Family Law, Probate, Wills, Criminal, Real Estate, Business, Divorce 4/15/21 – gtg

In a marketplace filled with legal services, it is hard to know which law firm is best suited to resolve your legal matter. It is good to seek a law firm that has knowledge not only of the law but a track record of representing clients in the specific areas in which it advertises services. It is also important to find a law firm with attorneys who understand its client’s circumstances and what it takes to resolve them. We care about the interests of our clients.

Our Law Office is that kind of law firm. Our lawyers care about the interests of our clients by providing solid representation, dedicated service, and personal attention in trials and out-of-court negotiations and mediations. Together, we have nearly 70 years of combined experience in representing clients.

We represent clients in legal matters including family law, estate planning, criminal defense, personal injury, bankruptcy, business formation and representation, contracts, and homeowner association representation. For more information, please read our practice areas overview page.

We Don’t Just Talk … We Listen | Attorneys For Family Law, Estate Planning, Criminal Defense, Business Formation, Contracts, Personal Injury, And Bankruptcy Matters

Unlike some attorneys, we think it is more important to listen than it is to talk. While we understand the law and how to make it work for our clients at trial and in negotiations, we believe that understanding our clients’ perspectives, insights and desires are paramount if we are to resolve their cases to each client’s expectations. Retain us, and we will listen to you before we attempt to solve your legal problem.

Further, you can count on receiving personal service in a comfortable and respectful atmosphere. Our attorneys will return your phone calls, listen to your concerns, explain your options, and counsel you toward a legal strategy designed to meet your goals and expectations. Our goal is to never intimidate you but to always empower you.

Let our Law Firm Resolve Your Legal Issues | Contact Us Today
To discuss your circumstances and prospects for resolving your legal issues with an attorney for personal injury, family law, criminal defense, business formation and representation, contracts estate planning, and bankruptcy matters, contact the firm online or by calling us toll-free.

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A Lawyer Working for Your Best Interest

From speeding tickets to DWI to drug charges, our Law Office has the experience to effectively represent our clients in the courts in County, State, and Federal courts. In addition to experience, we offer every client personal service as we work for the best resolution in your case.

Criminal Defense Attorneys · Contact Us
The best way to learn the ropes in criminal defense is to spend time in a courtroom. Our attorneys are in court almost every day. That is where we honed the skills needed for effective criminal defense: how the system works, how to investigate, how to handle discovery, when to negotiate, and when to go to trial.

The goal of our law firm is to find the best outcome for the client.

Traffic offenses, DWI: Too many speeding tickets or a DWI drunk driving conviction can take away the driver’s license you need. In some cases, you can lose your freedom. Make sure you have an experienced lawyer who cares about the results.
Drug Offenses: Whether it is possession of a small amount of an illegal drug or drug manufacturing or trafficking, state court or federal court, do not face the charges without an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Appeals: Our law firm handles appeals in criminal cases as well as in civil cases. We bring experience, strong writing skills, and attention to detail to every appeal.

If you have been arrested or if you are under investigation for an alleged crime, we welcome your call. In criminal defense cases, we offer a free consultation. Contact us for an appointment.

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Traffic Tickets/DWI Defense Lawyer

Working for the Best Resolution of Your Case
Most adults need to be able to drive — to work, to doctors’ appointments, to school, to meet family and community obligations. Too many traffic tickets or a DWI conviction can mean a loss of driving privileges, an increase in insurance rates, and a public record that can harm your reputation.

DWI Defense · Traffic Ticket Defense · Contact Us
At our Law Office, we have the experience it takes to effectively advocate for our clients. We also have a commitment to service — assuring that every client has personal attention.

Too Many Traffic Tickets, Too Many Points
What can you do when you have accumulated too many points on your driver’s license? Contact an attorney who understands your needs as well as the court’s concerns. There is rarely a dispute over facts: a car was clocked doing a certain speed, for example. But what can be negotiated is how the case is resolved. Experience counts — and our Law Firm has the experience you need on your side.

Drunk Driving, a Life-Altering Charge
If you have been arrested for DWI, you probably know that DWI is a serious charge. If convicted, you could lose your license for a year. For many people, that can mean losing a job, health insurance, and pension benefits. With so much on the line, you need a DWI defense lawyer who knows the rules and knows what to look for in a DWI case. Was the stop constitutional? Did the officer have probable cause? We have the experience it takes to investigate, find the weaknesses in a case, protect your rights and work for a resolution in your best interest.

DMV Hearing, Petition for Driving Rights
A bunch of speeding tickets or a DWI conviction can mean a driver’s license suspension. Our Law Firm can petition the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for a special hearing where we can explain why you need to drive.

Personal Service, Experience, Creative Solutions
If you have been arrested on a drunk driving charge, if you have too many tickets (and points on your license), contact an experienced defense attorney. In criminal defense cases, we offer a free initial consultation.

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Drug Offense Defense Attorneys

Whatever the Drug Charge, We Can Help
All criminal drug charges are serious, but the level of seriousness depends on the type and quantity of the drug. If you have been arrested on a drug charge, you need a defense lawyer who can investigate the charges and resolve the matter in your best interest.

Drug Charge Defense Lawyer · Contact Us
As with any criminal conviction, a drug conviction can complicate the rest of your life. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you understand the charges and the possible consequences. At our Law Office, you will always have the personal attention of your lawyer.

Marijuana, Crystal Meth, Heroin, Cocaine
While many drugs are illegal, the amount and type of drug can make a substantial difference in the charges. A small amount of marijuana, for example, is treated with less seriousness by the prosecutor than a large amount. It is important in any drug charge case to have a lawyer who knows how to investigate the charge, review the evidence and challenge the evidence itself (the amount, for example) and the way the evidence was obtained.

Possession, Selling, Manufacturing, Growing, Trafficking
Possession may mean the person arrested had a small amount for personal use. A larger amount of drugs might be seen by the prosecutor as evidence of selling. Manufacturing crystal meth (methamphetamines) or growing marijuana is a far more serious charge, but will probably be in state court. In cases of large manufacturing and growing operations, the charge may go to federal court.

The most serious charge is trafficking, transporting illegal drugs across state lines and national boundaries. There is usually a larger network involved as well as a larger quantity of drugs. Those cases are tried in federal court. Our attorneys are licensed in the State courts and Federal courts of the state.

Any drug charge is serious and can damage your future opportunities and your reputation.

Personal Service, Experienced Defense Lawyer
No matter how small the charge may seem, even if you feel you should not have been charged, contact a criminal defense lawyer who can protect your rights and assure that you are treated fairly. At our law firm, we work for the best resolution available under the circumstances. For criminal defense clients, the initial consultation is free.

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Civil and Criminal Appeals

Appeals Require Thorough Knowledge of the Rules
Appealing a court ruling or verdict requires an in-depth understanding of the law, an ability to write, and attention to every detail. You will find those skills at our Law Office.

Experienced Appellate Lawyers · Contact Us
Our law firm handles civil and criminal appeals in state and federal courts. our attorneys are licensed in all Texas State courts and all Federal courts in Texas. When there is a chance that a court decision is mistaken, the appeals process offers a second chance. It is, by design, a rigorous process that demands precision.

What issues went wrong?
The first step in an appeal is to examine the trial transcript and find issues that compromised the verdict. You will want an appeals attorney who has the training and discipline to find issues that went wrong during the trial.

Everything is reduced to writing.
The appeals process is complex and lengthy. All arguments must be put in writing for the appeals judges. There are technical rules about how the information should be presented. Case law and citations from the transcripts must be on point, precise and accurate. Our attorneys have handled appeals for our own clients and for other lawyers’ clients.

Personal Service, Experienced Appeals Attorney
An appeal takes time, experience, and skill. Contact our law firm to discuss the appeal of a criminal or civil case in state or federal court.

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Business & Commercial Law Attorneys

Business Attorneys Who Offer Personal Service
Starting and running a business is challenging — every day. Business legal issues can be a distraction you don’t need. At our Law Office, we work with our business clients to efficiently and cost-effectively guide them through legal matters.

Business Legal Counsel · Contact Us
It is important to have a business law attorney who always works in your best interest. It is also important for you to be able to count on personal service from your lawyer. When you call our law firm, you do not have to explain your legal matter to anyone except your lawyer.

Corporate startups: The success of a new business depends on you and your ideas and on a solid legal foundation that will stand the test of time and the challenges of business.

Business and corporate litigation: When disputes arise, count on a lawyer who understands your concerns and who will handle the matter in your best interest.

Contracts and agreements: Businesses run on contracts: business plan contracts among the principals, employment contracts, partnership agreements, leasing agreements, sales contracts, licensing agreements. Our law firm handles contract negotiations and drafts and reviews contracts to assure they meet your needs and goals.

Business and commercial law can be complicated and distracting, especially for a business owner who is focused on the growth and success of the business. You can count on the personal service of our business law attorneys. Contact us for an appointment.

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Business Startups Lawyer

Building a Solid Legal Foundation for Your Business
You have an idea and objectives for a business. What is the best way to organize that business? At our Law Office, we can help you establish your business startup.

Business Startup Lawyer · Contact Us
Choosing the right business entity for your startup can avoid problems now and well into the future. At our law firm, you will have personal attention. We will listen to your business startup goals and explain your options.

What is the right business entity for your business?
Which business entity you choose will depend on many different factors, including how many people are involved, how complex the business dealings will be, what the liabilities are, and how the business will be financed. You want an organizational structure that will avoid disputes and meet business objectives. You can establish a partnership, a standard corporation, a limited liability corporation (LLC), or another type of entity.

Put the contracts and agreements in place at the beginning.
It is far easier (and less expensive) to put agreements in place before problems arise. At our law firm, we will work with you to determine what contracts you need and to negotiate each person’s rights and responsibilities.

Select an experienced business startup attorney.
At our law firm, we are ready to help you make the choices that will give your new business a strong foundation. Contact us for an appointment. You will have the personal attention of your lawyer every time you call.

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Business/Corporate Litigation Attorney

Protecting Your Interests in a Business Lawsuit
Whether you are the plaintiff or the defendant in a business lawsuit, it will take time and attention away from your business. Put the business dispute into the hands of a business litigation attorney who will protect your interests.

Business Dispute Lawyer· Contact Us
At our Law Office, your business dispute will receive personal attention from start to resolution. If you are involved in a contract dispute, it needs to be resolved.

Our personal service includes creative solutions.
The answer to a breach of contract dispute is not always obvious. At our law firm, we research the issue and seek a solution that best meets your needs and objectives. If the case can be resolved without going to court, that can save time, stress, and money. If the case does go to court, you need a lawyer who will fight for you.

A difficult economy can cause difficult problems.
A lot of business disputes involve a failure to pay for goods or services or a failure to provide the appropriate goods or services. When the financing dries up on a construction project, for example, that hurts the suppliers who provided materials and contractors who provided labor. The project owner is harmed by the lack of promised financial backing.

It is important to have a business litigation lawyer who understands the dynamics of business and the legal tools available to resolve business disputes.

Personal service from a lawyer who knows business and the law
If you are involved in a business dispute, the sooner you begin the process of resolution, the better. Contact our law firm for personal attention and creative solutions from an experienced lawyer.

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Civil Litigation Lawyers

Resolving the Issues in Civil Disputes
When two entities disagree, a quick and fair resolution is always best. In all circumstances involving a civil dispute, however, it is a good idea to have a lawyer who knows how to strike the right balance between aggressiveness and conciliation.

Civil Litigation Attorney · Contact Us
At our Law Firm, we give every case personal attention because our clients deserve our attention and because every case is different. We look for creative solutions that serve the best interests of our clients.

Collections (creditor and debtor): Whether you are owed money or you owe money to someone else, talk to a civil litigation lawyer to discuss how this might be resolved.
Real estate litigation: We understand the issues surrounding foreclosures, sales agreements, and leasing agreements. We work with real estate firms, homeowners, and others to resolve disputes.
Contract disputes: Breach of contract can be a serious problem for businesses and individuals. If you are involved in a contract dispute, contact a lawyer.

