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 …
Farm succession planning is one of the most sensitive and complex issues facing agricultural families today. When it comes time to transfer land, equipment, or operational control to the next generation, emotions can run high, and long-standing relationships may become strained. At Rincker Law, PLLC, we understand the unique challenges Illinois farm families face—and why mediation is often the best …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …