Recent Blog Posts
How Common Are Brain Injuries?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost two million people each year suffer some type of brain injury. More than 50,000 of those hurt will die because of their injuries. Children, especially those younger than 5 years of age, teens between the ages of 15 and 19, and seniors who are over the age of 65 are the age groups who are especially at risk of a brain injury caused by an accident. Even a minor injury can leave a person with long-term or chronic health issues. If you or a loved one have suffered a brain injury in an accident caused by another party, it is important to speak with an Illinois personal injury lawyer to find out what legal options you may have.
How Do Brain Injuries Happen?
Any type of blow to the head can result in injury to the brain, but statistics show that the following are the most common types of accidents which result in brain injuries:
How Social Media Posts of Parents and Kids Can Impact Custody
It is estimated that more than 300 million people in the United States have at least one social media account. As people spend more and more time on social media, a larger percentage of their lives ends up getting documented, for better or for worse. Social media has a way of impacting nearly every aspect of our lives. Child custody cases are no exception.
Whatever gets posted on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or other social media platforms, either by a child or a parent, may eventually be used in court against a parent during a child custody case if the content paints a negative picture of their parenting capabilities. This is why it is so important to understand the significant impact any posting can have in a custody case. It is also why it is important to have a skilled Illinois family lawyer advocating for you.
How Does a Criminal Conviction Impact Immigration Status?
When a person is convicted of committing a crime, the court will hand down the penalty they are required to serve as punishment. If the individual who is convicted is an immigrant – whether in the United States legally or illegally – there will likely be even more consequences because that conviction can mean they will be forced to leave the country. This is why any immigrant who has been charged with a crime should immediately contact an Illinois immigration attorney to ensure their rights are protected.
United States Immigration Laws
Under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, there are two types of crimes that can result in a non-citizen’s removal from this country. The first is an aggravated felony. It is important to note that the definition of an aggravated felony is different under federal immigration law than it is under state law. In fact, there are many crimes that state laws classify as misdemeanor offenses that immigration laws consider aggravated felonies and convictions would result in the person’s removal.
Common Reasons Why a Green Card Waiver May Be Denied
A green card grants permanent residency in the United States, but the process of obtaining one can be complex. Even if a person thinks they are eligible, there is always the risk that their application may be denied – often because they committed an act that violates U.S. immigration law. However, even if an application is denied, there are certain circumstances where the applicant can apply for a green card waiver. Given the complexity of this process, it is important to have a qualified Illinois immigration lawyer advocating for you. Otherwise, your green card waiver could also be denied. The following are some of the common reasons why a green card waiver may be denied.
Ineligibility for the Waiver
One of the most common reasons for green card waiver denial is that the immigrant does not meet the eligibility criteria for the waiver. There are different types of waivers available, such as the I-601 waiver for grounds of inadmissibility, the I-751 waiver for the joint filing requirement in cases of divorce or abuse, and others. Each waiver has specific eligibility requirements and conditions. If an immigrant does not meet these requirements, does not provide sufficient evidence, or does not demonstrate a genuine need for the waiver, then the application will likely be denied.
Have You Been the Victim of a Surgical Error?
Each year, approximately 15 million patients undergo some form of surgery in the United States. Some procedures are relatively minor, while others are much more serious, with the potential to change the patient’s life forever. While the majority of surgical procedures are successful, the reality is that all surgeries carry some risk. It is estimated that more than 4,000 surgical errors occur each year. Patients who suffer injuries from surgical errors should consult with an Illinois malpractice lawyer to find out what legal recourse they may have.
If you are considering any type of surgery, you should ask several questions in advance so that you can be fully prepared for whatever lies ahead.
Is the Procedure Necessary?
It may seem obvious to ask about the necessity of a procedure, especially if it has been suggested or recommended by your doctor. However, there may be alternatives available. Your
What Are the Most Common Assets in a Marital Estate?
When a couple decides to divorce, one of the most significant areas that need to be determined is how the marital estate will be divided between them. Illinois follows the equitable distribution principle. This means that while the estate will be divided fairly, it will not necessarily be divided 50/50.
The marital estate is made up of all the assets and debts a couple acquires during a marriage. While the makeup of assets may vary widely from one couple to another, there are four common types of assets that many marital estates contain. If you are considering divorce, it is important to make sure you speak with an Illinois divorce lawyer to ensure your financial rights are protected.
Real Estate
Real property, including the family home, investment, and vacation properties, make up marital real estate. There are various options that a couple has when negotiating how these properties should be addressed:
Navigating Through Your First Holiday Season After Divorce
The holiday season, traditionally a time for joy, togetherness, and celebration, can be particularly challenging for those who have recently gone through a divorce. The transition from spending holidays with a partner and a shared family to facing them alone or with different arrangements can bring a mix of emotions, including sadness, loneliness, and anxiety. However, with some proactive strategies and a positive mindset, you can navigate this challenging time and find moments of joy and fulfillment.
If you have decided to end your marriage or are trying to work through these legal issues without an attorney, consider contacting our firm to speak to a skilled Illinois divorce lawyer.
Acknowledge Your Feelings and Grieve
It is important to recognize and accept the emotions that arise during the holiday season during or after your divorce. You may experience grief, sadness, anger, and even a sense of loss. These feelings are entirely normal and part of the healing process. Give yourself permission to feel and process your emotions without judgment.
What Is Drive Safer Sunday?
Drive Safer Sunday is an annual observance held on the Sunday following Thanksgiving in the United States, which falls on November 26 this year. The goal of this initiative is to raise awareness about safe driving practices during one of the year's busiest travel weekends. As families and friends come together to celebrate Thanksgiving, many take to the roads to visit loved ones or embark on holiday shopping trips. Drive Safer Sunday serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety during this time and encourages responsible driving behavior. The following is an overview of this annual initiative. For more detailed information if you have been injured in a crash, contact an Illinois car accident lawyer.
Thanksgiving Weekend Travel
Thanksgiving Day is always observed on the fourth Thursday of November. Traditionally, the holiday turns into an extra-long weekend, beginning on Wednesday evening and ending on Sunday.
Federal Government Announces Temporary Rule Change for H-2B Visas
On November 17th, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Department of Labor (DOL), announced a temporary rule that will make additional H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas available next year. There will be an additional 64,716 H-2B visas available in 2024 for workers for American businesses that are in dire need of foreign national workers because they cannot keep up with current consumer demand. These industries include landscaping, hospitality, tourism, seafood processing, and other industries that rely on seasonal and temporary employees. If you have questions about this new program or any other immigration issues, contact an Illinois immigration lawyer for help.
Asylum Immigration Regulation Lawsuit Reaches Appeals Court
When COVID-era Title 42 restrictions ended in May, the Biden administration announced new regulations for migrants seeking asylum at the Mexican border. This announcement led to a lawsuit filed by advocacy groups to block the implementation of the regulation. This week, the case made its way to the federal appeals court. Given the unknown of how this lawsuit will be resolved and the complexities of U.S. immigration law, it is critical for anyone seeking asylum to have the legal guidance of an Illinois immigration lawyer.
Court Case
The regulation makes the assumption that most of those migrants are ineligible for asylum because they failed to ask for protection from any of the other countries they passed through during their migration to the U.S. They are also ineligible if they failed to use legal pathways to enter this country.