Our attorneys give each client personal attention. At our Law Firm, we know how important it is to deal with civil litigation issues quickly. A lack of attention or a delay in action can compromise your rights. Contact us for an appointment.

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Collections: Creditor/Debtor Attorney

Using the Law to Resolve Debt Matters
There are laws on the books to protect debtors and creditors. Creditors have a right to expect payment. Debtors have a right to be free of harassment. If you are a debtor or creditor, make sure you know your rights and obligations.

Debt Collection Lawyer · Contact Us
When a debtor or creditor asks our law firm for assistance, we listen carefully and give the client full attention. There are a lot of factors that need to be looked at when attempting to collect a debt or negotiate payment. We can explain the laws and your options (including civil litigation) at our Law Office.

We help creditors understand the rules and their rights.
When debtors owe money on their accounts, a creditor has the right to ask for payment. At our Law Firm, we can make sure that you follow all the rules laid out in the Fair Debt Collection Act. Breaking the regulations can compromise your collection efforts. We work with creditors in sending out letters, giving notice, negotiating payments, and, when necessary, filing lawsuits.

We work with debtors to resolve the situation.
If you owe money and you cannot pay or if you feel that you do not owe money, you need to resolve the situation. Failure to do so can harm your credit and reputation. Our attorneys can explain the options available and help you determine a course of action.

Experience, personal service, creative solutions
In debt collection, there are frequently many ways to resolve the issue without courtroom litigation. Contact us to discuss your situation. We have considerable experience with debt collection — including filing and litigating a lawsuit.

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Real Estate Litigation Lawyer

Finding Solutions for Real Estate Issues
Foreclosures, buyer-and-seller disputes, and other contract problems happen in every economic climate, but the current climate has caused an increase. For homeowners, buyers, sellers, and real estate agents, good intentions are not enough to solve problems.

Real Estate Litigation Attorney· Contact Us
If you are involved in a real estate dispute, contact a real estate litigation lawyer who has experience with real estate matters. At our Law Office, we work with the people involved to resolve problems. When necessary, we can take real estate litigation to the courtroom.

Our law firm defends against home foreclosures.
If a lender has notified you that your property will be foreclosed, talk to an attorney who can explain the process and your rights. A lender has to follow very specific rules from the time the loan was made and continuing throughout the life of the loan. New laws have added new protections for homeowners. If your lender has broken the rules, the foreclosure may not be legal.

There may be additional ways to stop foreclosure, including negotiating a change in the loan. If keeping your home is important to you, contact an attorney who stays current with the changing legal requirements for foreclosures.

We help buyers and sellers resolve contract disputes.
It happens. Two parties sign a contract agreeing to a sale, and then one of the parties realizes the terms cannot be met. A buyer may not be able to obtain the necessary loan. The seller’s situation may change so that selling the home would not be practical. The choices? Negotiation or litigation. At our Law Firm, we work toward the solution that is in our client’s best interest.

Experience, personal service, creative solutions
When you are facing real estate litigation, our attorneys will listen to your situation and work with you to resolve the problem. If you are seeking an experienced lawyer who offers personal service and creative solutions, contact us for an appointment.

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Estate Planning/Probate Attorney

What Will Happen to My Stuff?
That is a question we hear often: “What will happen to my stuff?” Estate planning takes the worry and guesswork out of what will happen. Our law firm also works with executors and family members to determine the proper distribution of a loved one’s estate.

Estate Planning and Probate Lawyer · Contact Us
At our Law Office, we help individuals and families make decisions that will assure their objectives are met: proper distribution of property, care for minor children and other dependents, protection from punitive taxes.

Wills and estate planning: From a simple will to complex estate planning, your estate planning attorney will listen carefully to understand your needs and develop a plan that meets those needs.
Probate and estate administration: Gathering all estate assets, paying debts, and dividing the estate requires careful accounting and strict adherence to the deceased’s wishes.
Every family is unique, and that is a good reason to have an estate plan that fits you and your family. Are there children who may need a guardian? Do you have the right powers of attorney in place in case you cannot make your own decisions in the future?

Contact our Law Firm if you want to draft a will, develop an estate plan or handle the probate of a loved one’s estate. We are here to offer you personal service and solutions designed to meet your needs.

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Wills and Estate Planning Attorney

Planning for the Future With Wills and Trusts
An estate plan is a lot like a business plan. The will, trusts, and powers of attorney that make up an estate plan answer the question: What would you like to accomplish? A well-thought-out estate plan can provide answers for you and your family.

Wills and Trusts Lawyer · Contact Us
Personal attention is essential to drafting a will and developing an estate plan. At our Law Office, you will speak directly with your attorney. Before making recommendations, your lawyer will understand your objectives, what’s important to you.

We look for the most effective ways to meet your goals.
Your estate plan may be a simple will. For most people, however, the plan will go further. It is a good idea to have powers of attorney in place so that if you are unable to make your own decisions about daily living, finances, or medical care, a person you trust can make those decisions. A living will or health care power of attorney can give you and your family confidence that your wishes are known and will be followed.

What are your concerns? How can your estate plan meet those concerns?
There are all kinds of trusts that are designed to meet specific estate planning goals — testamentary trusts, charitable trusts, revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts. Life insurance may be a part of your estate plan. Your estate plan should take into account state and federal taxes and their impact on your estate.

If you own a business or have significant assets in a business, you will want to work out a plan about how those assets should be reassigned. If you have children, you will want to make sure that guardianship issues are well planned.

Make sure you have an estate planning lawyer who knows the law and can explain how the law affects you, your family, and your business.

Personal attention, creative solutions
Individuals and families are unique, and estate plans should be unique. At our law firm, we will listen to you and recommend solutions that meet your concerns. Contact us for an appointment to discuss your will and estate plan.

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Probate and Estate Administration Lawyer

Paying Debts and Distributing Assets
After a death in the family, it can be difficult to deal with the financial realities of probate and estate administration. Our Law Firm is here to guide estate executors and other family members through the probate process.

Probate and Estate Administration Attorney · Contact Us
Whether someone died with or without a will or other legal guidelines about how the estate should be settled, there are legal requirements that need to be met. If you are the executor or a family member with concerns about estate administration, contact our Law Office.

The process begins by gathering assets and debts.
One of our attorneys will give you and your family personal attention throughout the probate and estate administration process. Before any assets are distributed, any debts will need to be paid. Tangible assets such as cars, art, or real property may need to be liquidated to pay debts.

Estate administration requires a careful inventory of all assets and distribution according to the will or other documents. If the deceased did not have a will, state statutes will determine where the assets will go.

Probate and estate administration is an exacting process. All assets must be accounted for, all debts paid and all remaining assets distributed. An estate administration lawyer can explain the process and assure all parties that the process is fair and according to legal requirements.

Personal attention from your attorney
At our Law Firm, you can be assured that you will speak directly with your lawyer about all aspects of the probate and estate administration process. Contact our law firm for an appointment or if you have questions.

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Creative Solutions and Personal Service

At our Law Office, we believe in personal service. When you call your lawyer, we believe you should be able to talk to your lawyer. It’s as simple as that.

We also believe in creative solutions. Why? Because each client who comes to us has a unique legal matter. You deserve to be heard, and you deserve to have an attorney who will explore the options and find a solution that fits you.

Experienced, Personal Legal Counsel · Contact Us
Our attorneys built a law practice based on personal service and creative solutions. We want a law firm where you always feel welcome, where you get the attention you need from a lawyer who does not rely on easy solutions. We take the time to research legal problems, collaborate with other lawyers, and explain your options to you.

Business law: If you own a business or you are planning a startup, you will want an attorney who is thorough and well-informed about business law.
DWI, traffic offenses, criminal law: Talk to a lawyer who can explain the law and your options — and who cares about your future.
Civil litigation: When two parties disagree, it is a good idea to have a lawyer who works for the best resolution for his client.
Estate planning and probate: If you are the executor of an estate or if you need an estate plan, our law firm can help you find solutions that work for you.
Workers’ compensation: If you were injured in a workplace accident, make sure you are being treated fairly by your employer’s insurance carrier.
Personal injury: Make sure you receive the compensation you need and deserve for a car accident injury.

If you are looking for a law firm where your case will have the personal attention of your attorney from the first day you come in until the matter is resolved, contact us for a consultation.

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At our Law Office, we provide legal services in a variety of areas, including real estate law, business law, wills and estates, family law, criminal DUI defense, and other areas of civil law. Serving the area since 1981, we can address your needs with the kind of quality advice you expect from a large firm and the service you demand from a smaller firm.

The firm’s entire staff knows the importance of your legal matter, and we focus on achieving your success. We work together with you to create creative and compelling solutions. No one knows your situation or goals better than you, and our job as your attorney is to turn your needs into an individualized plan of legal action. Your success is our success.

A Complete Range of Services
We can provide practical, cost-effective representation to clients. We offer a full suite of legal services for individuals and businesses, including:

Family law: Whether you are getting divorced, need help with a child custody dispute, or are concerned about your rights in the property division process, we can help.
DUI/DWI defense: Do not let a charge of drunk driving ruin your future. Pleading guilty without talking to an attorney is the wrong choice. There may be viable defenses, even if you have multiple DUIs in your past. We also handle record expungement for those already convicted.
Wills and estates: Properly drafted wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents can take the burden off of your family when it comes time to distribute your assets. The probate process is made much easier and less expensive. Talk to a probate law attorney about setting up your estate plan.
Real estate law: Perhaps you are involved in residential real estate as a buyer or seller of a home. Or perhaps you are a landlord or tenant in need of legal advice. Whatever your circumstances, make sure you speak with a seasoned lawyer about your real estate law needs.
Business law: We handle all aspects of business transactions and litigation for small and medium-sized companies. From deals with vendors to licensing to partnership disputes, we are here to help.

We focus our attention on your unique needs. Along with our experience and reputation for successfully litigating and negotiating these cases, you are able to build a professional and reliable relationship with any of our attorneys.

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Real Estate and Business Transactions

Protecting Your Most Important Transactions
Your home and your business often represent a huge segment of your property, your assets, and your wealth. You can’t afford to leave transactions, contracts, and disputes involving your most important assets to anything less than an experienced attorney. We can provide the kind of legal advice and representation you need to protect your home and business. Contact us for assistance with your real estate and business transaction needs.

Avoiding Real Estate Problems Before You Have Them
The purchase and sale of property involve huge sums of money. For most people, you will never spend more money than when you take on the hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt involved in buying a home. You owe it to yourself to protect that home and that transaction by hiring an attorney to ensure that your interests are met throughout the real estate closing.

Our real estate transaction clients enjoy the security of attorney representation and title insurance for one price.

While many closings and real estate transactions don’t require an attorney, those that go forward without an attorney can proceed into dangerous territory before the buyer or seller realizes their property, their money, and their future is in jeopardy.

Having a lawyer represent you in real estate transactions is like preventative medicine. Let us help to make sure your home and your money are safe and secure.

The Security Your Business Demands
We are proud of the reputation we’ve built in the area for successfully handling business matters.

Our Law Office can help you in matters of:

Acquisition or Sale of Business
Contracts
Real Estate Closing and Transactions
Leases
Landlord and Tenant Issues
Business Litigation
Liquor control board licensing matters
And More

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Family Law

Providing Strong Representation for Families
At our Law Office, we can assist you with family law matters from divorce to child custody. We provide the quality of representation that you can rely on with the confidentiality you need. We work with you to create strategies aimed at meeting your goals, and then we use multiple strategies from negotiation to litigation to make your goals a reality.

Family Law Representation Focused On You
Contact an attorney who can build a professional and strong relationship to handle your family law case. Perhaps no area of law is so personal, and working with an attorney who works with you can make a difficult situation significantly easier. We are focused on exceeding your expectations.

We can help you in family law matters including:

Divorce
Property Division/Equitable Distribution
Alimony/spousal support
Child Custody and Child Support
And more

Our law practice has helped area families negotiate and litigate for successful family law agreements and settlements for decades, and has earned us recognition. It is an honor we are very proud of because it comes from the people who are most important to us: our clients.

