Rincker Law, PLLC is proud to announce that founding attorney Cari Rincker has been appointed the Editor of the Illinois State Bar Association’s Agricultural Law Section Council Newsletter. This appointment reflects her long-standing leadership in agricultural law and her deep commitment to supporting Illinois farmers, agribusinesses, and rural families with trusted legal guidance. Why This Role Matters The ISBA’s Agricultural …
Can Illinois Farmers Still Afford to Pass the Farm On? What the New Farmland Transition Law Means
Passing the family farm from one generation to the next has always been a cornerstone of Illinois agriculture. But as land prices surge and operational costs rise, the dream of keeping farms in the family is becoming harder to achieve. The new Farmland Transition Commission, created under Illinois Senate Bill 2372, aims to tackle this growing challenge by studying ways …
Do I Have to Go to Court If I Choose Mediation in Illinois?
At Rincker Law, PLLC, we are often asked by our family law and agricultural clients whether choosing mediation means avoiding court altogether. In this blog, we share: Do I Have to Go to Court If I Choose Mediation in Illinois? The short answer: not necessarily. However, the full answer depends on your specific case and the agreements you have. Furthermore, …
What To Do After a Loved One Dies
If you have been named the person responsible for settling a deceased loved one’s affairs, commonly called an executor or personal representative (if your loved one had no estate plan or had a will) or a successor trustee (if they had a trust), you may find yourself overwhelmed by grief and a growing list of responsibilities. As the person in …
Meet Associate Attorney Regan McGuill Booth: Advocating for Farmers, Ranchers, and Rural Communities
At Rincker Law, we are proud to have a team of attorneys who not only understand the law but also the people and industries they serve. One of those attorneys is Regan McGuill Booth, an Associate Attorney focusing primarily on food and agricultural law. A Lifelong Connection to Agriculture Regan’s roots in agriculture run deep. Originally from the Gulf Coast …
Help Shape the Future of Farm & Ranch Estate Planning – Take Our Survey!
Farmers and ranchers know that the land isn’t just a workplace – it’s a legacy. For many agricultural families across the U.S., the farm has been passed down through generations, each one building on the hard work of the last. But with today’s changing economic, legal, and family landscapes, planning for that legacy has become more complex than ever. That’s …
5 Ways Mediation Saves You Time and Money During Divorce in Illinois
Divorce is rarely easy—but it doesn’t have to be financially and emotionally draining. For many couples in Illinois, mediation offers a practical, affordable, and respectful alternative to the courtroom. It’s faster, more cost-effective, and gives both parties more control over the outcome. At Rincker Law, PLLC, we’ve guided countless clients through divorce mediation, including those with complex issues like family …
Why Creating a Will or Trust Is Essential
Creating a will or a trust should be a priority for several important reasons, including the following: Handling Digital Accounts Almost everyone has at least one account or digital presence online. Think about all your photos stored in the cloud, as well as your emails, social media profiles, online shopping accounts, online payment platforms (e.g., Venmo or PayPal), and online …
Can the Bank Really Take My Family Farm? What Illinois Farmers Need to Know
For many families in Illinois, the farm is more than just land, it’s a livelihood, a legacy, and a way of life. When financial struggles hit, one of the biggest fears farmers face is losing the family farm to foreclosure. Can the bank really take my family farm? What Illinois farmers need to know is that the answer depends on …
Farm Credit Agreements in Illinois: What Every Farmer Should Know Before Signing
Access to financing is essential for today’s farmers, whether it’s to buy seed, livestock, new machinery, or even farmland itself. But before committing to a loan, it’s important to understand the risks and obligations involved. Below, we share what every farmer needs to know about farm agreements in Illinois. Farm credit contracts can affect not only your financial stability but …
How a Directed Trust Can Change Everything | Estate Planning
The idea of one-size-fits-all no longer fits a world where people expect products and services to be tailored to their individual preferences. The estate planning world, long rooted in tradition, has relied on time-tested tools such as trusts to plan for what happens to a person’s money and property. However, a nontraditional variation known as a directed trust has gained …
The True Cost of Inheriting a Home
The United States is in the midst of the largest generational wealth transfer in history. Over the next few decades, baby boomers are expected to pass down an estimated $84 trillion in money and property, around $18–19 trillion of it related to residential real estate. For millions of younger Americans, this means inheriting a parent’s or grandparent’s home. But while …