About Doug Mentes, Esq.

Doug Mentes, Esq. Articles written 124

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.

Contemplating Divorce? If Alimony is an Issue, You Better Hurry

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ends alimony deduction in Georgia

Now that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) has been signed into law, taxpayers can evaluate its impact. In particular, one group of folks that’s in for a big change is spouses considering divorce proceedings. Since 1942, divorced spouses that pay alimony to their ex-spouse have benefitted from the ability to deduct alimony payments from their income tax return. Although those alimony payments count as income to the receiving spouse, some would argue that the receiving spouse also benefits from …

A Loved One Passed Away Without a Will. Now What?

The survivors are left with some difficult probate decisions

When someone close passes away, there is a long list of decisions to be made and tasks to complete in managing their affairs. Wills are created to assist loved ones in making some of these decisions. Without a will, managing the deceased’s estate is more difficult. The tasks loved ones and family members must complete during a time of mourning are significant, including: plan a funeral or ceremony for the deceased person find and contact next of kin, and potential heirs contact and discuss …

What Happens to the House When Unmarried Couples Split Up?

Getting out of home ownership with your ex-partner

More adults in relationships are choosing to live together outside of marriage, and many of these couples purchase a new home together. Though marital property laws protect spouses’ interests in real estate, those laws do not apply to unmarried couples. As a result, for unmarried partners living together, it’s best to plan ahead for real estate ownership—and what happens if the relationship ends. There Are Limited Options for Getting Out of Ownership Once the Relationship Ends Partners …

How Do I Terminate Parental Rights in Minnesota?

Here's how it works in Minnesota, but it's quite difficult

Co-parenting for unmarried biological parents can often be frustrating. Unfortunately, for some unmarried birth parents, co-parenting is always frustrating. One parent may feel the other parent puts their own interests above those of the child; carries most if not all of the child-raising load; and that the other parent is only a burden to them and the child. That immense frustration sometimes leads concerned parents to believe eliminating the other parent from the child’s life is in the best …

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