We are able to offer the experience of a larger firm while providing highly personalized service. With the resources to assist family law clients of all means and walks of life, we offer experience, reputation, service, and close attention to your confidentiality.

To see how our office can serve your family law needs and provide you with exceptional service, call us toll-free or contact us online today.

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Divorce Lawyer

Compassionate Advocacy in Emotionally Charged Cases
Divorces are unique because of the mix of emotions, personalities, and issues involved in each case. It is important to work with a lawyer you can trust, and it is equally important to work with an experienced lawyer who can gain an understanding of your particular situation and the needs of your family. You need a divorce attorney who can defend and protect what you cherish most.

At our Law Office, we provide clients with exceptional legal service to protect their children, assets, and parental rights to the greatest extent possible. Our law firm has been assisting clients in the area since 1981. Our attentive staff keeps you informed throughout the legal process and collaborate with you to sculpt legal strategies that promote your best interests in every aspect of your divorce case, including:

Child custody and support
Alimony/spousal support
Division of assets

Contact our law firm today to schedule an initial consultation with an attorney. They will meet with you directly to discuss your many concerns about the legal process, your options in divorce, and the best interests of your children. Our firm also provides valuable assistance to people considering uncontested or no-fault divorce. We provide a flat rate, including filing fees, and valuable legal assurances that a person should not proceed without in such cases.

Complete Divorce Agreements the Right Way, the First Time
We provide highly personalized service along with the experience and resources you might expect of a large law firm. Our reputable services, close attention to detail, and confidentiality promote your success and account for the “what ifs” that inevitably arise in all divorce cases.

Similar to a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, we will ensure that provisions are included in your divorce decree to account for possibilities such as the other party not holding up his or her end of the agreement, changing circumstances of children as they age, and potential changes in your personal circumstances. You or the other party may need post-judgment modifications if either of you encounters substantial changes in circumstance such as decreased income, job loss, health issues, or relocation for a job. We can assist you in pursuit of or defense against modifications to custody, support, or alimony.

We also assist many clients with prenups and postnups, which may be very important if you want to ensure that assets gained before marriage, inherited assets, or business assets are protected no matter what comes up.

Contact Our Domestic Attorney
Call us today toll-free or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation and discuss flexible payment options.

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Uncontested Divorce Lawyer

Flat-Rate, Low-Cost, Uncontested/No-Fault Divorce Services
With the offer of services that promise do-it-yourself, cut-rate uncontested or no-fault divorces, the idea of solving the issue on your own can be tempting. However, as in a contested divorce, if the agreements are not completed correctly the first time, it is extremely difficult and very expensive to try to change any part of a divorce decree without a substantial change in circumstances. It is better to ensure that all agreements are in your best interests while protecting your rights and assets with the assistance of an experienced uncontested divorce attorney the first time.

Many people initially believe that their divorce does not involve any controversial issues. When it comes down to negotiating child custody, support, alimony, division of any assets and/or debts, however, they often find that the other party is not on the same page.

If the other party has a lawyer, you need a lawyer. If there is anything controversial or complex about any agreement to be made in your divorce case, you should give strong consideration to professional legal representation.

Contact our Law Office today to schedule an initial consultation with a lawyer. We provide a flat rate, including filing fees, to spouses seeking an uncontested/no-fault divorce. We can provide you with valuable assurances and legal protections at a reasonable charge. We offer you peace of mind and the knowledge that your case will be handled the right way from the beginning until it is finalized.

Informed and Dependable Consultation
Our Law Firm has been practicing law since 1981. We will walk you through the basics of family law and discuss your unique situation in detail with you before moving forward with anything. Every divorce case is unique, and you should be sure that you have all your bases covered from the beginning. No matter what kind of divorce case you have, it poses risks to your assets, your rights and your future. It is important to ensure that you are protected in any circumstance.

Agreements that are not reviewed with the discretion of an attorney serving your best interests could result in unequal debt burdens, unreasonable provisions or litigation in regard to an oversight down the road. Complexities can arise after your agreements are signed, but an experienced attorney can account for and protect your interests with a solidly developed plan for your finances and relationship with your ex-spouse post-divorce.

Contact Our No-Fault Divorce Attorney
Call us today toll-free or contact us online to schedule an initial phone consultation or office visit. Our flat rate for uncontested divorce cases includes the filing fees for the divorce.

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Division of Assets Lawyer

Asset Division
Many people assume that they will split all assets and debt equally in divorce. Others may assume that they will keep all the assets they have earned, but many circumstances factor into how assets will be divided in divorce. The court will rule on the division of marital property and non-marital property. It must take statutory factors into account to determine equitable distribution of all assets gained and debt taken on during the marriage (marital property), including:

Gains on the value of assets regardless of acquisition
Pension plans
403(b) and 401(k) plans
Trusts
Securities and stock options
Real estate property
Business assets
Income
Other assets placed in joint ownership during the marriage
It is important to involve an experienced attorney from the beginning to ensure you obtain the most favorable outcome possible in your case. Our Law Firm has been representing and counseling clients since 1981. Our Law Firm can provide you with the support and due diligence necessary to advocate for your best interests and ensure the equitable distribution of assets.

Call us to schedule a free initial consultation. As dedicated division of assets attorneys, we are knowledgeable and detail-oriented in evaluating assets and protecting your financial future.

Exempt Property and Equitable Distribution
Any assets, property, and debt acquired from the date of marriage to the date of separation will be evaluated and divided according to several statutory factors — unless it is assessed as exempt property such as:

Premarital equity or property
Property excluded by prenuptial or postnuptial agreement
Gifts or inheritance not jointly held
Property acquired after separation

Factors and Circumstances Determining the Division of Marital Property:
Length of the marriage
Previous marriage(s) of either party
Age, health, station, income, vocational skills, employability, estate, liabilities, and needs of the parties
Contributions by either party to the increased earning potential or education of the other
Opportunity for future acquisitions of capital assets and income of each party
Sources of income of each party
Contributions or dissipation of each party in the acquisition, preservation, depreciation, or appreciation of the marital property, including that of a homemaker
Value of the non-marital property, including the exempt property of each party
Standard of living of the parties during the marriage
Tax consequences of any award and the economic circumstances of each party
Whether either party will be serving as the custodian of any dependent minor children

The involvement of an experienced lawyer early on makes the entire process smoother. We can negotiate or litigate for the most favorable terms available in your case and guide you through the process with confidence.

Contact Our Property Division Attorney
Call us today toll-free or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation and discuss flexible payment options.

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Child Custody Lawyer

Assisting Families in Child Support, Child Custody, and Spousal Support
You may enter a divorce case concerned about your financial assets, but most people find that their most valued assets are their children. It is our duty to help you ensure that your child is protected and can live the life you envision for him or her. A child’s best interests are paramount in any divorce case, a point of view shared by the court. Once child support and custody agreements are determined, the court will determine the appropriate spousal support arrangement for your case.

It is crucial to have an experienced lawyer advocate for your best interests in connection with all these agreements. Absent a substantial change in circumstances for you, your ex-spouse, or your child, these agreements will dictate your future for years to come.

At our Law Office, we work to ensure these agreements are developed and ruled upon by the court for your best possible resolution the right way, the first time. We have been serving clients since 1981. Our Law Firm will provide you with personalized and attentive service from day one. Our dedication to your case is matched by the compassion with which we serve you and your family. Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential initial consultation.

Establishing Child Custody and Child Support
We will work to protect your parental rights, and we will assess your unique situation to pursue agreements that benefit you and your children concerning legal and physical custody. We give consideration to family dynamics, work schedules, and children’s activities and schooling to develop a custody and visitation schedule that fits your needs.

Child support is determined by the court with a set of guidelines, which we will help you evaluate according to your unique circumstances and the needs of your children. Major determining factors include:

Gross monthly incomes
Medical and educational needs of your children
Visitation time each parent will have
Determining Spousal Support
Spousal support/alimony is not determined by specific guidelines, but the court does account for several factors to establish if spousal support is necessary, including:

Length of your marriage
Disparities in achievable incomes
Financial investments and ownership of investments
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
Disabilities and benefits
Child support, child custody, and visitation
Along with vocational experts, we will work to determine if you or your ex-spouse needs additional training or education to become employable. If either party is unable to work, that will be factored into the spousal support agreement. We will help you obtain a resolution that is fair and just in your particular situation.

Contact Our Child Support Attorney
Call us today toll-free or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation and discuss flexible payment options.

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DUI/DWI/Drunk Driving

Strong DUI/DWI Defense With A Focus On Results
If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving in the state of Texas, you need to contact a lawyer with experience in aggressive DUI defense as soon as possible. The consequences of facing a conviction for DUI/DWI can be serious.

You could lose your driving rights.
You could face serious fines and penalties.
Your insurance rates could rise dramatically.
You could lose your job or have difficulty getting future employment.
You could face jail time.
As an experienced attorney defending DUI cases, I can help you minimize the penalties and explore alternatives to drunk driving license suspensions or jail time.

Alternative for First Time Offenders
If you have been arrested on your first DUI offense, or if you have only one prior DUI conviction and it is more than 10 years prior, then you may have an alternative that will reduce the length of your license suspension and allow you to avoid jail time.

The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program (ARD), can benefit people who have made an error in judgment, and reduce the duration of a license suspension or jail time. For a flat fee, we can help you fulfill the basic requirements to qualify for the ARD program, minimizing any impact on your driver’s license, your freedom, and your ability to transact your life.

But, you have to act quickly. You can only apply for the ARD program within 30 days of your arrest to be eligible.

Expungements
Even if you aren’t eligible for ARD, our office has extensive experience assisting people in need of DUI defense. Under certain circumstances, we can even help you have a DUI arrest or conviction removed from your record with DUI expungements that prevent the arrest or conviction from impacting your future. Given how easy the internet and online records have made the act of conducting a background check on any job applicant shouldn’t you take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your record from unwanted scrutiny?

Strong legal representation when you’ve been arrested on a DUI charge is always a wise move. Representation from an attorney who will explore every option in defending you will help in the long and the short term. We have a reputation for success and a proud standing as a law office you can rely on.

Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free half-hour initial consultation to discuss your DUI arrest.

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Multiple DUI Offense Lawyer

Defending Against Sentence Enhancements and Protecting Your Rights
Texas courts consider your entire criminal history in DUI cases. DUI arrests, charges, and/or convictions up to 10 years prior can affect your case and sentencing significantly. The court will account for convictions in Texas and any other state. Prior convictions are just one factor that can affect your case as a sentencing enhancement. Other factors such as high blood alcohol content (BAC), driving under the influence with kids in the car, or driving recklessly can also enhance sentencing.

Multiple DUIs trigger mandatory sentencing:

A first-time DWI charge in Texas is a Class B Misdemeanor. The maximum fine is $3,000.00, and the maximum jail sentence is 6 months. A conviction for this offense is permanent and results in a driver’s license suspension. A second DWI offense could result in fines of up to $4,000 and a jail sentence of one month to one year. The license suspension associated with a second DWI charge can last up to two years. A third DWI is consequential because it is a felony under Texas law. A felony conviction can lead to serious time spent in a Texas prison, and other collateral consequences can follow you for the rest of your life.

It is critical to get an attorney involved right away. You need an attorney who is experienced at defending against multiple DUI offenses. We provide clients throughout the area with serious and vigorous defense, and he has done so since establishing our firm in 1981.

Contact our law firm today to discuss the facts of your case and to fully understand the consequences you face. We provide free and confidential initial consultations.

Timing Is of the Essence in DUI Defense
There are two ways to beat a DUI charge, but quick action must be taken. We can move to suppress evidence if your DUI arrest was based on an illegal stop by law enforcement officials, and we can work with medical experts to challenge the results of Breathalyzer and blood tests. Both strategies must be pursued quickly, however, before tests are thrown out. We must have time to examine your case and your test results to provide you with the most robust defense possible.

A mandatory timeline also exists for the settlement or sentencing in your case, and you will have your license suspended or revoked, depending on the circumstances, immediately after your arrest. It takes a knowledgeable, talented, and attentive lawyer to protect your rights and driving privileges.

