About Doug Mentes, Esq.
Douglas Mentes is an alum of Drake University with a degree in journalism, who has covered news in Washington, D.C., Minneapolis and Salt Lake City. He has a law degree from William Mitchell College of Law and ran his own law firm for more than 10 years in St. Paul, Minnesota, earning designation as a Super Lawyers Rising Star. He practiced in the areas of family law, real estate and probate, handling several successful appeals. He currently covers bankruptcy law for Thomson Reuters.
Articles written by Doug Mentes, Esq.
How Does a Court Decide Child Custody Cases?
A child custody order sets the rules and guidelines for child custody, parenting, and visitation. Parents can generally decide their own parenting plans, but if they can't agree, family court will decide the child custody arrangement. If parents do not resolve their case, state family law gives the judge authority to make custody and parenting time decisions. Courts apply a standard known as the best interests of the child. For help navigating child custody arrangements, get in touch with a …
What Should Be Included in a Parenting Plan?
A parenting plan defines the responsibilities and roles of each parent following a divorce or separation. It addresses child custody, finances, and anything else that will impact the child's upbringing. A well-drafted parenting plan can serve as a reference and resource for the parents to ensure the child's well-being. Parents creating their detailed parenting plan is a sensible and practical step. If the parents can't agree on a plan, the court will do it for them. For help crafting a …
How Can I Protect My Right To Vote?
Voting rights are essential in a democratic society. "It's the right from which all others derive," says Richard Bell, a New York personal injury and civil rights lawyer. “Voting gets you the elected officials who pass laws on every other right and appoint judges who rule on every other right. When you don't vote, then somebody else makes the choice for you, and you may not like that choice." Voters anywhere can face problems with voter registration, finding their polling location, or voter …
What Happens if You Die Without a Will?
When someone close passes away, there is a long list of decisions to be made and tasks to be completed in managing their affairs. Wills are created to assist loved ones in making some of these decisions. Dying without a will means you have very limited input into how your property gets distributed when you die or how your loved ones are financially provided for. State law will step in and make those decisions for you. “Do it,” urges estate planning lawyer Anita Rosenbloom of McDermott …
How To Seek Asylum in the United States
Asylum is a path to legal immigration status in the United States. Asylum is for people who are fleeing desperate and dangerous circumstances in their home country. The U.S. grants thousands of asylum applications each year. If you are considering seeking asylum, you need to know how to bring a strong, compelling legal claim. Contact a qualified immigration attorney for legal advice about seeking asylum. What Is Asylum? Asylum is a form of protection for foreign nationals already in the United …
How Do I Get My Property Listed on the National Register?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Getting your property on the local or national registers may qualify it for tax benefit. Data also suggests that historic properties show a faster increase in value over nearby, non-historic, comparable properties. The National Register nomination process begins with getting listed with the state historic preservation office, or the local heritage preservation office. For legal …
What Are My Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act?
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) guarantees workers a certain amount of unpaid leave from their job. FMLA leave covers the time you need to recover from serious medical conditions or take care of a family member. Even though the FMLA doesn't require your employer to pay for sick leave, your job is protected when you can come back to work. Federal law requires employers to follow FMLA protections or face civil penalties. Some states have additional job-protected leave laws and mandatory …
Should I Elect COBRA Coverage?
COBRA rights can be a confusing law for the public. Its name bears little relation to what it regulates. COBRA stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. But this federal law regulates employee health insurance coverage, essentially requiring that employees be given the opportunity to continue their health coverage when they leave their job. Enacted in 1986, COBRA election was meant to protect workers from doubly suffering a job loss and loss of health benefits for …
What Laws Do Airbnb Hosts Need to Follow?
Short-term rental marketplaces like Airbnb let property owners rent out a private room or entire home when they are away. Property owners looking to use these services must follow company requirements as well as local zoning laws for their rental operation. Renting out your primary residence can involve federal, state, and local laws. Understand the regulations you need to follow or risk penalties for non-compliance. Talk to a local real estate lawyer before you start hosting Airbnb …
Can I Keep a Tenant’s Security Deposit?
Minnesota landlords can easily get themselves into trouble with their tenants' security deposits. Even a simple management mistake, like missing a deadline, could be costly. If a landlord withholds any amount of the security deposit, Minnesota security deposit laws require them to demonstrate that the expenses are legitimate and not ordinary wear. If not, landlords could be subject to civil code fines, penalties, and court costs. For specialized legal advice on security deposits, reach out to a …
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