois Farmer Should Consider a Prenup Before Getting Married

Cari RinckerAgriculture Law, Farm Law, Farm Life, Farm Prenup Illinois

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 …

Share this Article
Divorce and the Family Farm in Illinois: What Every Spouse Should Know

Divorce and the Family Farm in Illinois: What Every Spouse Should Know

Cari RinckerFamily Farm, Farm Divorce, Farm Law

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 …

Share this Article
Grazing Leases for Cattle in Illinois: The Ultimate Checklist to Protect Your Pasture, Herd, and Income

Grazing Leases for Cattle in Illinois: The Ultimate Checklist to Protect Your Pasture, Herd, and Income

Cari RinckerAgriculture Law, Animal Law

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 …

Share this Article
Why More Women and Minority Entrepreneurs in Illinois Are Choosing LLCs in 2025

Why More Women and Minority Entrepreneurs in Illinois Are Choosing LLCs in 2025

Cari RinckerBusiness Law, Business Partnership, Business/Commercial Law, Entrepreneurship, LLC, Startups

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 …

Share this Article