We will fight for your best possible outcome and to mitigate consequences as much as possible if your charges cannot be dropped. It may also be to your advantage to accept a plea bargain agreement, but this should never be done without experienced legal representation. You could be agreeing to provisions that will severely impact your ability to drive, keep your job, retain custody of your children, obtain future employment, and/or pursue educational opportunities.

You may qualify for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program if you have only one prior DUI conviction, and it was more than 10 years ago.

Contact Our DUI Offense Attorneys
Call us today toll-free or contact us online to take advantage of our free initial consultation and flexible payment options.

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Wills and Estates

Making Your Plan for Your Estate A Reality
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly.
Estate planning doesn’t just deal with who you leave your money to.
A will isn’t just written to work for today only.
Your spouse or child may not be the beneficiary of your estate if you don’t have a will.
If you have children, a home, a wife, retirement savings, or an estate that friends or family may care about, then you have a responsibility to protect your heirs. But, even if you have none of those things, yet plan to someday, you can work with a lawyer to plan for your estate now and create a document that will grow with you. Contact our office to hear how we can help you prepare for the future.

Planning For the Future
It is easy to understand why people are hesitant to address the questions of their mortality, but consider the alternative. Imagine your wife or child in court in the midst of dealing with their grief to try and retain the right to your home, and savings. Imagine the court making decisions about who your child will live with in your absence because you did not.

Whether you are just starting your family or you’ve been divorced and remarried, you can plan for an estate that will grow with you and your wealth and that will make sure your wishes are carried out in the future.

Protecting Your Present
Along with a strong estate plan that secures your estate, you also want to consider drawing up documents that put your wishes in place when you are incapacitated. From powers of attorney to living wills, you can make sure that should you not be in a position to make decisions for yourself, someone you trust is making those decisions for you.

Just as you wouldn’t want to leave your estate to the courts to decide, you also don’t want decisions about your life to be left to someone you don’t know or trust. We can guide you through the decisions you want to make now to ensure the future for yourself and your family.

For estate administration, we provide services at an agreed-upon hourly rate, not a percentage of what your family members have worked hard to earn.

Contact us online today or call us toll-free to discuss your estate planning, power of attorney or living will needs.

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Trust Lawyers

Helping Clients Facilitate the Prosperity of Their Beneficiaries
Creating a trust can provide your heirs with peace of mind and tax efficiencies upon the distribution of your estate. If you have a child or another heir who requires special needs planning or other unique care or consideration, a trust can provide you several options to ensure that his or her needs are met when you pass away or if you become incapacitated. Estate planning is not about protecting assets for yourself. It is about setting up provisions and protecting assets that can provide for the well-being of your heirs. A clearly defined trust can help your estate avoid probate.

At our Law Office, we can help you prepare a trust that clearly defines your wishes and provides for efficient distribution to your heirs. We will guide you through the process and make sure that you understand every option available to you before we proceed. We will discuss the advantages of revocable and irrevocable trusts with you. Depending upon the control you would like to have over the trust and its distribution, you will want to select a type that best accomplishes your goals and meets the needs of your beneficiaries.

A revocable trust can provide you with some control over its management while you are alive. You can determine how and when the trust will be distributed and for what purpose. You can include provisions such as age, time, use of assets, and other requirements of the trust’s beneficiary or trustee as you wish.

An irrevocable trust provides for even greater tax efficiencies, but it also requires you to relinquish control over the assets transferred to the trust. Commonly, large real estate properties and life insurance policies are transferred to irrevocable trusts.
It is important to consult with an experienced trust attorney to determine which type of trust is right for you and your beneficiaries. Our Law Firm has worked with clients on estate planning and trust and tax matters since 1981.

Our law firm keeps up to date on Texas inheritance tax law, and we will ensure that any trusts incorporated in your estate plan provide for the combination of tax efficiency and asset control you desire. We assist clients in establishing trusts that meet their needs, including:

Simple trusts
Special needs and supplemental needs trusts
Education trusts
Farm trusts
Life insurance trusts
Personal residence trusts
Charitable trusts
Charitable remainder trusts
Asset protection trusts
Testamentary trusts

Contact Our Trust Attorneys
For estate planning and administration, we provide services at an agreed-upon hourly rate, not a percentage of what your family members have worked hard to earn.

Contact us online today, or call us toll-free to discuss how trusts can fit your estate planning needs.

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Probate Lawyers

Straightforward and Dependable Guidance Through Estate Administration

When a loved one passes away, it can be difficult to shift your attention to concerns about his or her estate. It is important to begin taking action to ensure assets are protected and your loved one’s wishes are carried out properly as soon as possible. Doing this on your own, however, in an already stressful and emotionally taxing situation can be very difficult and confusing. Working with an experienced estate administration lawyer, on the other hand, can ease your burdens and provide crucial assistance to ensure that the distribution of the decedent’s estate follows his or her intentions. Without knowledge and efficient legal advice, Texas law will govern the administration, and critical efficiencies may be lost.

At our Law Office, we work diligently to help our clients gain peace of mind in the probate process and estate administration. In working with an attorney, you may have concerns about paying a percentage of your inheritance for legal services. We do not charge in this manner. Our law firm provides legal services at a reasonable hourly rate for your needs. You do not pay a percentage just to close your estate either.

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with one of our lawyers. In your initial meeting, we will help you understand the legal process of estate administration and/or probate, and we will discuss your best opportunities for cost savings.

Knowledgeable Representation When You Need It Most
In some cases, the distribution of estate assets and the intentions of decedents are contested. We work to ensure our clients’ best interests are incorporated and strongly advocated for in will contests and other issues that might arise such as:

Unscrupulous disinheritance
Ambiguous wills
Disappointed heirs
Fiduciary misdeeds
Property right disputes
Tax disputes

Developing an Estate Plan to Facilitate Efficient Distribution
We can help you make sure your estate is distributed according to your wishes. It is beneficial to work with a qualified probate attorney who is thoroughly familiar with the process of probate and estate administration.

A will, medical power of attorney (also known as a living will), and health care directives are important to put in place in case you become incapacitated. Such professionally drafted legal documents can protect assets and make provisions for assets before something unfortunate occurs. We can help your family avoid probate complexities and distressing situations. If you have children or heirs with special needs, we can also discuss guardianships that can ensure their needs are taken care of and your wishes are followed.

Contact Our Estate Administration Attorney
For estate administration, we provide services at an agreed-upon hourly rate, not a percentage of what your family members have worked hard to earn.

Contact us online today, or call us toll-free to discuss how we can meet your immediate needs in probate or estate administration.

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Real Estate and Business Transactions

Protecting Your Most Important Transactions
Your home and your business often represent a huge segment of your property, your assets, and your wealth. You can’t afford to leave transactions, contracts, and disputes involving your most important assets to anything less than an experienced attorney. We can provide the kind of legal advice and representation you need to protect your home and business. Contact us for assistance with your real estate and business transaction needs.

Avoiding Real Estate Problems Before You Have Them
The purchase and sale of property involve huge sums of money. For most people, you will never spend more money than when you take on the hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt involved in buying a home. You owe it to yourself to protect that home and that transaction by hiring an attorney to ensure that your interests are met throughout the real estate closing.

Our real estate transaction clients enjoy the security of attorney representation and title insurance for one price.

While many closings and real estate transactions don’t require an attorney, those that go forward without an attorney can proceed into dangerous territory before the buyer or seller realizes their property, their money, and their future is in jeopardy.

Having a lawyer represent you in real estate transactions is like preventative medicine. Let us help to make sure your home and your money are safe and secure.

The Security Your Business Demands
We are proud of the reputation we’ve built in the area for successfully handling business matters.

Our Law Firm can help you in matters of:

Acquisition or Sale of Business
Contracts
Real Estate Closing and Transactions
Leases
Landlord and Tenant Issues
Business Litigation
Liquor control board licensing matters
And More

When you need an attorney for your business with a reputation for success, a history of client satisfaction, and the experience to protect the business you’ve put your heart and soul in, contact our office online or call us toll-free for your initial consultation. We are ready to protect your property, your business, and your future.

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Residential Real Estate Lawyer

Peace of Mind and Assurance in Real Estate Matters
Purchasing or selling a home or other property is among the largest transactions that most people make in their lives. Real estate transactions involve large sums of money and may involve taking on hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt. To protect yourself, your property investment, and your financial liabilities, you should involve a lawyer from the beginning who is experienced in providing solutions to real estate issues and preventing potential problems before they occur.

Our Law Firm has been assisting clients in residential real estate matters since 1981. We work to address all matters and potential issues in any transaction to ensure that your needs and goals are met throughout the process of real estate closing.

We also provide our clients with title insurance and notary public services for one price. We have a Texas-approved title insurance attorney and a notary public in the office.

Experienced Preparation and Effective Solutions
In buying real estate, title insurance will make sure you have a good title, but will not address other issues such as misrepresentation by the seller. It is important to use an experienced residential real estate attorney to make sure all matters are addressed. We will help you with all document preparation and address other legal issues in a real estate transaction that real estate agents and brokers are not qualified to answer or solve.

We help our clients avoid potential pitfalls in all residential real estate issues, including:

Closings
Residential leases
Preparation of agreements
Purchase and sale agreements
Title checks
Landlord-tenant issues
Deed transfers between family members or former spouses

Contact Our Title Insurance Attorney
Call us today toll-free or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation and discuss our flexible payment options. We can protect your property, assets, and best interests in residential real estate issues.

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4/15/21 -Personal Injury / Construction Accidents / / Forklift / Crane / Electrical / Premises Liability / Fatal Car Accident / Injured Child – gtg

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Tenacious, Aggressive and Caring Attorneys | Handling Construction Accident Claims

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Tenacious, Aggressive and Caring Attorneys | Handling Construction Accident Claims

 

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Tenacious, Aggressive and Caring Attorneys | Handling Construction Accident Claims

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Accidents can happen at any time and any place, many times causing serious injury. If the accident is the result of the negligence, carelessness, or recklessness of others, victims may be entitled to financial compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you file a legal claim.

Our Law Firm provides strong personal injury representation. We possess the strength, experience, and ability to negotiate effectively with insurance companies to achieve the best possible results for our clients. We are dedicated to offering professional, personable, responsive service, and we will be accessible to you at every step in the legal process. Our attorneys dedicate considerable time to every case, thoroughly analyzing evidence and researching to build the strongest claim possible.

Lawyers For Wrongful Death, Premise Liability, Dog Bites
We are ready and able to handle even the most complex personal injury claims; this includes everything from dog bites and premise liability claims to drownings, fatal pedestrian accidents, and other wrongful deaths.

Our injury accident lawyers approach every case with:

Integrity: Our reputation is our most important asset. Therefore, our recommendations will always be based on your best interest, not ours.
Respect: Regardless of status or net worth, we value all of our clients. We treat all of our clients with dignity and respect.
Passion: We are passionate about our craft, and we will represent your interests as if they were ours. The client is always our firm’s first priority.
Commitment: We are fully committed to helping you succeed. Our resources and expertise will be entirely committed to helping you achieve your goals. Your success is our success.
Dedication: We are dedicated to meeting your needs and goals and will commit ourselves to help you fully realize them. From beginning to end, our firm will be there for you.
Our ultimate goal is to help you obtain the financial recovery you need for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. We often achieve this through mediation or negotiation, but we are prepared and willing to litigate if necessary.

For a free initial consultation, call us today. Our office hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, but we also offer weekend appointments by request. We charge on a contingency — this means we do not get paid unless you recover compensation. You will not be held responsible for costs advanced by us if no recovery is obtained. We also speak Farsi/Persian.

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While it is true that accidents will happen, some accidents occur due to the negligence, carelessness, or recklessness of others. If you or a loved one has been in this type of accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. An experienced personal injury lawyer can assess your situation and assist with your legal claim.

