Posted on October 20, 2020 in Immigration

If you are a U.S. citizen in a romantic relationship with someone from another country, it is understandable that you would want your partner to be able to live with you in the United States. Fortunately, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers a couple of options that can make this possible, but it is important that you understand which is best for your situation and the different requirements involved with obtaining either a fiancé or spousal visa.

Requirements for a Fiancé Visa

A fiancé, or K-1, visa is an option in most cases where a U.S. citizen is engaged to a non-U.S. citizen who is currently living outside of the United States. To be eligible to apply for a K-1 visa, you and your partner both must be legally able to marry, you must have met each other in person within two years of your application, and you must intend to marry within 90 days after your fiancé arrives in the United States.

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 Posted on October 14, 2020 in Family Law

If you are getting married at a point in your life when you already have significant assets or children from a previous marriage, a prenuptial agreement can provide you with important protections in the event your marriage fails. However, the hardest part of getting a prenuptial agreement may be raising the subject with your partner in the first place. You can make the conversation easier if you are careful about how you approach it.

Tips for Talking About a Prenuptial Agreement

If you are not careful, your partner may view your request for a prenuptial agreement as a sign that you do not trust him or her, or that you expect the marriage to fail. In order to assuage these fears, here are some suggestions that can lead to a more positive discussion.

• Include your request in a larger conversation about finances. Marriage means that you and your spouse will share at least some financial assets and debts, so it is in the best interest of any couple to discuss finances openly before deciding to get married. As you start to learn more about each other’s financial needs and goals, you may find a good opportunity to raise the subject of a prenuptial agreement.

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 Posted on October 09, 2020 in Personal Injury

Driving over the speed limit is such a common occurrence that you may not even think twice about it, and chances are that you have done it yourself from time to time. However, this casual attitude toward speeding is concerning given the fact that speeding was a factor in 42 percent of all fatal car accidents in Illinois in 2018, which is a greater portion than all but five other states. Speeding poses a clear danger to everyone on the road, and those who have been injured in a speeding accident may face a difficult path to recovery.

The Dangers of Speeding in Illinois

Speeding is dangerous both because it increases the risk of a crash and the severity of injuries that may result. A speeding driver takes longer to stop when an emergency situation arises, which may lead to a rear-end collision, and speeding drivers may also have more difficulty controlling their vehicle, especially when road conditions are poor. Driving at faster speeds also increases the force of impact in a collision, which may result in catastrophic injuries to the brain, spinal cord, and extremities, many of which can be fatal.

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 Posted on October 06, 2020 in Immigration

If you are an immigrant living in the United States as a lawful permanent resident, you may still have family and friends whom you wish to visit in your native country, or it may simply be important for you to return to your country of origin occasionally to maintain a connection with your heritage. Fortunately, international travel is often possible for permanent residents, but it is important that you plan accordingly to ensure a smooth reentry and avoid negatively impacting your immigration status or chances of naturalization.

Preparing for International Travel as a Permanent Resident

Before traveling outside of the United States, you should make sure that you have all of the necessary documentation for exit and re-entry. This typically includes your passport from the country where you currently have citizenship, or in some cases your refugee travel document, as well as your Green Card and any travel visas required by the country to which you are traveling.

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 Posted on September 30, 2020 in Immigration

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently updated its policy guidelines regarding residency requirements in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to adhere to the Citizenship for Children of Military Members and Civil Servants Act that was just put in place. The INA was enacted in 1952, and it contains many important provisions of immigration law. However, it has been amended over the years to reflect societal and legal changes. Per the new law, children of immigrants who are stationed overseas for government or military work are automatically granted citizenship.

