Under Section 4-24 of the Urbana Code, an animal can be impounded if: Is found to run at large, is lost, is apparently abandoned, or is otherwise deemed a stray; Has bitten any person or animal, or is believed to have otherwise behaved in a threatening, dangerous, terrorizing, or vicious manner; and, Has been found to be vicious. In this …
What Happens in a Mediation Session?
The mediator should begin the mediation session with laying a few ground rules. Here are some examples: 1. Explaining his/her role in the process 2. Reminding everyone about confidentiality and how the information used in the mediation is for “settlement purposes” and cannot be used in court 3. Depending on preference, asking the parties to put cellphones on silent or …
What Happens During the Consultation with a Mediator?
Initial Contact. Typically, one person calls the mediator at first and requests a telephonic or in-person consultation. If the initial consultation is given to only one party, then in efforts to stay neutral, private time with the mediator is also offered to the other person. Some mediators choose to charge for the initial consultation. Confidentiality Agreement. During this stage, …
Ribbon Cutting for the Illinois Office
Big thanks to everyone who came out and supported the grand opening of the Rincker Law, PLLC’s Illinois Office in Downtown Champaign. Special thank you to the Champaign Chambers of Commerce for hosting the ribbon cutting offering us the opportunity. Photos from the event are on our Facebook page here. Share this Article
Illinois Animal Law: What is the Difference Between a Dangerous Animal and Vicious Animal in Urbana?
If you live in Urbana, Illinois, under Section 4-1 of the Urbana Code, a “dangerous animal” is defined as a an email when: either unmuzzled, unleashed, or unattended by its owner, or a member of the owner’s family, in a vicious or terrorizing manner, approaches any person in an apparent attitude of attack upon streets, sidewalks, any other public place, …
What are the Core Values of Mediation?
So what’s this mediation thing all about? Well, here are a few of its core values — i.e., what we mediators hold near and dear to our meditation hearts. Self-Determination – The basic tenant of mediation is that both parties have the autonomy and feel empowered to make the decisions instead of giving up that power to a neutral third …
What is Mediation? (Part 2)
In yesterday’s post, I noted what mediation is NOT. Well, this is what mediation IS: Mediation is a Conversation Put simply, the role of the mediator is to facilitate a conversation between the parties The mediator is not there to listen to testimony like a trial or arbitration. Albeit “heated” at times, a mediation session is conversation focused. Mediation Allows …
What is Mediation? What is it Not?
When I talk to folks about what mediation is, sometimes is easiest to explain what it is NOT first. I’m going to compare mediation to other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Litigation – Although mediation can be used in disputes between parties who are involved in litigation, the mediator is not acting like a judge, making a decision. Unlike trial, …
Mediation Roster for Sixth Circuit in Illinois
I’m happy to announce that I was selected to be in the roster of family law mediators for the Sixth Circuit in Illinois. Specifically, I will be mediating custody and visitation issues (i.e., the allocation of parental responsibilities). The Sixth Circuit includes the following 7 Counties: Macon County, Piatt County, Champaign County, Dewitt County, Douglas County and Moultrie County. I’m …
Meet the New Associate Attorney, Kate Murray
The Illinois Office is growing! Kate joined our team this spring. She is an associate attorney with Rincker Law, PLLC working primarily from the Illinois office. Kate is licensed to practice law in New York and Connecticut. She is also a candidate to the Illinois bar. Kate concentrates in all aspects of family and commercial law. A portion of her …
Meet Carol Petersheim
Meet one of the 3 new friendly faces in the Illinois office. Carol works in the Illinois Office located in Downtown Champaign. She graduated from Arthur High School with Honors. She was a stay at home mom until filling the role of part time Legal Assistant at Rincker Law, PLLC. Carol grew up in Arthur, IL and currently lives there …