The Illinois Farmer’s Annual Legal Checklist: What to Review Each Season can help farm owners address legal and business issues before they become expensive problems. Farming rarely leaves much time for paperwork, but contracts, leases, insurance policies, employment records, succession plans, and business filings should not be ignored until a dispute or emergency occurs. Dividing these reviews by season can …
What Happens to an LLC When Its Owner Dies in Illinois? The answer depends on whether the company has one owner or several, what the operating agreement says, and how the owner planned for the transfer. An Illinois LLC does not necessarily close when an owner dies, but the death can affect management authority, ownership rights, and the company’s ability …
Can You Use an Illinois Small Estate Affidavit Instead of Probate? In many cases, yes. Illinois law allows certain estates to transfer personal property through a small estate affidavit without opening a formal probate proceeding. However, the estate must meet specific legal requirements, and the person signing the affidavit assumes important responsibilities regarding debts, heirs, beneficiaries, and the distribution of …
Does My Child With Disabilities Need a Guardian at Age 18 in Illinois? The answer depends on your child’s ability to understand, make, and communicate responsible decisions, not simply on a diagnosis. When a child turns 18, Illinois generally treats that person as a legal adult, and a parent’s automatic authority ends. Some young adults may need a court-appointed guardian, …
Rural Attorney Shortages and Legal Deserts: How States Are Expanding Access to Justice examines a growing challenge facing rural America. Many rural communities do not have enough attorneys to meet the legal needs of residents, farmers, families, and local businesses. Rincker Law attorneys Sam Ellis and Cari Brett Rincker recently examined several efforts aimed at addressing this problem, including expanded …
Agricultural Law Updates for 2026: What Farmers and Agribusinesses Should Know examines several federal and Illinois developments that may affect farmers, ranchers, agricultural landowners, food businesses, and other members of the agricultural industry. Rincker Law attorneys Sam Ellis and Cari Brett Rincker recently reviewed major developments involving the 2026 Farm Bill, pesticide regulation, specialty crop assistance, antitrust enforcement, rural development, …
Summer Travel With Children After Divorce: What Illinois Parents Should Know is an important topic for separated and divorced parents planning vacations with their children. A family trip can create lasting memories. It can also lead to conflict when parents disagree about dates, destinations, passports, or missed parenting time. Whether an Illinois parent may take a child on summer travel …
Summer Agritourism Legal Risks: What Farm Owners Should Know is an increasingly important topic for farms that welcome the public. U-pick fields, farm tours, livestock encounters, educational workshops, farm dinners, and seasonal activities can create new sources of revenue. They can also expose the operation to legal and financial risks that may not exist on a production-only farm. Before inviting …
The Hidden Gender Gap in Estate Planning and How Women Can Close It Estate planning isn’t just about documents—it’s about protecting yourself, your family, and your future. But research shows that women are significantly less likely than men to have a formal estate plan in place, even though they often face greater financial risks over their lifetimes. This hidden gender …
How your real estate is titled affects far more than just whose name is on the deed. It plays a major role in your legal rights, how vulnerable your property is to creditors, and what happens to the property when you pass away. Many people assume their estate plan will “fix” any issues, but title problems can actually undo your …
Rincker Law, PLLC is pleased to announce that founder and principal attorney Cari B. Rincker will present at the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education’s Elder Law Short Course 2026. The two-day continuing legal education program will take place on November 5–6, 2026, at the UBS Tower and Conference Center in Chicago. Attorneys will also have the option to attend …
Trademark Protection for Farms, Food Businesses, and Agricultural Brands should be considered before a business invests heavily in packaging, signs, websites, merchandise, or advertising. A farm may spend years building recognition around a name or logo, only to discover that another business has earlier rights in a similar mark. Addressing trademark issues early can help reduce the risk of an …