Our Law Firm provides strong personal injury representation. We offer our clients a high level of professional and personal service, and we have the knowledge and experience to handle a broad range of claims, including those pertaining to:

Premises liability/slip and falls
Dog bites
Wrongful death
Auto accidents
Pedestrian accidents
Construction defects
Lemon Law

We focus, but not limit, our practice to plaintiff representation, seeking to obtain a fair and full financial recovery for every client we serve. Whenever possible, we try to achieve this through mediation or negotiation. However, we also are ready and able to represent our clients in the courtroom.

Lawyers For Pedestrian Accidents And Wrongful Death
According to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, one in six fatal accidents in the state involves a pedestrian. This includes automobiles as well as trucks and other larger vehicles. Given the severity and emotions involved with these cases, it is best to obtain legal representation that is dedicated to obtaining justice for your deceased loved one.

At our firm, we understand the difficulties involved with fatal accident cases, and we will handle your claim with the thorough and compassionate attention it deserves. No matter what type of claim you have, our personal injury attorneys will meet with you to review the specifics of your situation, identify witnesses and address your concerns. We will then build a strong case on your behalf, visiting the accident scene, reviewing and preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses, and involving experts if needed. As your case progresses, we will keep you abreast of any developments and work to resolve the matter as effectively as possible.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation. We return all messages promptly. Our legal fees are contingency-based, this means we do not get paid unless you recover compensation. You will not be held responsible for costs advanced by us if no recovery is obtained. We also speak Farsi/Persian.

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Both residential and commercial property owners have an obligation to keep buildings and grounds safe and free of potential hazards. If a resident, customer, or other visitor becomes injured in an accident, he or she may be entitled to financial compensation if it was caused by owner negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured in this type of situation, an experienced personal injury lawyer can assess and handle your legal claim.

Our Law Firm offers skilled personal injury representation for premises liability matters. We are prepared to take residential and commercial cases across the state. We handle all types of plaintiff claims, including those involving businesses, public areas, or apartment and condominium complexes. Our attorneys are dedicated to obtaining fair and full compensation for every client through mediation, negotiation, or, if necessary, litigation.

Slip-And-Fall Injury Attorneys
Our firm will handle every aspect of your claim and keep you updated on developments throughout the legal process. We possess the drive and knowledge to handle even the most complex claims, including those related to:

Falling merchandise in stores
Trips on obstacles and debris
Slips on wet, moldy, cracked, or uneven surfaces
Falls down dangerous stairs and railings
Drowning or near-drowning in pools

For a free initial consultation with one of our premises liability attorneys, call us today. All messages are returned promptly. We accept cases on a contingency basis. This means we do not get paid unless you recover compensation. You will not be held responsible for costs advanced by us if no recovery is obtained. We also speak Farsi/Persian.

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Protecting Your Rights When You Have Been Injured
A car accident, a dangerous fall on a slippery floor, a dog bite attack, a scaffolding failure at a construction site — personal injury accidents happen every day, and each one is a painful challenge for the injured person and, often, for that person’s family.

Will the insurance company be fair in its settlement. Will you have the financial help to get the medical attention you need and to pay your bills? These are important questions to ask after a personal injury accident.

Personal Injury Lawyer · Contact Us
Injured people and their families are often concerned about the financial impact of accident injuries. At our Law Office, we have the skills and knowledge to investigate accidents, talk with witnesses, determine who was at fault, and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. If the settlement offered is not fair, we can take the case to a judge and jury.

Car and truck accidents: In an instant, an auto accident can change a life. Your job is to get medical treatment and focus on recovery. A personal injury lawyer can handle the insurance claim.
Slip and fall accidents: Wet spots on a supermarket floor, a broken stairway or debris left on a walkway can cause serious falls and injuries. Talk to a lawyer about premises liability.
Construction accidents: When a worker is injured, Workers’ Compensation will pay benefits. But if someone other than the employer is at fault, the worker may have a third-party personal injury claim.
Dog bites: The dog’s owner is liable for dog bite injuries. Ask an attorney to talk to the homeowners’ insurance company.
The insurance company has lawyers. They also have a concern about their own profits. To obtain a fair settlement, contact a personal injury lawyer who has a personal concern about your welfare and who knows how to obtain a fair settlement. In personal injury cases, we offer free initial consultations.

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SUCCEEDING FOR OUR CLIENTS THROUGH SUPERIOR KNOWLEDGE AND PREPARATION

When you suffer a serious personal injury, your entire life can be thrown upside-down in an instant. In many cases, you may be left unable to work and staring at a mountain of medical debt — everything you have worked for in your life may now be at risk.

Fortunately, our Law Firm is here to help you. Our attorneys understand that preparation and superior knowledge are the keys to success, particularly when it comes to:

Knowing what our clients need
Knowing the courts
Knowing the law
We prepare every personal injury claim for trial. This allows us to obtain superior results no matter whether your case is resolved through negotiation and settlement or in the courtroom. We will gather the most compelling evidence and testimony to support your claim. We will not be out-worked and we will not be out-thought by our opponents. Simply put, our preparation leaves nothing to chance.

At our Law Firm, we have been helping the injured for more than 40 years combined. We represent injury victims throughout Texas in all types of injury claims, including construction-related injuries, auto accidents, premises liability, and medical malpractice, among others.

So choose the law firm that will work tirelessly to obtain the compensation and justice you deserve ― call us for a free consultation.

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INJURIES IN PUBLIC PLACES

Our Proactive Personal Injury Attorneys Are Here For You
We will represent you in a slip-and-fall accident or in an assault that arose because of negligent security. Our law firm has mastered the codes and standards governing premises-related accidents. We have won many substantial verdicts and settlements in premises accident cases.

We have successfully represented clients injured in department stores, restaurants, grocery stores, banks, hospitals, and other buildings open to the public. We know how to maximize compensation for past, present, and future losses and damages in the most complex of cases, which every case eventually becomes when it comes up against tough defense lawyers.

What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a very large area of law, which falls under the category of personal injury. If you have been injured while on the property of another person, because of the negligence of the owner or property manager, you may have a premises liability case.

Premises injuries may occur in many places, including

Office buildings
Shopping malls
Grocery stores
Hospitals
Parking structures
Apartment buildings
Schools
Playgrounds
Universities
If you have suffered an injury due to the negligence of another party contact us. Our attorneys are ready to help you right away.

Property Owners Have Obligations To Keep Visitors Reasonably Safe
Under the law, grocery stores must clean up spills quickly, commercial buildings must fix stairs or railings that are damaged or defective, and shopping malls are required to provide adequate security for customers. Not doing so is careless and negligent. You may have a case for substantial recovery compensation.

While there are many different types of premises liability cases, slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall are the most common. In a slip and fall scenario, the victim may slip on a wet area on the floor causing injury. In a trip and fall, the victim may trip over stairs, debris, or uneven pavement causing injury. In the event that a property owner fails to protect people on the property, they may be liable under the law.

Property owners have a legal duty to keep their buildings and surrounding premises in a reasonably safe condition. If you are injured in an unsafe building or a structure, you deserve to be compensated for the damage done to you. Likewise, if you are attacked because of negligent security in a building or parking garage, you are entitled to receive damages.

Put Our Reputation, Skill, And Knowledge To Work For Your Case
Our experience, dedication, and history of substantial money awards are what your case needs for success. Call us for a free consultation and case evaluation. There is no fee unless we recover money for you.

Parking Lots & Parking Garages
Parking Lot – General Maintenance, Upkeep & Repair
Parking Lot – Inadequate Lighting
Parking Lot – Security
Parking Lot – Snow And Ice
Shopping Malls
Shopping Mall – General Maintenance, Upkeep & Repair
Shopping Mall – Inadequate Lighting
Shopping Mall – Security
Other Injuries in Public Places
Are Dog Owners Liable When Their Dogs Attack?
Defective Power-Operated Doors
Elevator Accidents
Grocery Store Accidents
Nursing Home Accidents
Playground Accidents
School Injuries
Slip and Fall
University Injuries
Who Is Responsible If I Slip And Fall On A Sidewalk?

LET’S TALK. CONTACT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION.
Learn more about your legal options. Speak with a compassionate and experienced lawyer.

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PROVIDING INJURED CHILDREN WITH COMPASSIONATE, EXPERIENCED LEGAL GUIDANCE

While a serious accident can happen to anyone, young children are particularly vulnerable to unexpected injury. If your child has been injured due to another person’s negligent actions, our attorneys will vigorously advocate for your best interests in a personal injury claim.

We have a proven track record handling a wide range of injury claims throughout Texas. Our lawyers take an aggressive approach to representing our clients in the courtroom, yet a compassionate approach when working with clients ― particularly when our clients are children.

Contact us any time, day or night. Our child injury attorneys offer FREE consultations, and we only charge a fee if we obtain a settlement or verdict. We provide straightforward answers to your questions and proactively advocate for your child’s maximum compensation.

Holding Responsible Parties Accountable For Your Child’s Injuries
We have the experience to handle a wide range of claims involving child injuries, including claims associated with:

Lead poisoning, including poisoning from lead paint
Drowning
Motor vehicle accidents
Dog bites and other animal attacks
Medical malpractice, including birth-related injuries
Serious and catastrophic injuries, including burns, broken bones, and amputations
We will take a comprehensive, results-oriented approach to investigate the nature of the accident and make certain that the responsible party is held accountable for negligent actions. Our lawyers will investigate a breach of duty, whether premises liability issues were involved in the accident, and seek all sources for compensation so your child has measurable justice for what has been taken from him or her.

What About Accidents At Day Care?
Injuries that happen at daycare and other care facilities are truly tragic. Our standard of care is much higher than just the ordinary standard of care for daycare centers and schools. Adults who are entrusted with the care of the children are obligated to assume the role of a parent, providing the same level of care a parent would provide. This includes responsibilities for making sure corners are not sharp, outlets are covered, cords are hidden and toys are safe for children in all daycare areas.

If your child has suffered an injury while at a daycare facility, our attorneys will provide guidance and support.

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BURN INJURIES

Get The Compensation You Deserve
The need for proper medical attention right away is obvious, but burn injury victims may also need extensive follow-up treatments, including skin grafting, reconstructive surgery, and even amputation. Second and third-degree burn injuries are traumatic, and financial compensation is a must in many cases.

At our Law Firm, the lawyers protect the rights of burn injury victims and their families. We serve clients throughout Texas and have done so for over 40 years. We know how to obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve in a timely manner.

When you have a catastrophic injury such as this, insurance is not your best friend. Your long-term costs must be established and advocated for aggressively by a proactive personal injury attorney.

Securing Your Recovery And Financial Stability
Many burn injuries occur in explosions, fires, and electrocutions, which do not always have a direct and obvious trigger that points to a negligent party being held accountable. However, you must be able to demonstrate the cause of your accident in order to obtain compensation. We will conduct a thorough investigation with industry experts to determine who was responsible for your accident.

Once we have determined what happened, we have the courtroom experience to make sure the negligent party is held accountable. By preparing all our cases for trial, we frame your case for your best possible settlement opportunity.

We advocate for burn victims who have been injured in all types of accidents, including:

Explosions, fire, and electrocutions
Construction accidents
Motorcycle accidents
Car accidents
Truck accidents
Dangerous and defective product injuries
Burn injuries can have a serious immediate and long-term impact, including loss of life, for which a wrongful death claim may be pursued on behalf of the victim’s estate. Second and third-degree burns lead to severe scarring that often causes significant emotional distress in addition to physical pain.

We work with a number of treating physicians in order to make sure you have access to proper medical care. We will take every step to make sure we can fully demonstrate the impact of your injuries in court.

Contact Us For A Free Consultation
Do not wait to get the legal help you need after your burn injury. We protect the rights of burn injury victims across the state. If you are unable to make it to our offices, we offer home and hospital visits as well.

Please call our firm to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with one of our lawyers.

All injury cases are handled on contingency, so there are no upfront costs. Our firm only collects legal fees if and when we secure a favorable settlement or verdict on your behalf.

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Immigration 4/16/21 – gtg

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What Does The DREAM Act Do?

