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4 Answers | Asked in Adoption, Immigration Law and Family Law for Wisconsin on
Q: How to inform biological father about step-parent adoption and immigration plans?

Given that I was never married to my daughter's biological father and he has not supported or been involved in her life for several years, should I inform him directly about our U.S. immigration plans and my intention for my U.S. citizen husband to adopt my daughter through a stepparent... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on May 16, 2025

A biological father has a constitutional right to see his child, and that right can only be revoked through due process in an adoption proceeding, allowing him the opportunity to challenge it if he chooses. Therefore, he must be given notice of any action affecting his parental rights. For specific... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Contracts and Legal Malpractice for Florida on
Q: Clarification on personal injury settlement check timeline

I signed my personal injury settlement release on April 17, 2025, and was initially informed by my attorney via text message that the check would be sent within 20 days. Upon following up with my attorney for an update, I was then informed that they actually have 20 business days to respond, which... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on May 16, 2025

Once a case settles, an insurance company typically has 30 days to issue a check to the plaintiffs counsel, but in this case, they are delivering it earlier. However, if there are medical liens or bills that must be negotiated and paid from the settlement proceeds, the process can take much longer... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Could marrying my undocumented boyfriend cause negative immigration consequences?

I am a U.S. citizen and have lived here for 34 years. My boyfriend has been living in the U.S. for 22 years without any immigration issues; he entered without inspection and did not go through the system. We are considering getting married, but I am worried that marrying him might flag him as... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on May 16, 2025

If your boyfriend entered the United States without inspection, then you will not be able to sponsor him as a US citizen spouse. He will have to qualify for a waiver of an admissibility and exit the United States to have his interview overseas in his native country.

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3 Answers | Asked in Collections and Probate for Florida on
Q: Can a collector pursue me for deceased husband's credit card debt after 2 years?

I want to know if a collector can seek payment from me for a credit card debt solely under my deceased husband's name, after over two years since his passing. I was not on the card, there was no probate nor estate, and I provided the company with his death certificate and estate-related... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on May 16, 2025

No, a debt collection agency cannot pursue a third-party if the debt is in the sole name of the decedent. They would have to pursue a lawsuit against the estate of the decedent in probate court if a probate case has been opened.

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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law and Banking for California on
Q: Can my sister-in-law sponsor me for immigration despite planning to buy a house soon?

My husband, who is an American citizen, does not meet the economic requirements to be my sponsor in the immigration process. My sister-in-law, also an American citizen, is considering sponsoring me but she wants to buy a house in January and is concerned whether being my sponsor might affect her... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on May 14, 2025

The requirements for a joint sponsor include demonstrating a minimum income level to support the immigrant. The sponsor must factor in household size, including their own family members plus the immigrant, to meet the financial threshold. This is not a cash flow or asset-liability evaluation; it is... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law and Family Law for Texas on
Q: What can I do to sponsor my Egyptian fiancé for a U.S. visa with financial challenges?

I am planning to marry my Egyptian boyfriend, who currently lives in Egypt, and we intend to live in the U.S. after we marry. I am aware of some visa requirements, but my main concern is my ability to financially sponsor him since I have been unemployed for three years and have no proof of taxes or... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on May 12, 2025

If your income does not meet the minimum requirements to sponsor your boyfriend, you may qualify by demonstrating sufficient assets. If your total assets equal or exceed $80,000, you can substitute the asset test for the income test.

For example, with a household size of two, the annual...
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4 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for Florida on
Q: What legal options do I have after receiving homophobic text messages?

I received a homophobic comment in a text message from someone I met yesterday. This person works at a law firm. I have evidence of the text message. I'm considering what actions I can take regarding this situation. What legal options do I have?

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on May 9, 2025

This could be considered an extreme and outrageous act sufficient to expose the sender to a cause of action for intentional infliction of emotional distress. However, I doubt that any attorney would be interested in taking the case because there’s no physical injury. You could sue him in small... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Illinois on
Q: Can a permanent resident sponsor an undocumented sister for a green card?

I am a permanent resident in the U.S., and I want to know if I can sponsor my undocumented sister to obtain a green card. She has been living in the U.S. for over 29 years and has no other family here who can sponsor her. What are the possible options or legal pathways available for her to become a... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on May 9, 2025

A U.S. citizen can sponsor a sibling for a green card, but the process typically takes around 14 years due to visa availability limits. When a visa becomes available, the sibling must still be in lawful permanent status to apply for a green card. However, if they have accumulated more than one year... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: What is the process to change visa status after marrying a US citizen on a tourist visa?

I am planning to come to the United States on a tourist visa. After marrying an American citizen while on this visa, I would like to change my visa status. Currently, we haven't filled out any forms regarding this process. What are my options for updating my visa status after marriage, and... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on May 7, 2025

A foreign national who enters the United States on a tourist visa with the preconceived intent to marry a U.S. citizen and then stay to adjust status for a green card would be committing immigration fraud.

However, if a foreign national enters the U.S. with a genuine intent to visit...
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Clarification on J-1 visa overstay and rights to return to US.

I am a Croatian citizen who visited the US on a J-1 visa from May 2023 to October 2023. My friend and I overstayed but applied for an ESTA before leaving in August 2024, which was approved and remains valid. I've been informed that J-1 visa holders admitted for Duration of Stay do not accrue... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on May 7, 2025

J-1 visa holders must exit the United States by the end of their I-94 expiration date. They are granted a 30-day grace period to leave the country after this expiration date. After this grace period, they begin to accrue unlawful presence.

If a J-1 visa holder accrues more than six months...
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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Wrongful Death, Civil Rights and Personal Injury for Florida on
Q: Seeking justice for wrongful death due to police department negligence with DUI laws.

