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Q: Do I need a new marriage certificate if my spouse changes their name in NY?
Do I need to obtain a new marriage certificate if my spouse has legally changed their name in New York? My spouse has already completed the legal name change process. Would this mean that we would have two marriage certificates with the same spouse, or is there a way to update the original... View More 
Scott Kennedy
answered on Oct 27, 2026
answered on Oct 27, 2026
In New York, it is possible to update a marriage certificate to reflect a new name. However, whether you would want or need to do so depends on your overall goals. Generally speaking, having an original marriage certificate with the prior name and court order reflecting the change from the... View More
Q: Is first-time domestic assault charge in OK a misdemeanor or felony if withdrawn?
Is a first-time assault and battery domestic charge in Oklahoma considered a misdemeanor or a felony if the claim is being withdrawn and there are no prior incidents?
Tracy Tiernan
answered on Oct 27, 2026
answered on Oct 27, 2026
Interesting question. The way you have phrased it is a bit confusing. It’s actually two questions. Initially, you’re asking is a first time domestic assault and battery a misdemeanor or felony. We’ll take that question first. If someone is accused of putting their hands on a family member,... View More
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Q: How does CO’s minor tolling statute affect a wrongful death claim for a minor?
I need information about how Colorado’s minor tolling statute (C.R.S. § 13-81-103) applies to my son's right to file a wrongful death claim. My son’s father, who is deceased, was shot by the police. There was a prior federal lawsuit filed by the representative of the estate, but it got... View More
Lauren Joseph Wolongevicz
answered on Oct 27, 2026
answered on Oct 27, 2026
I’m sorry you and your son are facing this after losing his father. It is understandable to worry about whether problems with the earlier lawsuit affected your son’s opportunity to seek accountability.
Colorado’s minor-tolling law may protect your son’s filing deadline, but it does... View More
Q: Is my wife required to file I-864A if I am the sole sponsor?
I am currently in the process of becoming a sponsor and submitting form I-864. I intend to be the sole sponsor since my income is sufficient; however, I file a joint tax return with my wife. Our current law firm insists that my wife must file form I-864A solely because we are married. My wife is... View More
Nina P. Chobu
answered on Oct 26, 2026
answered on Oct 26, 2026
Form I-864A is not automatically required simply because you are married or file a joint federal income tax return.
Under 8 C.F.R. § 213a.2(c)(2), a sponsor may qualify based on their own income without relying on a household member's income. If your individual qualifying income meets... View More
Q: Is my wife required to file I-864A if I am the sole sponsor?
I am currently in the process of becoming a sponsor and submitting form I-864. I intend to be the sole sponsor since my income is sufficient; however, I file a joint tax return with my wife. Our current law firm insists that my wife must file form I-864A solely because we are married. My wife is... View More
Kyle M. Kinzy
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answered on Oct 27, 2026
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 27, 2026
Hello, my name is Kyle Kinzy and I have been practicing immigration law for more than 25 years. Believe it or not, there are CLE classes for attorneys that are about how to complete the I-864 and supporting documents correctly. Asking this before your wife signs anything is a good idea because... View More
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