The DREAM Act (short for Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) is an important piece of federal legislation meant to help young people who came to the United States as children. Important benefits of the DREAM Act, which gives children of undocumented immigrants the ability to live normal lives in the United States, include:

Two years of deferred action — delay of removal (deportation) proceedings for two years, with the possibility of renewal
Educational and work opportunities — the ability to go to school, receive federal student loans, and obtain a work permit to work legally
Civil and benefit opportunities — the ability to obtain a driver’s license and receive Social Security benefits and other important benefits
DREAM Act provisions are temporary, and they do not provide a green card or a United States citizenship. It is important to note that to be eligible for deferred action under the DREAM Act, a person must:

Have entered the United States before the age of 16
Have resided continuously in the United States for at least the last five years
Have graduated from high school, earned a GED, or be enrolled in high school
Be age 30 or younger
Have a criminal record free of felonies or serious misdemeanors and must not be considered a risk to national security or public safety

Helping Young People Pursue Their Dreams
At our Law Firm, we advise and represent clients who wish to utilize deferred actions under the DREAM Act. We understand the challenges you and your family may be facing if you are an American trying to pursue your dreams but you have undocumented status.

Our attorneys can help you understand whether you qualify for DREAM Act policy provisions and whether pursuing deferred action will be helpful to you and your family.

Contact an Immigration Law Attorney | Free Consultation
Contact our Law Firm to consult a Dream Act lawyer regarding your immigration questions. Our staff members speak Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian, Persian, and Latvian.

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Dreamer’ speaks at Democratic National Convention

They’re called Dreamers: those young, undocumented immigrants who would be eligible for legal status under the Dream Act. But the Dream Act has long been stalled in Congress, and young immigrants throughout the country are doing more to show their support for the bill.

Those who traveled to the Democratic National Convention may have seen a 27-year-old Latino woman on stage. She spoke to the convention marking the highest-profile appearance so far by a Dreamer. She is a leader of the group, and she and other Dreamers have come out of hiding to show that their illegal status is nothing to be ashamed of.

She was brought to the United States as a child. At the age of 16, she graduated as valedictorian of her high school class, and she earned a degree with a double major by the time she was 20. Yet, as she says, “I’ve had to live almost my entire life knowing I could be deported just because of the way I came here.”

Many people in the Dreamer movement saw her appearance at the Democratic convention as a sign that the administration will continue to work to pass the Dream Act. Other Dreamers want to apply more pressure, though.

Protesters were arrested not far from the convention. They are undocumented immigrants who traveled many miles to demand more help from the President. Specifically, they want to make it easier for immigrants to obtain legal status.

As the election season moves along, residents with immigration concerns will want to watch closely. It seems that, finally, much-needed immigration reform may be on the horizon, but only time (and policy) will tell.

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Mayors and CEOs push for immigration reform

You may have heard of the group of CEOs and mayors called the Partnership for a New American Economy, which is pushing hard for immigration reform. It includes mayors, the CEOs of Microsoft, News Corp., Boeing, Walt Disney, and Marriott International.

The nine co-chairs of the partnership want to make it easier for foreign-born people to create businesses in the United States, where there is a shortage of professionals with degrees in the STEM subjects — technology engineering, science, and math.

In the engineering field, the fact is that 50 percent of the doctorates and more than 40 percent of the master’s degrees earned in the U.S. belong to people who were born in another country. So why is it so difficult for these highly valuable and skilled professionals to get a green card? And how can the U.S. continue to compete with other countries that have become more welcoming to foreign talent?

These issues are exactly what the Partnership for a New American Economy seeks to address. The group wants immigration reform that makes it quicker and simpler for H-1B workers and other skilled professionals to get their green cards and live permanently in the U.S.

As one representative from the partnership points out, a comprehensive reform bill would have to include language that addresses the young, would-be beneficiaries of the Dream Act, as well as business immigrants who already have math and science skills. That kind of legislation takes compromise from Democrats and Republicans.

Regardless of whether meaningful reform happens in the near future, immigrants seeking a change of status will need help navigating the legal process. If you have questions about immigration issues, feel free to stop by our immigration office. Our firm helps individuals in matters of employment-based immigration law.

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Immigration debate sparks debate about the ‘i-word’

Immigrants throughout the country are all too familiar with the “i-word.” The i-word isn’t “immigrant,” which is a word many people are comfortable enough identifying with on their way to obtaining legal citizenship. The i-word is “illegal,” and with the media’s increased attention to immigration reform, a concern on many people’s minds is how the word “illegal” affects immigrant children’s development.

Major news sources have been covering the administration’s Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals law. An article in the journal Color Lines points out how detrimental the media’s use of the word “illegal” could be to the children protected by the new law.

For example, the article points out some of the headlines from major news sources. Fox News published “US launches new program allowing young illegal immigrants to stay.” NPR wrote, “Young Illegal Immigrants Seek To Avoid Deportation.” And the New York Times offered this headline: “Illegal Immigrants Line Up by Thousands for Deportation Deferrals.”

For non-immigrants who are out of touch with the various immigrant communities, maybe the use of “illegal” is innocent enough. But it really isn’t. For many people, referring to a child as “illegal” is racially charged. Child immigrants who believe they are illegal, as opposed to the legal friends and classmates they see every day, are likely to experience negative psychological repercussions. The children begin to form an opinion of themselves that they are second-class citizens when that simply isn’t the case.

Children make sense of the i-word as you might expect. According to a study by the Center for American Progress, children equate immigration with being illegal, and they confuse the idea of immigration with the idea of police. They are saddened by what they think it means to be an immigrant. All of this, one might argue, is due in part to the widespread use of the word “illegal” in describing those young people the new law is designed to help.

Activists concerned about the well-being of immigrant children have started a campaign called Drop the I-Word. While immigration issues often require legal assistance from a professional, there are still better ways for us to talk about legal matters as they relate to children.

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Advice for U.S. citizens on helping non-U.S. relatives immigrate to the U.S.

Regardless of nationality, for many people throughout the world, family is everything. For individuals who were born in the U.S. or who went through the process to become a U.S. citizen, there are actions one can take to assist family members who are not U.S. citizens in coming to and staying in the U.S.

In cases where you are a U.S. citizen and have a spouse, child, sibling, or parent who wishes to come to the U.S but is not a U.S. citizen, a Green Card can be obtained with relative ease. As part of the immigration process, you will need to officially sponsor your relative. A key part of sponsoring a relative is proving that you are able to financially support a relative as he or she will not initially be permitted to work.

As with all U.S. immigration matters, there are a number of forms, documents and other requirements that must be completed, filed and met according to the specific guidelines that are outlined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. In cases where you fail to complete a form or provide sufficient information or documentation, the approval process for a relative’s Green Card may be significantly delayed. Additionally, a relative will be required to undergo a background check and interview, the results of which may also impact his or her ability to obtain a Green Card and immigrate to the U.S.

It’s common for U.S. citizens who attempt to navigate the family immigration process on their own to experience confusion and frustration. Often, mistakes are made along the way that further complicates and delay matters. For these reasons, it’s often beneficial to seek the advice and assistance of an attorney who handles immigration matters.

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How K-1 or fiancé visas can complicate love

They say that love knows no boundaries. This includes national boundaries and is something that any U.S. citizen who has ever met someone special while traveling abroad knows and understands all too well. However, even when it comes to love, the U.S. government has many boundaries and rules with regard to immigration procedures and such policies often prevent U.S. citizens with fiancés from other countries from being together.

For a U.S. citizen who wants to clear the way for a foreign-born fiancé to come to the U.S., a K-1 or fiancé visa must be obtained. However, like all U.S. immigration laws, there are strict conditions and eligibility requirements that must be followed and met.

Upon filing a Form I-129F or a Petition for Alien Fiancé, an individual must prove that he or she is a U.S. citizen and that both parties who intend to marry are not currently married. Additionally, a U.S. citizen must prove that he or she met with a fiancé in person at least one time within the last two years. Lastly, the U.S. citizen and foreign fiancé must marry within 90 days, or roughly three months, from the date that a fiancé enters the U.S.

For some couples, complying with the 90-day marriage requirement can pose many challenges. However, if a couple fails to comply with this requirement, a fiancé’s visa expires and he or she is legally required to leave the U.S. voluntarily or face deportation.

In cases where a U.S. citizen’s Petition for Alien Fiancé is not approved and a K-1 visa not issued, it’s important to investigate what happened and why the petition was rejected. Universally, U.S. immigration forms are notoriously complicated. Therefore, even one small mistake or oversight may keep a fiancé out of the U.S. and delay marriage plans.

An attorney who handles immigration cases can assist individuals with obtaining a K-1 visa and assist couples who run into problems along the way.

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Will the U.S. government be forced to close its immigrant family detention centers?

For many American immigrants, the words of poet Emma Lazarus offer comfort and hope for a brighter and more prosperous future. Lazarus’ poem, The New Colossus, includes the famous lines, “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,” is included in the museum at a location that has come to represent the ideals of our American democratic society—New York City’s Statue of Liberty.

For many modern-day U.S. immigrants, their personal experiences of attempting to immigrate to the U.S. are in stark contrast to those experienced by Lazarus and others who traveled to and made the U.S. their new home during the late 1880s. While early immigrants to the U.S. were often welcomed and supported by early settlers, many of today’s immigrants endure blatant discrimination and some, detention in remote camps.

While referred to by government officials as family detention centers, the women and children who are detained at these facilities argue they are little more than prisons, complete with austere facades, high walls lined with barbed wire and guards. Detainees are forbidden from leaving or move about freely and reports of unsanitary and unsafe living conditions are rampant as claims that guards frequently refuse children medical care and access to education.

The three family detention centers are run by the U.S. government’s Department of Homeland Security which has come under fire by many for its treatment of women and children who immigrate to the U.S. to escape violence in their home countries. In many cases, these immigrants risk their lives to make it to the U.S. with hopes of being reunited with family members who previously made similar perilous journeys.

The future of these facilities is in question after a federal judge recently called upon federal government officials to produce clear and convincing evidence to prove they aren’t violating a 1997 settlement regarding bans on the detention of immigrant children.

Individuals who have family members who are attempting to or who have immigrated illegally to the U.S. can benefit from the advice and assistance of an immigration attorney. An attorney can provide strong legal advocacy with the end goal of reuniting and keeping families together in the U.S.

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Some families may find immediate family immigration helpful

There are many different reasons a person could have for wanting to come to the United States. For some, such a desire is rooted in wanting to reunite their family.

Sometimes, a family ends up being separated, with one of the members being in the U.S. and having U.S. citizenship and the other members being foreign citizens and being outside of the United States. Families in this sort of situation sometimes have a strong desire to be reunited here in the United States. Among the things such families may wonder is what options they have for trying to bring about such a reunification.

What U.S. immigration options family members of a U.S. citizen have depends on many things, including what their exact familial relationship is with the U.S. citizen.

For example, certain close relatives of a U.S. citizen may qualify for the immediate family immigration process. Minor children, parents and spouses of U.S. citizens are typically eligible for this process. Also, there are some circumstances under which stepchildren, stepparents and adopted children of U.S. citizens can have eligibility for this process.

As this underscores, U.S. family immigration law is a very complex area of law with many different potential avenues, and many different things can have the potential to be impactful in family immigration matters.

Given this, it can be very easy for a family to feel daunted, confused and intimidated when it comes to family immigration matters.

Thankfully, families that are seeking to be reunited do not have to try to navigate the complex web of U.S. family immigration law on their own. Immigration law attorneys can help such families understand what immigration options they have and can help them in pursuing their available options.

Our firm is very knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to matters involving U.S. immigration law and can provide families with legal services when it comes to immediate family immigration law matters and other family immigration matters.

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Korean adoptee facing deportation prompts reconsideration of the law

Imagine living your entire life in one country from the time you are a small child. You are engrained in the culture, you speak the language and you have known no other home. Imagine now that you are suddenly faced with being deported back to your country of origin — a country you may not know anyone and may not have ever even been to. Anyone would fear what could happen next.

Unfortunately, this scenario is one man’s reality. Adopted as a 3-year-old from Korea, the man is now facing deportation because neither set of American parents who adopted him took the time to apply for his naturalization.

