Articles Written by Doug Mentes, Esq.
Does My Neighbor Have a Prescriptive Easement?
A legal overview of adverse possession for Kansas property owners
Consider a Mediator Over a DIY Divorce
Wisconsin allows mediators to draft all court documents for disputing parties
Do Domestic Abusers Keep Their Guns?
Tennessee has taken steps to require surrender of an abuser’s guns
Can Bankruptcy Get Rid of Student Loan Debt?
Yes, but those with student loans in Massachusetts will be in a for a battle
Can I Claim the Child Care Expenses in My Taxes?
For unmarried parents, only one parent can claim this income tax benefit in Connecticut
How to Get a Visa to Study in the U.S.
Foreign students looking to study in Massachusetts shouldn’t overlook the requirements
Does HIPAA Protect My Health Information?
It requires Massachusetts providers have compliance procedures in place
Is There an Alternative to Applying for Tax-Exempt Status?
Smaller New York nonprofits should consider finding a fiscal sponsor
What Does It Mean If Marijuana is Decriminalized?
It’s now a less-serious offense to possess marijuana in New York City
Should I Elect COBRA Coverage?
New York employees should understand the costs and benefits before deciding
What to Do If You Find Errors in a Credit Report
More than one in five Texans have them, but here’s where to seek help
Should I take Early, Full or Delayed Social Security?
When Texas retirees should draw and the effect on their benefit amount
When Credit Bureaus Have the Wrong Info
What Texans should do when a company gives credit reporting agencies incorrect data
How Long Does it Take to Get Adverse Possession in Texas?
It varies depending on the trespasser’s actions
What is the Process for Hiring H-2B Workers?
It has strict requirements, but it could be a solution for Texas employers struggling to find …
Common Pitfalls for Employers Hiring H-2B Visa Holders
H-2B employers must be extra cautious in era of increased enforcement
How Do Employers Assess Temporary Need for H-2B Visas?
The burden is on the employer to prove the need is truly temporary
Brokers and Advisors Have Different Standards of Care
Texas investors must understand the difference when weighing investment advice
Should I Pay Debts Before Bankruptcy?
Oregon debtors must weigh their options before making these difficult decisions
What Are the Options for DACA Recipients?
The legal options for the immigrants who are subject to political whim
What Property Can I Keep When Applying for Medicaid?
California seniors, and those assisting them, need to plan ahead
Steps to Take Before a Nonprofit Applies for Tax-Exempt Status
California nonprofits have major decisions to make before filing the application
It’s less work for California nonprofits, but does not assure tax-exempt compliance
Is Your Nonprofit Eligible for Tax-Exempt Status?
California nonprofits must determine problematic issues before filing
How Do I Get Out of Home Ownership with My Ex-girlfriend or Boyfriend?
For unmarried partners living together in Minnesota, it’s best to plan ahead
A Loved One Passed Away Without a Will. Now What?
The survivors are left with some difficult probate decisions
Tips to Minimize the Cost of Divorce or Custody Matters
Minnesota’s ECM and ENE programs have been recognized for quick resolutions and lower …
Make Sure You Trust Your Attorney-in-Fact
Executing a Power of Attorney form is simple in Minnesota, so long as you trust that person
Who Gets to Choose the Kids’ School if the Parents are Unmarried?
It’s a difficult decision for the court to make with joint custody in Minnesota
Should I Get My Custody Agreement Signed By a Judge?
Unmarried parents with non-binding custody agreements put themselves at risk
Finding a Minnesota Family Law Attorney You Can Trust
The questions to ask as you try to select a competent and honest lawyer
Do I Need an Order for Protection or Harassment Restraining Order?
Victims of domestic abuse in Minnesota need to know
Minnesota Courts Can Take Domestic Abusers’ Guns
An order for protection or misdemeanor conviction can be grounds to bar owning firearms
Should I Get a Health Care Directive?
For Minnesotans, it’s little effort to ensure important decisions are decided correctly
Which Divorced Parent Gets to Claim the Kids in Taxes?
The federal rules on dependent exemptions for Minnesota parents doing their tax returns
Is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Better Than Chapter 7?
For some Minnesota debtors, Chapter 13 might be the only option
How to Respond to a Rent Escrow Action
Minnesota landlords should ensure their properties aren’t at risk
How Do I Evict a Tenant in Minnesota?
Understanding the legal requirements is key for residential and commercial landlords
What to Do If You Suspect Housing Discrimination
Minnesota tenants facing housing discrimination must act fast to protect their rights
What Laws Do Airbnb Hosts Need to Follow?
Minnesota real property owners must understand several layers of regulation
The Most Important Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Minnesota accident victims should seek help quickly to understand the process
What Auto Insurance Coverage Should I Purchase?
Minnesotans must protect themselves from underinsured drivers
How Do I Get My Property Listed on the National Register?
It’s a lengthy process for Minnesota property owners
How to Exercise Your Right to Vote in Iowa
Even with accommodating voting laws, Iowans should understand their rights
Do You Need Comp Coverage for Your Employees?
With few exceptions, Florida employers are required to have workers’ compensation …
What Can You Get for an Inaccurate Credit Report Lawsuit?
The damages Washington consumers can expect for violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Seeking Damages for Background Check or Credit Reporting Errors
A Florida attorney can help you secure punitive awards against consumer reporting agencies
Gifting and Transferring Assets to Qualify for Medicaid
What Florida seniors are allowed to do with their assets
Losing Your House to Medicaid Estate Recovery
With planning, heirs may be able to keep the family home
Should My Nonprofit Startup Incorporate?
