Cost of Living Adjustment (“COLA”) refers to when child support is increased based on the annual cost of living. If the cost of living, pursuant to the Consumers Price Index for all urban consumers (CPI-U), as published annually by the United States Department of Labor Statistics, increases by at least 10% then an adjustment may be made. It is important …
Newly Appointed Mediator and Child Representative for the Fourth Circuit
I am very excited to announce that I have recently been appointed on the roster of mediators and child representatives/Guardian ad Litems for the Fourth Circuit in Illinois, which includes my hometown county of Shelbyville. I’m thrilled to be part of the team of professionals helping families navigate conflict. I’m pretty passionate that the courthouse is not the answer to …
Independent Contractor or Employee: It’s Very Easy to Cross the Line
Many businesses prefer to hire independent contractors because there’s often less overhead and fewer expenses (i.e. taxes). However, classify an employee as an independent contractor and you’re in big trouble. Here’s how to legally differentiate between the two. Who Controls the Worker? This question is not always easy to answer. According to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), evidence of …
Our First Law Clerk: Behwal Rasul
Behwal A. Rasul is a young attorney licensed to practice law in Pakistan. He did his L.L.B from University of London. After practicing law for a few years, he decided to pursue his studies. In May 2018, he graduated with an LL.M. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His major interests are corporate law, investment promotion, intellectual property, trade, constitutional …
3 Tips For Every New Homeowner
Congratulations on the purchase of your new home. Whether this is your first home or an upgrade/downsize, the purchasing of a home is a big event in your life. When these major life changes occur, it is important that you are properly prepared. Below are a few things for you to consider now that you finally have the keys to …
Ask Cari: Can a wine store owner give samples of wine for tasting at his own store?
In New York, if you have a wine store license, you can conduct wine tasting on wine, only, on the premises. Manufacturers, importers, and wholesalers can also conduct wine tastings, if they have a permit for conducting tastings. Cari is excited about her growing practice in wine and vineyard law. Share this Article
New York Divorce Law: When the Marital Residence May Not Be Marital Property
The law outlines what is marital property and what is separate property. However, the issue becomes murky when separate property was the marital residence, since often the marital residence is marital property. Real property purchased prior to the marriage does not become marital property merely because it is the marital residence (meaning that the couple lives there as husband and …
3 Things You Must Do Once Your Divorce Is Final
The divorce process can be long and expensive. However, the work does not end once the divorce decree is signed. In order to ensure that your assets and estate planning wishes are carried out in light of this major life change, there are three things you must do as soon as possible. Change Beneficiary Designation On Life Insurance A life …
Business Law: Letters of Intents v. Term Sheets
A letter of intent is used in many types of businesses to list the terms of a proposed deal between prospective parties. While the letter of intent is usually signed by both parties, it contains language stating that this letter does not create a binding obligation on either party. Despite this fact, there has been a great deal of litigation …
Meet Kat Bork
Accuracy is important to Rincker Law, PLLC so we have recently added Kat Bork to our team concentrating on proofreading and editing. She will be working from our Illinois office on a part-time basis. Kat earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Illinois College of Law and is licensed to practice law in Illinois. During law school, she was …
AJSA North Central Regional Classic
I will be at the American Junior Simmental Association (“AJSA”) North Central Regional Classic today in Springfield, Illinois. Rincker Law is the business sponsor of the photobooth and I have been working on the opening ceremonies. If you are there, please come by and say hello. If you aren’t, then follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat! Share this Article
Illinois Property Law: A Word on Partition Proceedings
In a partition lawsuit, all of the parties who have an interest must be sued. See 735 ILCS 5/17-103. The suit must be filed in the county where the property is located. See 735 ILCS 5/17-101. When jurisdiction over everyone is established, the judge appoints a commissioner to investigate the property. See 735 ILCS 5/17-106. For things like farm land, …