Immigration and Nationality

Under this new legislation, a child who is not born in the United States can receive automatic citizenship according to INA 320. This applies to a son or daughter who is living in any country other than the United States, as long as the child is recognized as a lawful permanent resident (LPR). Also, his or her parent must be a U.S. citizen and have physical and legal custody of the child. The following must also apply to the parent:

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 Posted on September 29, 2020 in Family Law

In many marriages, an imbalance in income means that one spouse relies on the other for financial support to maintain their accustomed standard of living. When these marriages end in divorce, it can be especially hard for the lower-income spouse to recover financially. Thankfully, Illinois courts will often award spousal support or maintenance in these cases, but it is important to note that this is usually not a permanent solution. If you rely on spousal support, you should be aware of the circumstances under which those payments can end and plan accordingly.

Standard Duration of Spousal Support in Illinois

If the court determines that spousal maintenance is necessary, the duration of payment is typically calculated based on the length of the marriage, starting at 20 percent of the length of the marriage for marriages shorter than 5 years. For example, a marriage of 4 years would result in 9 to 10 months of spousal support. The duration increases by 4 percent of the length of the marriage for each additional year up to 20, at which point the court may award spousal support for a period equal to the entire length of the marriage or indefinitely.

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 Posted on September 18, 2020 in Family Law

After your divorce is finalized, you may be looking for a fresh start, perhaps in the form of a change of scenery. However, if you share children with your ex, relocating after your divorce is not as simple as picking a spot on the map. You should think carefully about whether the move is in your children’s best interests, and even if you decide that relocation is the right decision, there are important procedures you must follow to ensure your relocation is legal.

Possible Reasons for Relocation

Moving with your children after a divorce is a major decision that affects your entire family. However, there are situations in which it may make sense. For example, relocation can be a good decision if:

• The move allows you to better provide for your children. You may have a good case for relocation if you are moving to accept a job offer that advances your career and increases your income, or to pursue higher education that increases your job opportunities.

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 Posted on September 16, 2020 in Immigration

The United States immigration process can be a complicated and intimidating endeavor. There are many forms and documents that an applicant must fill out to legally enter the country. Part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the federal agency that oversees lawful entry to America. The USCIS website provides information on different visas that permit immigrants to come to the United States to live and work. However, if a person is hoping to start a new life or join other family members here, or if he or she is facing removal, it is essential that he or she seeks the help of an experienced immigration attorney who can help navigate the complex legal proceedings.

Understanding the Legal Aspect of Immigrating to the United States

Coming to the United States can be life-changing for an immigrant. In some cases, he or she may be fleeing religious persecution or to obtain a better occupation. Regardless of the reasons for immigrating, legal counsel can expedite the process, strengthen a case, and ensure an immigrant’s rights are protected. In removal proceedings, the government always has an attorney present, so the person facing deportation is entitled to legal representation, too.

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 Posted on September 09, 2020 in Personal Injury

Losing a loved one in a car crash or other fatal accident can be devastating, and unfortunately, it is a sad reality for almost 1,000 Illinoisans each year. If you are one of the people affected, you may be struggling with financial stresses related to the incident as well as a difficult grieving process. Fortunately, if another driver was responsible for the vehicle collision, you may be able to obtain financial recovery through a wrongful death claim.

Initiating a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Illinois

In the case of wrongful death, the victim’s spouse and/or next of kin, such as children, siblings, or parents, may be entitled to the compensation the victim could have pursued through a personal injury lawsuit. If you want to file a wrongful death claim, you will need to work with the personal estate representative of the deceased if that person is someone other than yourself. You should also consider hiring an attorney who can help you build a strong case for compensation.

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 Posted on September 02, 2020 in Personal Injury

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving is a factor in at least 90,000 car accidents each year, contributing to 50,000 injuries and almost 800 fatalities, but the actual numbers may be significantly higher due to drowsy driving that goes undetected or unreported. Driver fatigue poses a clear safety risk to both the driver and others on the road, but there are things you can do to reduce your chances of causing or being involved in a drowsy driving collision.

Tips for Preventing Driver Fatigue

One of the best ways to prevent a drowsy driving crash is to avoid driving when you are tired yourself. Specific suggestions for safe driving include:

• Get a good night’s sleep. Most health experts recommend between seven and eight hours of quality sleep each night.

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