According to an earlier NBC report, the man was physically and sexually abused by his adoptive parents. He is facing deportation for crimes he committed as a juvenile — one of which involved breaking into his parents’ home to find his adoption papers.

The man’s case has prompted legislators to consider amending the Child Citizenship Act of 2000. The amendment would allow any child adopted by U.S. citizens to automatically become U.S. citizens themselves. The amendment would work retroactively, so the man in this scenario would become a U.S. citizen.

Many people may be wondering why this is not already the law. Adoption creates family, and if the adoptees are not given automatic citizenship, the law is working against these families. As we wait to see if the amendment passes, it is important for any adoptive parents to protect their children by applying for naturalization on their behalf. If you experience difficulty, an immigration lawyer can guide you through the process.

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Just how hard is it to secure refugee or asylee status for a relative? –

People granted refugee or asylee status here in the U.S. may be able to help their loved ones secure this same relief from persecution or other dangerous conditions in their home countries.

there is a mechanism through which this can be accomplished: the filing of the Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition or the Form I-730.

Discussing helping relatives — spouses or unmarried children who were less than 21 at the time the petitioner was granted relief — secure derivative refugee or asylee status.

Can you file Form I-730 for a spouse if you get married after gaining refugee or asylee status?

No. You can only file Form I-730 for a spouse to whom you were married before gaining refugee or asylee status. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials, however, advise those in these situations to consider speaking with a legal professional, as there may be other viable immigration options available.

If a spouse or child is granted derivative refugee or asylee status, are they able to file Form I-730 on behalf of other relatives?

No. Anyone granted refugee or asylee status via Form I-730 cannot turn around and use this same mechanism to assist other relatives.

What happens if USCIS approves Form I-730?

If USCIS approves Form I-730, the steps taken depend upon the physical location of the relative for whom derivative refugee or asylee status was secured.

If they are located here in the U.S., the agency will mail an approval notice to the petitioner indicating its decision and outlining the next steps for the relative to take to complete the process.

If the relative is located outside the U.S., USCIS will forward the approval notice and petition to the U.S. Embassy or consulate in closest proximity to your relative. Officials there will then notify them of the next steps, including the need to secure travel authorization for entering the U.S.

Consider speaking with a skilled attorney to learn more about your rights and your options relating to refugee or asylum-related matters.

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The process behind bringing a family member here to the U.S.

How citizens can help their relatives residing in a foreign nation secure status as a lawful permanent resident here in the U.S. via the Petition for Alien Relative or, more simply, the Form I-130.

We’ll explore this important topic by discussing a few of the issues that those who elected to sponsor a relative might want to consider.

The Form I-130 and financial sponsorship

In order for a citizen-sponsor to help their loved one secure a green card, they must not only provide evidence demonstrating that the documented familial relationship exists, but also provide evidence that they have sufficient assets/income to support them upon their arrival here in the U.S.

Once the Form I-130 petition has been filed and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services determines that the relative is eligible to immigrate, the citizen-sponsor will then be required to file Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. This document is essentially an agreement to provide financial sponsorship for the relative upon their arrival.

In the event the citizen-sponsor does not meet the minimum qualifications for financial sponsorship, it will be necessary for another qualifying individual to make this commitment before the relative can immigrate.

The waiting period

It’s important to remember that filing the Form I-130 only serves to establish the familial relationship between the citizen-sponsor and the relative, and does not mean that they can immediately move to the U.S.

Indeed, USCIS indicates that relatives living outside the U.S. should remain in their native country until they are given the green light for a green card. An exception to this is that the spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of citizen-sponsors who originally entered the U.S. legally can apply to adjust their status to permanent resident at the same time the Form I-130 is filed.

Form I-130 and processing times

According to USCIS, it is impossible to provide an exact timeframe for the processing of Form I-130 given the number of variables involved. However, the agency does post updated processing times on its website.

Consider speaking with an experienced legal professional to learn more about this process or any other family immigration matters.

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Supreme Court to decide on basis for denying family visas

If you were born in the United States, you may not understand how difficult it is to get citizenship in our country. It’s a long process filled with applications, the possible need for sponsorship, and a long list of federal laws that may be incredibly difficult to understand without proper legal help. And in the end, there is no guarantee that an application for citizenship will be approved in the end.

As some know, when a visa petition is denied by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office, the denial letter usually cites a reason why and tells the petitioner how they may appeal. But what happens if the reason is too vague and offers little explanation for why the application was denied? What if this lack of information is standing in your way of moving forward with an immigration application?

One particular case exemplifies these questions perfectly and is partially the reason why the U.S. Supreme Court is set to look into the issue behind these questions. Depending on how the higher court decides, the case could force the government to provide a better explanation for why a visa application has been denied, especially in instances where the grounds for denial were because of “terrorism-related reasons.”

On top of highlighting the complexity of immigration laws in our country, the issue before the Supreme Court further illustrates the necessity of getting the right help when dealing with complicated legal issues. Obtaining a lawyer can make sure that you are following the immigration process to the letter of the law and that the agencies in charge of immigration are not violating your rights as well.

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Are ICE agents violating their own policies and immigrants’ rights?

Created in 2003, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE is the federal government agency that is tasked with enforcing U.S. border control laws and engaging in immigration removal operations. As one would expect, the very mention of ICE can set off panic signals throughout immigrant communities and especially among those individuals who are undocumented.

Recently, ICE and the Administration came under fire for a series of raids that occurred last month in which 121 “Central American women and children” were rounded up and deported. Now, several of the tactics that were employed by ICE in these raids are being called into question.

ICE issued a memo banning ICE agents to engage in enforcement actions at locations that were identified as being sensitive in nature. The locations identified by ICE include schools, churches, medical offices and public demonstrations, and actions banned from occurring at these locations include arrests, interviews, searches and removal operations.

Enforcement actions carried out by ICE agents against an undocumented immigrant appear to violate the agency’s own policy. According to those familiar with the incident, the immigrant was attending a church service when ICE agents “tricked him into exiting the building so that they could arrest and deport him.”

An ICE agent posed as the immigrant’s cousin and another agent a police officer who convinced the immigrant to come out of the church to assist in a car accident in which his cousin had allegedly been involved. However, once outside, ICE agents posing as police officers quickly apprehended and arrested the immigrant who was immediately deported.

In addition to allegations that ICE agents are violating their own sensitive location policy, concerns have also been raised about the types of deceptive tactics agents are employing to apprehend undocumented immigrants.

In response to these concerns, the Department of Homeland Security Secretary reintegrated ICE’s policy with regard to sensitive locations in a memo. Critics remain skeptical, however, that ICE will cease engaging in these types of enforcement operations.

Individuals who are personally or who have family members who are facing deportation would be wise to contact an attorney. The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects an individual’s rights to due process and an attorney can help ensure that one’s rights are respected and preserved.

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H-1B visa controversy and requirements

As we’ve previously noted, immigration is bound to be a major and divisive issue in the upcoming presidential election. While much of the media’s attention is paid to the issue of illegal immigration and how to handle the millions of undocumented immigrants who are currently living in the U.S., concerns have also been raised about those individuals who come to work in the U.S. on H-1B visas.

While opponents of this employment visa program argue that it only serves to take jobs away from Americans, proponents contend the program is necessary to ensure that U.S. companies remain competitive. Additionally, those who support the program also assert that U.S. companies are struggling to find enough qualified workers and that the visas are provided only to highly educated and skilled professionals in their respective fields.

In order to obtain an H-1B visa, an individual must be sponsored by a U.S. employer and be able to unequivocally demonstrate that an employer has the ability to “hire, pay, fire, supervise” and otherwise control one’s employment. H-1B visas are intended for individuals who possess at least a bachelor’s degree and are considered to be highly specialized in their respective fields.

Annually, only 65,000 H-1B visas are issued and the first 20,000 petitioners who possess a master’s degree or higher are exempt from this cap amount. Due to the cap on the number of H-1B visas that are issued, employers and employees who wish to participate would be wise to ensure that they submit all of the necessary paperwork and documentation in a timely manner.

An attorney who handles employment immigration matters can answer questions and assist in the H-1B visa application process. Additionally, for employees who are already in the U.S. on an H-1B visa, an attorney can assist in sorting out any issues related to a change in status or employment.

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Top immigration judge’s comments about 3 and 4-year-old immigrants called horrifying

There are a total of 58 immigration courts throughout the U.S. and the judges who preside over these courts of law are responsible for making determinations related to removal, deportation and asylum cases involving individuals who are charged with coming to the U.S. illegally. The men and women who serve as judges in these immigration courts receive ongoing training and guidance on various immigration and judicial matters from officials within the U.S. Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review.

The recent controversial comments of one immigration judge who serves as an assistant chief immigration judge in the EOIR and is responsible for training immigration judges have raised troubling concerns about the government’s view on and approach to the growing child immigrant crisis.

According to The Washington Post, the judge was being deposed in a case being contested by the U.S. Justice Department over whether the government should be required to provide legal representation for the thousands of indigent children “who cannot afford a lawyer in immigration court proceedings.” When defending the government’s opposition to such a requirement, the judge commented that he has “taught immigration law literally to 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds,” further asserting that “you can do a fair hearing. It’s going to take you a lot of time.”

According to government figures, “more than 20,000 unaccompanied children” have been summoned to appear in deportation hearings before U.S. immigration judges. Of these, roughly 8,400 were not represented by an attorney. The ALCU and other immigrant rights groups argue that these children’s rights to due process are being violated as they are often very young and rarely speak English or understand the charges against them or their rights.

Consequently, when asked to answer questions related to their specific circumstances, most provide one-syllable answers and may inadvertently provide answers that jeopardize their right to appeal a decision or seek asylum.

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Recent deportation case raises concerns about DACA protections

In 2012, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program went into effect. The program allows undocumented individuals who came to the U.S. before they turned age 16 to obtain permission to stay and work in the U.S. for a two-year renewable time frame. In addition to coming to the U.S. prior to turning age 16, DACA applicants must meet a series of other requirements related to their age and current removal or deportation status.

The recent deportation case of a 32-year-old mother of three, who was protected under the DACA program, has raised many red flags among other DACA program participants and U.S. immigration lawyers. According to the Huffington Post, the 32-year-old mother went through the process of obtaining what she believed was documentation that would allow her to travel to her native Mexico to visit family and then return to the U.S.

The re-entry permit, which is known as advance parole, allows undocumented individuals with DACA status to return to the U.S. for humanitarian and/or other sanctioned reasons. However, upon arriving at the U.S. airport, the mother was denied re-entry and deported back to Mexico. She was accompanied by two of her three children whom she was traveling with, both of whom are U.S. citizens.

According to the woman’s attorney, the mother was deported in 2004. However, “the deportation order had not disqualified her from receiving her DACA authorization.” Additionally, she was able to obtain an advance parole permit and therefore had every reason to believe that she would be allowed to return to the U.S.

While U.S. immigration officials refused to commit specifically on the woman’s case, a spokesperson stated that “applicants for admission bear the burden of proof to establish that they are clearly eligible to enter the U.S.” The woman’s attorney stated that, while her client is being allowed to return to the U.S., she will likely face deportation and be forced to go through the process to “redetermine her DACA status.”

This woman’s story illustrates the numerous challenges that undocumented immigrants face under the contested DACA and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) programs. Individuals who have questions or concerns about these programs and their specific status and rights would be wise to contact an immigration attorney.

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Know your rights: tips to avoid possible removal and deportation actions

We are discussing the recent raids conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the government’s continued attempts to deport individuals from violence-ravaged Central American countries who are seeking asylum in the U.S. While some people may previously believe that only hardened criminals or those who enter the U.S. illegally have to worry about being deported, ICE’s recent actions prove otherwise as the targets were primarily women and children.

In truth, any individual who was not born in the U.S. or who has not gone through the process to legally become a U.S. citizen can face removal and deportation. It’s important, therefore, to understand what types of actions may violate U.S. immigration laws and the terms of your current immigration status and put you at risk of being deported.

