The title of trustee implies that this position should be held by someone you find trustworthy, and for good reason. Serving as a trustee of a trust carries significant responsibility and duty not just to you as the trust’s creator but also to the beneficiaries who depend on accurate, faithful administration. While being named a trustee reflects a high level …
Family farms are the heart of rural Illinois. But when disagreements arise, whether over land use, finances, inheritance, or management decisions, those conflicts can threaten both the business and family relationships that sustain it. The good news is that many of these disputes can be resolved without going to court. Mediation offers a practical, confidential way for farm families to …
Divorce can be one of the most challenging experiences of a person’s life. Emotions run high, financial decisions need to be made, and the future can feel uncertain. Fortunately, Illinois couples have an alternative to courtroom battles: divorce mediation. In this blog, we share “What to Expect and How to Prepare for Divorce Mediation in Illinois. Divorce mediation gives couples …
Receiving an inheritance, whether large or small, often comes with a wide range of emotions, from the grief of losing a loved one to the hope and excitement about the possibilities the inheritance may create. According to Northwestern Mutual’s 2025 Planning & Progress study, over half (57 percent) of Americans who expect to receive an inheritance view it as critical …
When Illinois parents separate or divorce, child custody (known legally as “allocation of parental responsibilities”) can be one of the most emotional and complex issues to resolve. Child custody mediation in Illinois offers a structured, private, and less adversarial way to reach agreements that protect your child’s best interests—without the financial and emotional toll of going to court. Here are …
When conflicts arise, whether between spouses, co-parents, business partners, or colleagues, one of the first questions is how to resolve them. In Illinois, mediation has become a preferred alternative to litigation because it allows people to reach mutually beneficial solutions without the stress, cost, and public exposure of going to court. In this blog, we share “Why Illinois Families and …
Estate planning often feels complex, leading many people to rely on assumptions that can have devastating consequences for their loved ones and their legacy. From who can make decisions for you to whether you need an estate plan, common myths can stand between you and a secure future. Let’s debunk these widespread misconceptions and reveal four essential truths about effective …
Ending a business partnership is rarely simple, especially when it involves friends, family members, or long-time collaborators. Emotions can run high, financial interests are intertwined, and disputes over ownership, operations, or future obligations can quickly spiral into costly litigation. In this blog, we explore how mediation works for business partnership breakups, why it’s a strong option for Illinois entrepreneurs, and …
Agricultural lease agreements are essential for many farm operations across Illinois. In IL, land ownership and farming responsibilities are often split between landlords and tenants. But when disagreements arise; whether over rent, land use, input costs, conservation practices, or lease termination, these conflicts can quickly escalate. Furthermore, it jeopardizes long-standing relationships and business stability. In this blog, we explore the …
Legal Deserts Widen Across Rural America A recent Iowa State University study reveals that over half of non‑metropolitan U.S. counties now qualify as ‘legal deserts,’ with 11% classified as critically underserved — meaning severe shortages of private‑practice attorneys. In Iowa alone, 18 of 99 counties fall into urgent or critical categories. Because many licensed attorneys work in government, academia, or …
Rincker Law, PLLC is pleased to highlight attorney Cari Rincker’s recent presentation at the 35th Annual Legal Education Seminar, co-hosted by the Central Illinois Paralegal Association (CIPA) and the McLean County Bar Association (MCBA) on September 26, 2025. Rincker’s session, titled “Beyond the Barn: Handling the Unique Issues of Farm Divorces,” offered lawyers and paralegals practical guidance for family law …
In 2026, Illinois farmers are navigating a wave of new and developing laws that could reshape how they operate, plan, and protect their businesses. From generational land transitions to environmental compliance, many of these changes are either newly enacted or anticipated to take effect this year. In this article, “Top 5 Illinois Farm Law Changes to Watch in 2026”, Rincker …