My 22-year-old stepdaughter died in a car crash in Central Florida last April. She had previously been involved in a DUI incident, where she refused a breathalyzer, but was released on her own recognizance without immediate license suspension. Despite this, she was able to legally buy and register... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on May 5, 2025

In Florida, a stepfather may not automatically qualify to sue for wrongful death unless he was legally recognized as the child's parent or financially dependent on her. The claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased's estate on behalf of eligible survivors.

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2 Answers | Asked in Juvenile Law, Civil Litigation and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can I legally kick out my 17-year-old daughter before she turns 18 in Florida due to behavioral issues?

I am the parent of a 17-year-old daughter who will turn 18 in September. She has mental health issues and is currently on probation, which she has violated. She refuses to get a job, rarely attends school, and is verbally abusive, demanding money from her father's death benefit. Recently, the... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on May 1, 2025

To remove an occupant from a home, whether they have a lease or not, and have been staying there for more than 3-4 weeks, a court order from landlord-tenant court is required. If the occupant is a child under 18, this may serve as a complete defense to eviction. A person cannot simply be told to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law and Civil Rights for Georgia on
Q: Concerned about marrying Japanese citizen amid immigration policies and unwarranted deportations.

As an American citizen planning to marry a Japanese citizen, I am concerned about immigration and potential unwarranted deportations or detentions happening under the current administration. We haven't started any immigration or visa application processes yet but have read multiple stories of... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Apr 29, 2025

You definitely are watching too much television and the fear migraine that they espouse. Your Japanese fiancé would be considered in the immediate relative category. Immigrants in this category are treated like the gold standard and always will be. So you have nothing to worry about as long as... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Consumer Law, Insurance Defense and Personal Injury for Florida on
Q: How to word an email to State Farm for bodily injury policy disclosure after accident.

I was involved in a vehicle accident on January 14, 2025, in which I am not at fault. The other driver's insurance, State Farm, has accepted fault. I am representing myself and need assistance in composing a professional email asking State Farm to disclose the bodily injury policy's... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Apr 27, 2025

A written request for policy disclosure should specify a deadline for when the policy must be provided. This can be done via email or certified letter. Typically, insurance companies respond promptly without issues.

If you’re representing yourself, be aware that any medical treatment from...
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Texas on
Q: How can my Swedish fiancée stay in the US without a K-1 visa?

I am a US citizen, and my fiancée is a Swedish national holding a tourist visa, also covered under the Visa Waiver Program. We plan to get married in the US soon, but we're not sure about the timeline. Given our desire for her to stay in the US with me as soon as possible, what are our next... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Apr 24, 2025

A U.S. citizen can sponsor a foreign national for a green card if they entered the country on a visitor visa and did not misrepresent their intent upon entry. It is legally permissible if the individual later decides to stay permanently after marriage.

For example, if marriage was...
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Texas on
Q: Visa options for marrying Egyptian fiancé and working in the U.S.

I am a 25-year-old American woman planning to marry a 24-year-old Egyptian man who currently lives in Egypt. We are leaning towards applying for a K-1 fiancé visa but are open to other visa options. I plan to meet him in November 2025, and we aim for him to arrive in the U.S. within a year and a... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Apr 22, 2025

A US citizen can sponsor a foreign national for a fiancé visa provided that the two have met in person within two years of applying for that visa. The process takes about 18 months from start to finish, so the sooner that you can meet him the better. There really is no way to expedite this. You... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Missouri on
Q: Do I need an attorney to file for U.S. citizenship as a VAWA green card holder?

I am currently a green card holder in the U.S. and obtained my green card through VAWA approximately three years ago. I have no criminal record and haven't started the citizenship application process yet. Given my circumstances, I'd like to know if it's advisable to hire an attorney... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Apr 18, 2025

Many applicants successfully file Form N-400 on their own, as the process primarily involves completing paperwork, attending a biometrics appointment, and passing the citizenship interview.

However, an attorney can help ensure accuracy, avoid mistakes, and assist with any requests for...
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6 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Personal Injury and Insurance Defense for Florida on
Q: Can I switch law firms for better compensation from Uber after they stopped communicating?

I was injured as an Uber passenger 56 days ago, and while Uber initially accepted responsibility and filed a claim with their insurance on my behalf, they stopped communicating after I provided my medical records. My current attorney has submitted a demand request, but they mentioned I cannot begin... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Apr 15, 2025

Yes. You are in the driver seat and call all the shots. You can terminate your representation at any time, but the attorney may have a charging Lien if there has already been a settlement offer that he has procured for you from the insurance company. This is known as a quantum meruit lien. However,... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: Marriage certificate recognition in US and visa options

I am a US citizen planning to marry a Yemeni citizen in Egypt. The Egyptian embassy isn't accommodating any marriage certificate notary appointments. If we get the marriage certificate notarized at the Yemeni embassy in Egypt, will it be recognized in the US, particularly in Maryland?... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Apr 14, 2025

So the US immigration service will recognize any marriage performed anywhere in the world as valid, as long as the marriage where performed, is recognized as valid. So if there seems to be any doubt that the service and ceremony that will be performed in the country in the Middle East will be... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Which visa is better for IT expert in AI: L1 or O1 for green card path?

As an IT expert specializing in AI with notable projects, currently residing outside the U.S. and looking to find a sponsor, I am considering applying for either an L1 or O1 visa. My goal is to eventually apply for an EB2 visa to obtain a green card and pursue citizenship in the future. Given my... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Apr 11, 2025

L1visa is best if you already work for a multinational company with a U.S. branch, as it offers a clear path to a green card (especially through L1-A → EB-1C). The O1 visa is ideal if you have extraordinary achievements in AI (e.g., patents, awards, publications) since it allows you to... View More

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