For example, if you are married to a U.S. citizen, but not a U.S. citizen yourself; you may face immigration issues if you subsequently divorce your U.S. spouse. Additionally, individuals who are in the U.S. on an employee-sponsored work visa may face problems if they quit or change jobs, allow a visa to lapse or fail to update or renew other required documentation. Other activities that may constitute a violation of your immigration status include seemingly minor traffic violations and misdemeanor crimes.

To avoid immigration problems and possible removal proceedings and deportation actions; individuals who have questions or concerns about their immigration status and U.S. immigration laws should consult an attorney. An attorney can answer questions, provide advice and assist in ensuring an individual is compliant with immigration laws. Additionally, in cases where an individual is facing possible deportation, an attorney can fight on one’s behalf in court.

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Women and children among those detained in recent ICE raids

We reported on the rumored impending raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to find undocumented Central American immigrants. This past weekend, ICE raids commenced in three states and ended with 121 people being taken into custody where they are awaiting deportation back to their violence-ravaged home countries.

The most troubling aspect of these raids is that the majority of those individuals who were rounded up and detained are women and children whose desperate claims for asylum in the U.S. were denied. This most recent round of ICE raids has struck fear among immigrants across the U.S. and specifically among Central American immigrants who entered the country illegally or whose claims for protection and asylum were denied or are pending.

As these terrified families await deportation, troubling questions and concerns have been raised about their legal rights to due process and the fact that they are not being allowed access to an attorney. Instead, family members and those directly impacted relay reports of harsh treatment at the hands of ICE officials, threats and being coerced into signing documents that clear the way for deportation.

In response, immigrant legal advocates across the country are advising immigrants to become educated about U.S. immigration laws and their corresponding rights. For example, an individual should not open his or her door until and unless an ICE agent is able to produce an order that is signed by a judge. Additionally, he or she should remain silent and request the opportunity to contact an attorney.

Individuals who have questions or concerns about ICE raids and the asylum, detention or deportation process are advised to contact an immigration attorney.

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Central American immigrants prepare for rumored ICE raids

Absent the support of Republican members of Congress, the administration has been unable to pass any sweeping immigration reform. However, executive power was invoked to make certain changes to existing immigration laws.

These measures include focusing on cracking down on illegal immigration. Efforts will focus on “felons, not families,” and specifically those individuals with criminal records or links to gangs or terrorism. However, If recent rumors of the Department of Homeland Security’s plans to “round up and deport families deemed illegally present in the U.S.” are true, it appears as those the administration’s promise to not target families has been broken.

Thousands of men, women and children fleeing the violence in Central America have poured over the U.S. Mexican border. In many cases, these families and individuals have sought asylum in the U.S. and are allowed to stay with relatives until their cases are decided. Sadly, and often for unknown reasons, the asylum claims of many are denied and they face deportation.

Recently, there have been reports of impending widespread raids on these families by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. For these families, many of whom likely lack any legal advocate and have not taken action to appeal a denial for asylum, returning to their home countries is akin to a death sentence.

Individuals who are planning to apply for asylum in the U.S. or who have had an asylum claim denied are advised to contact an immigration attorney. The U.S. immigration system is notoriously complex and many individuals who attempt to gain protection under the asylum program are not aware of their rights.

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Why are asylum seekers being detained at immigration centers?

In the United States, citizens are fortunate to enjoy many freedoms and opportunities. These include freedom from persecution with regard to religion and freedom of choice with regard to personal views and political ideologies. Sadly, millions of people around the world don’t enjoy these same freedoms and spend their lives fearing persecution, violence and death.

Under U.S. immigration laws, foreign-born individuals who have suffered or fear persecution due to their religion, political views, race or nationality can seek to stay in the U.S. via the asylum process. While the asylum process is meant to help those who fear for their safety and very lives, recent strikes at several U.S. immigration detention centers indicate that, once in the U.S., many asylum seekers continue to face persecution.

Roughly 34,000 immigrants are currently being detained at U.S. immigration centers while they await asylum decisions. For these individuals, most of whom have already suffered great trauma back in their home countries, the conditions at the facilities as well as the fact that they are locked up and treated like criminals is almost too much to bear.

Recently, asylum seekers at several detention centers around the U.S., have staged protests and strikes to call attention to their plight and treatment. At an all-women’s detention center in Texas, as many as 500 women from countries including El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Honduras are reported to be on hunger strike. The women are seeking release from the facility as well as protesting their overall treatment.

At another Texas detention center, more than 50 asylum seekers went on a hunger strike that lasted roughly two weeks. The immigrants at this facility had already lost their asylum cases, but were never given copies of the official court order “which is needed to file an appeal.” While the detainees eventually received copies of their orders, most missed their deadlines to appeal.

Depending on one’s circumstances, the asylum process can be challenging. It’s wise, therefore to hire an immigration attorney who can ensure that all necessary documents are submitted on time and that administrative procedures are followed. Additionally, an attorney will advocate on one’s behalf and fight to win a positive asylum ruling.

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President appeals DAPA decision to U.S. Supreme Court

As both the Democrat and Republican parties attempt to decide who should represent their parties in the upcoming presidential election, the differences between the parties and their ideological beliefs have never been clearer. In the upcoming presidential election, immigration is slated to be a main issue with Democrat candidates favoring immigration reforms that would make it easier for families to stay together and in the U.S. while many Republican candidates support mass deportation and building an actual wall along the U.S. and Mexican border.

The Deferred Action for Parents of Americans was signed into law via executive order. Under DAPA, parents who are in the U.S. illegally, but who have children who are U.S. citizens are provided temporary protections against deportation. Parents who are eligible for DAPA protections are also provided authorization to work legally in the U.S.

Essentially, DAPA provides peace of mind to the millions of parents who, on a daily basis, fear that they may be separated from their children and deported. It also affords these individuals with opportunities to find better-paying jobs to support their families and contribute to the U.S. tax base.

Soon after the announcement to institute DAPA, the governors of several states filed a lawsuit asserting that the president’s decision to create the program via executive order was a gross overreach of his power. Judges from the Fifth Circuit upheld an injunction halting the implementation of DAPA a decision which the U.S. Justice Department appealed. A “federal appeals court said the president had exceeded his authority,” leaving the administration no choice but to turn to the U.S. Supreme Court.

It remains to be seen if or when members of the Supreme Court will take on this case. In the interim, the futures of some five million undocumented parents and their children hang in the balance. We’ll continue to provide updates about this and other important immigration issues as developments occur.

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As drug sentencing guidelines change, concerns mount over the rights of foreign inmates

According to The Sentencing Project, as of 2013, an estimated 2.2 million people called a U.S. prison or jail home. This number is higher than incarceration rates in any other country and equates to a 500 percent increase within the last three decades. In an effort to reduce the U.S. incarceration rate, in 2014, the U.S. Sentencing Commission voted to “redraw federal sentencing guidelines for some drug offenses.” In accordance with the new sentencing guidelines, thousands of nonviolent drug offenders who are serving out prison sentences are slated for early release.

Under the new sentencing guidelines, the release of the first wave of inmates began on Oct. 30. Over the course of the next few weeks, a total of 6,112 individuals, many of whom were serving lengthy prison sentences for drug offenses, will be released from prisons across the U.S. Of those individuals scheduled to be released, an estimated 1,780 are not U.S. citizens.

Upon their release, these foreign nationals will immediately be handed over to U.S. Immigration and Customers Enforcement agents. While the administration insists that a transfer to ICE custody is “a routine occurrence,” there is growing concern among immigration rights advocates about the fates of these individuals and whether their legal rights to due process will be respected and upheld.

Of those foreign inmates scheduled for early release, deportation orders have already been issued and finalized for 763. The remaining foreign nationals will be handed over to the ICE officials and transferred to detention centers where members of the American Civil Liberties Union worry they will not be afforded the “opportunity to consult with an immigration attorney and contest their removal in court.

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DAPA provides unauthorized parents protections against deportation

For many five-year-old children in the U.S., their biggest worries and fears may include imaginary monsters under the bed, having to share toys with friends and trying to get out of brushing their teeth. For one little girl, who was recently allowed through a street barricade to meet Pope Francis as his processional rode through Washington D.C., her concerns are much more serious and heartbreaking.

She lives in California with her mom, dad and sister. While both she and her sister were born in the U.S. and are therefore legal U.S. citizens, her mother and father came to the U.S. from their native Mexico illegally 10 years ago. In a letter she handed to Pope Francis, Sophie expressed her very real fears that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will take her mom and dad away.

Anti-immigration sentiments among candidates for the Republican presidential party nomination are strong. Thankfully, in 2014, the administration took action to establish programs like the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans to prevent the separation of unauthorized parents from their U.S.-born children due to deportation.

DAPA “provides temporary relief from deportation and work authorization to unauthorized parents of U.S. citizens.” In order to qualify for protections under DAPA, an individual must meet the following requirements:

• Have a child that is a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
• Have been physically in the U.S. on Nov. 20, 2014, when DAPA was signed
• Not deemed an enforcement priority for deportation
• Pass a background check

Parents who are unauthorized to be in the U.S. likely have many fears and concerns about coming forward to apply for DAPA protections. An attorney who handles immigration cases can answer questions, provide advice and assist in the process of applying for “temporary relief from deportation,” and official authorization to work legally in the U.S.

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Why the rights of U.S.-born children are being ignored

Under the United States Constitution, regardless of a parent’s immigration status, children who are born in the U.S. are considered citizens and therefore entitled to all of the same rights and privileges afforded to other U.S. citizens. This declamation was born out of a need to protect the rights of individuals whose parents immigrated to the U.S. and chose to settle and start families here. Today, however, this Constitutional right is being challenged in a state that is no stranger to controversy when it comes to immigration issues.

State officials in Texas have begun denying “U.S. birth certificates to the children” whose parents are suspected of illegally entering the U.S. While Texas officials previously accepted the Mexican-government issued document known as a matricula consular card as proof of the identification of a child’s parents, recently state officials stopped accepting this document.

Without a birth certificate, the parents of these U.S.-born children are encountering difficulties when trying to access healthcare for a child or enroll a child in school. In response, the immigrant parents of 32 U.S.-born children filed a lawsuit against the state. However, despite the fact that Texas officials are blatantly disregarding the Constitutional rights of the plaintiffs, an appellate judge recently denied an emergency order to force officials to accept the Mexican-government-issued I.D. documents.

As the United States as a country and individual states like Texas attempt to deal with immigration challenges, the Constitutional rights of children who are born in the United States must be upheld. We’ll continue to provide updates as this important legal and immigration issue continues to unfold.

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Does the U.S. recognize dual citizenship?

Throughout the world, a U.S. passport is a coveted status. While U.S. citizens rarely forfeit their citizenship rights, there are ways that an individual can hold dual citizenship and be considered a U.S. citizen at the same time he or she is a citizen of another country. For individuals who are or wish to be in this position, it’s critical to fulfill the citizenship obligations of both countries as failure to do so may result in loss of U.S. citizenship.

While the U.S. doesn’t formally recognize dual citizenship, “it also does not take any stand against it.” Therefore an individual may come to hold dual U.S. citizenship in one of several ways including:

An individual’s parents immigrated to the U.S. where he or she was subsequently born
An individual is born in another country, but one of his or her parents is a U.S. citizen
An individual is born in another country but takes steps to become a naturalized U.S. citizen
After taking steps to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, an individual takes steps to regain citizenship in their country of origin
Once an individual is legally considered a U.S. citizen, regardless of his or her dual citizenship status, he or she must abide by U.S. tax laws and fulfill any other applicable U.S. citizenship requirements. In most cases, provided an individual fulfills these obligations, he or she is not at risk of losing U.S. citizenship. However, taking or engaging in the following actions or activities may jeopardize one’s status as a U.S. citizen and result in a loss of citizenship.

Renouncing one’s U.S. citizenship
Joining or fighting in the military of a country that is hostile to the U.S.
Committing treasonous acts against the U.S.
As with most U.S. immigration matters, those pertaining to dual citizenship can be complex and a simple mistake or error could jeopardize one’s U.S. citizenship status. Due to the high stakes involved, individuals who have questions or concerns about the process would be wise to seek legal advice and assistance.

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