It’s an easy process to start but involves some complicated decisions for Floridians
What You Need to Vote in Florida Elections
Early registration, identification and provisional ballots in Florida
What Are Employees’ Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act?
Florida workers should know the FMLA’s significant benefits
The End of Alimony Deductions in Utah
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminates the long-standing deduction for alimony payers
At What Age Should I Draw from Social Security?
It’s not an easy decision to make when planning retirement in Pennsylvania
Determining Reasonable Compensation for a Nonprofit Job
The IRS guidelines for organizations in Pennsylvania
How is Compensation Enforced for Nonprofits?
The scrutiny that Pennsylvania nonprofits face from the IRS
How Much Can Nonprofit Founders Pay Themselves?
Donors serve as the ultimate check on Pennsylvania nonprofits
Can a PAC Accept Contributions From Foreign Citizens?
Washington, D.C. PACs must be cautious with potential foreign involvement
Legal Advice to Enter the U.S. and Seek Asylum
Asylum-seekers must understand the policy changes under the Trump administration
How to Get an Employment Green Card in San Diego
If you have an advanced degree in a STEM field, it will help
How to Sponsor an Employee for Permanent Residence
Employers must be willing to put in the time, effort and funds to obtain their critical …
An Election Law Primer for Coloradoans
Voters can protect their civil right by understanding the law
Make Sure Your Employer Follows the Law for Background Checks
What employees in New Jersey need to know about their records
Should I Choose an S or C Corporation for My Small Business?
It’s a critical decision for New Jersey startup owners
Why Choose to Form Your Business as an LLC?
It’s the best choice for some New Jersey businesses, but owners must compare all …
How to Hold a Business Owner Personally Liable
Creditors can pierce the corporate veil of shady New Jersey businesses
Contemplating Divorce? If Alimony is an Issue, You Better Hurry
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ends alimony deduction in Georgia
The Laws Dictating Child Support in Georgia
Although the method to calculate is common, the state laws aren’t
Can Georgia 14 year-olds Choose Which Parent to Live With?
Kids have a say, but the system aims to ensure the choice is legitimate
Can a Georgia Nonprofit Increase its Lobbying?
Taking the 501(h) election typically gives nonprofits more opportunity to lobby
How Do I Maintain Tax-Exempt Status?
For Georgia’s nonprofits, compliance is simple, but penalties are significant
What Corporate Records Are Shareholders Entitled To?
A limited amount for most in Georgia, unless they can show a purpose for more
How to Prove Your Car is a Lemon
Indiana vehicle owners must meet strict requirements or risk losing out on relief
Filing an Automotive Breach of Warranty Lawsuit
Indiana car owners can sue a manufacturer if their vehicle is still under warranty
How Does a Court Decide Child Custody in Indiana?
The eight factors that a judge analyzes before awarding custody
How Do I Determine Child Support in Indiana?
It’s a complicated task for unmarried or divorced parents
Should I Hire an Attorney for My Child Support Case?
Indiana parents risk unfair support obligations due to complex state laws
PACs Can Solicit Campaign Contributions from Employees
But businesses in Indiana must ensure contributions are voluntary
Disputing a Furnisher in a Credit Information Suit
California consumers should know the laws and obligations that protect them
Can You Discharge Student Loans in California?
Bankruptcy courts make it difficult, but some student loan holders will qualify
Can Nonprofits Endorse Politicians in California?
501(c)(3) organizations can’t, but there is room for election involvement
In California, excessive lobbying could lead to loss of tax-exempt status
How Can I Legally Smoke Marijuana in California?
Residents and tourists must understand the laws to avoid arrest
Frustrated with a Vehicle Purchase?
Many Illinois automobile owners aren’t aware they may qualify for relief
Is Your Vehicle a Lemon or Not Lived Up to its Warranty?
Illinois car owners should know the vehicle maker informal dispute resolution process
Financial Planning for Medicaid in Illinois
How to navigate the laws and ensure that nursing home care will be covered
Who Claims the Kids on Their Tax Return?
Illinois parents should review the IRS rules for claiming the dependent exemption before filing …
How Is Child Custody Determined in Illinois?
Parents must understand the significant recent changes made to the law
How Much Child Support Will I Pay in Illinois?
A change in the law could make a significant difference in support payments
What Illinois Requires in Parenting Plans for Child Custody
How to draft a parenting plan to appease the state courts
What Happens If I Make a Mistake on Immigration Documents?
The result may be that you’re seen as unlawfully in the country
Will USCIS Deport for Unlawful Status?
A shift in policy means anyone with unlawful status will be put into removal proceedings
Must Investment Brokers Disclose Conflicts of Interest?
New rules proposed by the SEC could assist Illinois investors
Will I Pay Taxes on Alimony Payments?
For Louisianans, they can’t be deducted from income for those divorced in 2019 or after
Do I Have to Consent to a Police Search of My Car?
No, but Louisiana law offers officers other ways into your vehicle
What If You Find Mistakes in Your Credit Report?
Get to know the laws consumer reporting agencies must follow
Can I Transfer Assets Prior to Bankruptcy?
In Maryland, transfers to avoid creditors risk being set aside by a trustee
What’s the H-1B Labor Condition Application Process?
There are differences Maryland employers should understand
Which Parent Claims the Child Care Tax Credit?
Unmarried parents: Don’t overlook this benefit in Ohio
How to Get Temporary Labor Certification for Foreign Workers
Before bringing in non-professional employees, Ohio employers must get certified