I just love it when my writing hits the press! And I especially love it when it combines my two passion areas — family law and agriculture law. I am honored to have authored the Fact Sheets on family law issues in agriculture with the National Agriculture Law Center. You can review them individually here or the packet here. Share …
Changing a Birth Certificate After Paternity Is Established in Illinois
Question: The Mother of our child refuses to put my name on the birth certificate. Can she be forced to do this in Illinois? It is imperative that the father obtain a judgment of parentage. Rincker Law, PLLC can help you with that process. Once you have this judgment, you will not need the mother’s consent or approval to change …
Family Law Issues in Agriculture: Equitable Distribution
Equitable distribution (“ED”) is the allocation of the marital estate in a divorce. Importantly, not all states are equitable distribution states; instead, states like Texas and California are community property states. The majority of states are equitable distribution states, but it is important to confirm this with a licensed attorney in the applicable jurisdiction. In way of background, property in …
What Should I Know About Changing My Name as a Transgender Minor in NYC?
The transgender community is growing, and with that comes unique legal needs. One issue that has come up quite a bit in our practice lately, is a name change of a minor due to a change in gender. About one-third of the people I saw in court for name changes were transgender or transitioning. Having a name you feel connected …
Family Law Issues in Agriculture: Child Support
Child support in most states is largely formulaic (i.e., a math equation)– basic support is typically calculated by looking at the income and qualified deductions of each parent. However, for most involved in farming and ranching or other kind of agri-business, finding the numbers for the math equation is anything but straightforward. This figure is also used to help calculate …
Family Law Issues in Agriculture: Spousal Maintenance
Spousal maintenance in some states is formulaic, while others rely on case law. In either scenario, there needs to be a determination of income (not assets). For most involved in farming and ranching or other kinds of agri-business, determining income is anything but straightforward. Typically, a spouse is required to pay for his/her health insurance after the divorce, but if …
Family Law Issues in Agriculture: Prenuptial Agreements
Prenuptial agreements are oftentimes viewed as taboo; instead, farmers, ranchers, agribusiness owners, and food entrepreneurs should view prenuptial agreements like an insurance policy for a marriage. Nobody gets on an airplane thinking that it is going to crash, but you still go over the safety instructions. A prenuptial agreement simply notes the safety instructions in case the marriage terminates for …
Family Law Issues in Agriculture: Orders of Protection
An Order of Protection is available for parties who are being stalked, harassed, or abused by their partner (physically, verbally, or sexually). It is available not only for romantic relationships (e.g., spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend), but also other family relationships (e.g., between a farmer landlord uncle and farmer tenant niece). Although the procedures for filing and defending against an order of protection …