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 …

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How to Legally Remove a Business Partner in Illinois Without Getting Sued

How to Legally Remove a Business Partner in Illinois Without Getting Sued

Cari RinckerBusiness Law, Business Partnership, Business/Commercial Law

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 …

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Ask Sam: Should I Conduct a Trademark Search Before Using My Trademark?

Cari RinckerIntellectual Property, Trademarks

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 …

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Ask Sam: How Long Does a Trademark Last?

Cari RinckerIntellectual Property

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 …

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Ask Sam: Can I Trademark a Catchphrase?

Cari RinckerIntellectual Property, Trademarks

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 …

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Ask Sam: What Should I Do if I Receive an Office Action from the US Patent and Trademark Office?

Cari RinckerIntellectual Property, Trademarks, Trademarks

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 …

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Top 10 Books to Help You Through Divorce — With Grace, Strength, and Support

Cari RinckerFamily/Matrimonial Law

As a family law attorney practicing in Illinois, Greater New York City and Texas, I work with individuals and families navigating some of life’s most emotionally and logistically challenging transitions. Whether you’re going through an uncontested divorce, pursuing mediation or collaborative divorce, or separating as a farming couple with complex property needs, the road ahead can feel uncertain. Books can …

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How to Dissolve a Partnership in Illinois

How to Dissolve a Partnership in Illinois

Cari RinckerBusiness Law, Business Partnership, Partnership Agreements in Illinois

Whether your partnership has run its course or it’s time to move in a new direction, dissolving a business partnership in Illinois requires more than just walking away. There are legal steps to follow, financial responsibilities to settle, and formal notices to file. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to dissolve a partnership in Illinois the right way—without …

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Top 7 Reasons Business Partnerships Fail in Illinois

Top 7 Reasons Business Partnerships Fail in Illinois

Cari RinckerBusiness Law, Business Partnership, Partnership Agreements in Illinois

Starting a business with a partner can be exciting, but even the best relationships can break down without the right legal and operational framework. Whether it’s money, power struggles, or misaligned values, business partnerships often collapse due to issues that could have been prevented. At Rincker Law PLLC, we’ve seen the warning signs up close. This blog covers the top …

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Ask Sam: Why Should I Trademark My Business Name?

Cari RinckerGeneral

When you’ve poured your time, energy, and creativity into building a business, your name becomes one of your most valuable assets. It represents your brand, your reputation, and everything you’ve worked hard to create. But have you taken the legal steps to protect it? Registering a trademark for your business name isn’t just a formality, it’s a strategic move that …

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Illinois Probate 101: What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will?

Illinois Probate 101: What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will?

Cari RinckerIllinois Probate Law, probate, Probate Law

When a loved one passes away without a will in Illinois, their estate doesn’t just disappear—it goes through a legal process called probate. But what does that actually mean? Who gets the property? And how long does it take? In this blog, we share “Illinois Probate 101: What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will?” to help you understand how …

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Common Probate Disputes in Illinois and How to Avoid Them

Common Probate Disputes in Illinois and How to Avoid Them

Cari RinckerContesting a Will in IL, probate, Probate Law

Probate is the legal process of settling a person’s estate after death, but when emotions run high and family dynamics are complex, probate can also become a legal battleground. Whether there’s confusion over the will, resentment between heirs, or questions about how the estate is managed, disputes are common—and they can quickly turn costly. In this blog, we explore “Common …

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