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Recent Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Banking and Consumer Law for Texas on
Q: Can a bank charge ongoing, undisclosed fees for wire transfers?

I am dealing with a situation with my bank in Texas, where I'm trying to wire funds to a bank in North Carolina. Initially, I was charged a dubious fee of $150 to check the viability of the receiving bank, which wasn't disclosed beforehand. Furthermore, the bank insists that no fees can... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jul 14, 2026

Under federal regulations, bank are required to disclose their fees to their customers in writing or electronically no later than 10 days after the account is opened, and thereafter periodically as they may change from time to time. Wire transfer fees are included within this mandatory disclosure... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Estate Planning for Texas on
Q: Can I inherit firearms after a deferred felony in TX?

I had a deferred felony for drugs 8 years ago in Texas, which was successfully completed and dismissed. Since then, I have not had any other legal problems or issues. Am I legally eligible to inherit firearms now?

Sharita Blacknall
Sharita Blacknall pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 14, 2026

Based on the facts you provided, Texas law may allow you to inherit and possess the firearms. A successfully completed deferred adjudication that was dismissed is generally not treated as a felony conviction under the Texas felon-in-possession law.

Other restrictions could still apply, such...
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Maryland on
Q: Should my parents withdraw their pending I-485 after leaving the U.S.?

My parents left the U.S. on November 3, 2025, while their I-485 application was pending. They have not received any direct communication from USCIS regarding their application status, though their USCIS account profile states, "USCIS is currently processing your Form I-485. We do not currently... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 14, 2026

If a U.S. citizen age 21 or older sponsors their parents by filing Form I-485 for adjustment of status, the parents generally should not leave the United States without first obtaining advance parole (Form I-131) or other authorization that permits travel. Leaving without the required authorization... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Maryland on
Q: Should my parents withdraw their pending I-485 after leaving the U.S.?

My parents left the U.S. on November 3, 2025, while their I-485 application was pending. They have not received any direct communication from USCIS regarding their application status, though their USCIS account profile states, "USCIS is currently processing your Form I-485. We do not currently... View More

Remzi Guvenc Kulen
Remzi Guvenc Kulen pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 24, 2026

Because your parents left the United States while their I-485 applications were pending and before receiving advance parole, USCIS will generally consider the I-485 applications abandoned. Completing biometrics before departure does not preserve the applications.

The online status message...
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1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits, Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: How can my parents transfer their house to me without affecting their benefits?

My parents, who are 80 years old and living in Texas, are on assistance from SNAP and Medicaid. They wish to transfer their house to me without affecting their benefits. They still owe about $60,000 on the mortgage, which they continue to pay. Their goal is to leave the house to me to avoid probate... View More

Sharita Blacknall
Sharita Blacknall pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 14, 2026

They should not deed the house to you now without first speaking with an elder law or estate planning attorney. Giving away the house could affect eligibility for certain long-term care Medicaid benefits if either parent needs nursing home care or waiver services within the next five years. The... View More

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