By Jill Swanson, ERLS Staff Attorney In South Dakota, a tenant can be evicted from their home in as little as seven days. The process is quick and there are very few ways to successfully challenge an eviction notice. However, a tenant does not have to leave their home unless there is a court order requiring them to leave….
This is a great question! There is a lot of confusion surrounding these terms, because the terms are used interchangeably all the time, when in fact, one term may be describing something else altogether. Let’s start with the example you raised of a “no-contact order.” The South Dakota statutes (the list and definitions of our state’s laws) do not…
I spent two years practicing law at East River Legal Services (ERLS). I helped people all throughout eastern South Dakota. People of limited economic means, people who had suffered various forms of abuse, children in need of safe and stable homes…Vulnerable citizens in desperate need of help. I used my skills as an advocate and counselor at law to…
The American Bar Association estimates that new lawyers have an average debt of more than $100,000. Unfortunately, this debt load may discourage attorneys from accepting employment at a non-profit or government organization, which traditionally pays less than private practice. Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) allows attorneys and paralegals working for a government organization, a tax-exempt organization, or other non-profit…
South Dakota offers several ways for attorneys to obtain admittance into the state bar to practice law. As an out of state attorney (Nebraska), I was relieved to see that South Dakota offers reciprocity, meaning that because I am licensed in Nebraska, I can apply to be a member of the South Dakota Bar Association. SD Codified L §…
Even if you don’t normally file taxes, you should file for a stimulus payment right away. You could get money from the IRS even if you don’t have earnings! The IRS has sent out two stimulus payments to help people get through the COVID-19 pandemic. It will send out a third payment soon. The IRS has sent out $1,800 to…
See SDLC60-11-3 and 60-11-3.2. Employers with tipped employees must pay a cash wage of no less than $4.725 per hour, which is no less than 50% of the state minimum wage. See SDCL 60-11-3.1. South Dakota state minimum requirements apply to all employees; however, no minimum wage requirements apply to independent contractors. Additional information from the South Dakota Department…
What can you do if you are out of work due to COVID-19? You may qualify for South Dakota Reemployment Assistance. The Department of Labor assesses each case on an individual basis. To apply for RA benefits, apply online at raclaims.sd.gov or call (605) 626-3179. For more information from the Department of Labor regarding COVID-19, visit: https://dlr.sd.gov/covid_19_resources.aspx. *The contents of this post…
COVID-19 Resources As the COVID-19 crisis has evolved, more information and resources for those affected have become available. Below is a list of important resources to help you and your family during this time. Below is a list of resources available during the Covid-19 closures in Sioux Falls and surrounding areas. General Resources https://www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1-community-resources/helplist/ CDC Information Here are some…
Wills for Heros is a free monthly legal clinic for Veterans and their spouses to receive simple wills and Power of Attorney. This clinic is for income-qualifying individuals and is available by appointment only. You must call and schedule an appointment to meet with the attorneys on the day of the clinic.
