Common Pitfalls in Family-Owned Businesses

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law

Your family and your business are two of your top priorities. You would not do anything to compromise either of them. But working with family members in a family-owned business presents unique challenges that can cause lasting damage to both if not properly managed. Family-owned businesses are capable of the same success as any other business. Walmart, Chick-fil-A, Comcast, Carnival, …

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Myths We Tell Ourselves about Estate Planning

Cari RinckerEstate Planning

Estate planning can be a very difficult process. While it is not brain surgery, making the decision to move forward with an estate plan requires us to face the fact that we will not live forever. This thought stops many people in their tracks. Others talk themselves out of seeing a qualified attorney to create an estate plan because of …

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4 Tips for Avoiding a Will or Trust Contest

Cari RinckerEstate Planning

  A will or trust contest can derail your final wishes, rapidly deplete your estate, and tear your loved ones apart. But with proper planning, you can help your family avoid a potentially disastrous will or trust contest. If you are concerned about challenges to your estate plan, consider the following: Do not attempt “do it yourself” solutions. If you …

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Ag Law Today Episode 49: Business Valuations

Cari RinckerAg Law Today

Josh Horns talks business valuations in this important episode of Ag Law Today.  Business valuations can not only be useful in case of a divorce but also in other contexts such a buy-sell arrangements and even probate.  You can listen to the episode here. Share this Article

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What to Do When Your Doctor Says to “Get Your Affairs in Order”

Cari RinckerEstate Planning

Five words no one ever wants to hear from their doctor: “Get your affairs in order.” Unfortunately, 58 percent of Americans do not have a will or trust, and it often requires a chronic disease or terminal illness diagnosis, or other life-changing event to prompt the estate planning process. Talk to your attorney about completing the documents below and follow …

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How to Prepare for a Farm Divorce in Illinois

Cari RinckerFarm Divorce

A farm divorce in Illinois can be complex and it is best to consult an experienced farm divorce lawyer who has expertise in handling farm divorces. A farm divorce can involve navigating through a lot of factors such as farm equipment, land, valuation of options as well as any other assets related to the farm business. How is Farm Property …

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After the Heart Attack: Get Your Estate Planning Done

Cari RinckerEstate Planning

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), someone in the U.S. has a heart attack every 40 seconds. That means approximately 790,000 people have a heart attack each year. If you have recently been hospitalized for a cardiac condition or other near-miss medical event, then you may be feeling a strong sense of urgency to get your …

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Estate Planning Tips for Someone Who Is About to Go in for Major Surgery

Cari RinckerEstate Planning

  Getting the news that you have to undergo major surgery is never easy. Preparing for absences from work, planning for childcare and household responsibilities, and reviewing your estate plan will be among the things you may be worrying about. But, what if you only have a few weeks—or even days—to react? Who should you call? How can you concentrate …

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How to Prepare for a High Net Worth Divorce in Illinois

Cari RinckerDivorce, Family/Matrimonial Law, Illinois Divorce

By definition, a high asset divorce in Illinois is defined as any divorce that involves at least one of the spouses having assets valued over $1 million. These divorces often involve very complex issues and must be handled by an experienced attorney. If you are going to be involved in a high asset divorce in Illinois, you are encouraged to …

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Episode 48 of Ag Law Today: Farm and Agribusiness Insurance

Cari RinckerUncategorized

Loved this convo about insurance for farms, ranches and agri-businesses with both Derek Hayden and Andrew Deedrich on this episode of Ag Law Today. Share this Article

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Pet Trust

Cari RinckerAnimal Law, Estate Planning

According to a 2018 study by the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), approximately 57% of all US households have at least one pet. So, what happens to your pet when you die or become incapacitated? Planning ahead can give you peace of mind knowing that your pet will be cared for after you’re gone. There are several ways to do …

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Your Judgment of Divorce: The First Step in Estate Planning

Cari RinckerEstate Planning

You have recently divorced your spouse and the judge has signed the divorce judgment. Now what? Although you may feel as though you have spent enough time and money on lawyers, there is one last attorney you need to talk to: an estate planning attorney. If you and your former spouse had estate planning done together previously, it is necessary …

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