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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
In the livestock industry, a cattle brand is more than just a mark, it’s a symbol of heritage, reputation, and the identity of a ranching operation. Traditionally used to identify ownership of livestock, cattle brands can also serve a broader purpose in the modern marketplace. If your cattle brand is being used not just to mark livestock but to promote …
If you’re thinking about protecting your brand name, logo, slogan, or other distinctive mark, you’re likely considering a federal trademark. But once you file an application, who actually reviews it? The answer: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”). What is the USPTO? The USPTO is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. It’s responsible for granting …
On January 24, 2025, the Illinois Supreme Court issued a significant decision in Mercado v. S&C Electric Co., 2025 IL 129526, clarifying the treatment of performance bonuses under the Illinois Minimum Wage Law (“IMWL”). The Court held that performance bonuses which are not measured by or dependent on hours worked must still be included in the “regular rate” of pay …
If you’re starting a business or nonprofit in Illinois, you might be wondering: Can I Form an LLC or Nonprofit Without a Lawyer in Illinois? The short answer is yes, you can form an LLC or nonprofit without a lawyer in Illinois. The Illinois Secretary of State allows you to file all the necessary documents on your own. But the …
Forming a corporation in Illinois can be a smart legal and strategic move for entrepreneurs who want liability protection, credibility, and the ability to scale. But the process involves more than just filing a form—you must meet specific state requirements and make important legal and tax decisions. At Rincker Law PLLC, we help business owners across Illinois form corporations the …
When we think about protecting a brand, trademarks like names, logos, and slogans often come to mind. But there’s another powerful and often overlooked form of intellectual property: trade dress. So, what exactly is trade dress, and why should businesses care about it? Trade Dress Defined Trade dress refers to the visual appearance of a product or its packaging that …