Rincker Law, PLLC has been using Cosmolex for the last year. Cosmolex offers an opportunity for us to have a Client Cosmolex Portal. Client invoices, court pleadings, and correspondence is saved into your Cosmolex portal. You are also able to upload documents into the portal to send them to us. This can work great for confidential documents such as tax …
Ask Cari: 3 Things Families Should Consider During COVID-19 Pandemic and Shelter in Place
Our phones have been ringing off the hook during this pandemic – we have all been affected by this virus and it’s times like now that remind us about what is important in life. Here are 3 considerations/ reminders during this time: Parenting Time During Shelter in Place- Most states have carve-outs during the shelter in place for parenting time. Speak …
5 Steps to Take When Winding Down Your Business
There are many reasons business owners close up shop, including retirement, starting a new venture or, hopefully, because they’ve won the lottery. No matter what the reason, it’s important to diligently wind down a business before moving on. Here are five steps to take: Reach consensus. If you’re a sole proprietor, then the only consensus you need is your own. …
Ask Cari: Questions on Divorce, Debt and Prenups
Here are some recent answers from some questions I received on the Big D’s (Divorce, Debt, and Death): 1. What should people know when it comes to your spouse¹s debt when it comes to death or divorce? In most states, all debt obtained by either party after the date of the marriage is considered marital debt while debt incurred before …
In Case You Missed It: Food Labeling Webinar
Last May, I had to pleasure to moderate a Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) webinar for the American Bar Association (“ABA”) General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Division’s (“GP Solo”) Agriculture Law Committee on food labeling issues for farmers, food entrepreneurs and restaurants. If you missed the live webinar, you can purchase the recording here. Furthermore, don’t forget that the GP …
Overview of the Environmental Protection Agency
I’m currently conducting a blog series where each week I give a brief overview of the responsibilities of a government agency regulating our food and agriculture system. I think it’s a helpful reminder for everyone on just how complex our regulatory system really is. It’s a game of Who’s Who for government players in the U.S. food and agriculture economy. …
3 Types of Alternative Dispute Resolution for Divorces
There’s a trend now with divorcing couples seeking forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”). As an attorney and mediator, I always discuss all options with potential clients during the consultation. Here’s an overview: Mediation Mediation can take place at any stage during a divorce and is highly encouraged by the court. The goal of a mediator is to facilitate a …
Conversation Starters about Estate and Succession Planning for Farms
Don’t be afraid to have open and honest conversations with your family about estate and succession planning. “The only thing certain in life is death and taxes,” Ben Franklin famously said; so let us not make the topic taboo. In order for a farm or agri-business to successfully pass to the next generation (if that is what you want), …
CSA Agreements – Get Them In Writing
Although most CSA’s do not have a written contract, I highly suggest that farms have a simple CSA Agreement signed by the subscribers. Not only does it help secure payment terms, but the CSA Agreement should mitigate potential liability in the case of a food safety issue arising from the mishandling or misuse of the food product. It doesn’t have …
Listen to My Presentation on Starting an Agriculture & Environmental Law Practice
I had an opportunity to speak last month to the American Bar Association (“ABA”) Section on the Environment, Energy and Resources (“SEER”) to the Special Committees on Young Lawyers and Law Students on how I started an agriculture law practice in New York City. You can listen to the recording here. I’m again posting the slides below. The handouts from …
Register for the Upcoming Food Labeling CLE to Help Counsel Farmers, Food Entrepreneurs and Restaurants
I’m super excited about an upcoming Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) webinar that I will be moderating for the American Bar Association (“ABA”) General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Division’s (“GPSolo”) Agriculture Law Committee next month on food labeling law for farmers, food entrepreneurs and restaurants. We will be covering a lot of information in this 2 hour webinar and hope …
Overview of the U.S. Forest Service & Livestock Grazing Permits
I thought it would be helpful to educate my readers on the government agencies that affect the food and agriculture system in the United States. I will be going through the various agencies one by one. So please stay tuned! The U.S. Forest Service (“FS”) is a sub-agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) and overseen by the Under …