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District of Columbia Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Hi, can one ask for extension to respond beyond the 21 days from the court for a divorce case? Case is based out of DC.

-3 month marriage

- no joint assets, properties, no children

- both spouses have attorneys

- wife simply just doesn’t want to get divorced.

Laurence L. Socci
Laurence L. Socci
answered on Mar 23, 2024

If both parties have attorneys, you contact the other attorney and ask if they will agree to an extension. Then you file a motion with the court asking for an extension stating that both parties agree (called a consent motion) or they do not.

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Can the District of Columbia be a state? Is it constitutional? Or are their to many ambiguities to determine?
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answered on Mar 17, 2024

The question of whether the District of Columbia can become a state involves complex considerations under the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution grants Congress exclusive jurisdiction over the district in a manner not applicable to states. For D.C. to achieve statehood, this would require changes... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for District of Columbia on
Q: In TX for 3yrs. Filed N-400 in TX 09/15/23 Moved to DC 10/08/23. Denied N-400 on 03/06/24. Filing N-336 - Do you agree?

Naturalization application (N-400) filed in Austin, TX on 09/15/23. Was living in Austin at time and had lived there for 3 yrs all of which on my N-400 application.

Received denial letter after interview on grounds that I didn’t meet section 316(a)(1) - suggested I didn’t live in the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 13, 2024

Based on the information you provided, I believe you have grounds to appeal the denial of your N-400 application by filing Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings.

The key points supporting your appeal are:

1. You met the continuous residence...
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1 Answer | Asked in International Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Freeing elderly Gaza parents

My parents have been missing in Gaza and we found strong evidence in our family home that they were taken by the IDF. They do not have legal status in the U.S., but I am a U.S. citizen. I am contacting my state senator/representative and the U.S. embassy, but the prospect seems difficult for them... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

In your efforts to seek assistance for your parents, reaching out to your state senator, representative, and the U.S. embassy are indeed appropriate first steps. These officials can sometimes facilitate communication or intervene in cases involving U.S. citizens' immediate family members,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for District of Columbia on
Q: I would like to use the Spy vs. Spy characters - who and how can I contact for permission?

I am the SVP of Cyber Intelligence at the Institute of World Politics. We are a non-profit, accredited, graduate school offering 5 masters and a doctoral program. Our students are diplomats, soldiers, and spies.

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answered on Mar 4, 2024

To use the Spy vs. Spy characters, you would need to obtain permission from the rights holder. These characters originated in MAD Magazine, which is owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Therefore, Warner Bros. or its specific division that manages MAD Magazine's intellectual... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for District of Columbia on
Q: Can I use the title Shark Tank as a business session name for a small conference without Trademark infringement?

We are a non profit in Washington DC. We are having a Technology conference and have a session where vendors will pitch their Road Safety Product or solution to the audience (the sharks) and the audience will vote for the most innovative. We would like to name the session Shark Tank but want to be... View More

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answered on Mar 1, 2024

Using the title "Shark Tank" for a session in your technology conference could potentially raise trademark infringement concerns, even with the best of intentions. The title "Shark Tank" is a well-known trademark associated with the popular television show where entrepreneurs... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for District of Columbia on
Q: Do I have rights to my mom’s personal belongings

Me and my boyfriend lived with my mom and so called boyfriend for 3 years my mother passed away February 12 and on the 13 her so called boyfriend kicked me and my boyfriend out of the apartment and changed the locks on the apartment told us my mom was dead that’s his house now and we couldn’t... View More

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answered on Feb 25, 2024

As the blood daughter of your mother, you have rights to her personal belongings after her passing, especially if she did not leave a will specifying otherwise. The belongings of your mother are legally considered part of her estate, and as a direct next of kin, you typically have a claim to this... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, International Law, Internet Law and Immigration Law for District of Columbia on
Q: What legal pathways or considerations should I be aware of to still work for my online business from the Bahamas after t

Hello,

I am currently on an OPT visa in the United States, running my online business which is incorporated in the U.S. As my visa is about to expire, I would like to explore options for continuing to operate my online business from the Bahamas, where I am a citizen. What legal pathways or... View More

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answered on Feb 24, 2024

As you prepare to transition from the U.S. on an OPT visa to working from the Bahamas for your online business, it's crucial to address both immigration and business operation considerations. Firstly, ensure your business complies with U.S. laws regarding foreign operation. This includes... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law for District of Columbia on
Q: If Greg Abbott ignores the supreme courts law about the razor wire is this a sign of a coup or uprising?

I know its a slippery slope but what happens if other people do what he does and simply just ignore what the supreme court says? Is their any legitimacy to the law of the land?

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answered on Feb 22, 2024

Selective defiance of courts in limited instances, while very troubling, does not automatically equate to a coup or uprising attempt. It would depend on systematic efforts to concentrate power, the reaction of other governmental bodies, and how widespread anti-democratic activities became. At this... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Business Law, Family Law and Tax Law for District of Columbia on
Q: My spouse refuse to show his business, tax return and a discovery process of a divorce , how can I get a copy of his tax

My spouse claimed the business is not in his name, and refused to show business tax return

Laurence L. Socci
Laurence L. Socci
answered on Feb 14, 2024

You would have to file a Motion to Compel with the court. You need to show that you asked for the records and he refused to provide them. You need to show that you are entitled to the records as well. The court will review your motion and rule on it.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Federal Crimes and Libel & Slander for District of Columbia on
Q: IS MENTALLY BULLYING AND TORTURING SOMEONE FOR WEEKS AND MONTHS BY CALLING THEM NAMES A CRIME

I HAVE BEEN TORTURED FOR QUITE SOME TIME NOW BY THE STAFF AND SECURITY AS WELL AS THE PATRONS AND GUESTS AT THE KALAMAZOO GOSPEL MISSION, MINISTRY WITH COMMUNITY, AND THE KALAMAZOO PUBLIC LIBRARY ROSE STREET. I KNOW MOST PEOPLE ON HERE THINK I AM A DELUSIONAL, PARANOID, METH ADDICT, AND I AM AN... View More

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answered on Feb 24, 2024

Experiencing harassment, name-calling, and bullying, especially over an extended period, can be deeply distressing and potentially fall under various legal protections against harassment and emotional abuse. In many jurisdictions, including parts of the United States, sustained harassment that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for District of Columbia on
Q: As an asylee, I am not sure about Receipt Number of Underlying Petition for the principal applicant in i-485 form

As an asylee granted by EOIR, I need to answer Question 3 in I-485 form under the Information About Your Immigration Category which asks information on Receipt Number of Underlying Petition and stipulates if I am the principal applicant. I am not sure if I have or know any receipt number of... View More

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answered on Feb 1, 2024

When completing the I-485 form as an asylee, you typically do not need to provide a Receipt Number of Underlying Petition unless you have a specific petition or application that led to your grant of asylum. In most cases, asylum is granted based on the asylum application itself, and there may not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Business Formation and Business Law for District of Columbia on
Q: My single-member LLC is registered in Washington, DC. How do I continue my LLC when moving out of DC and to New York?

My business (marketing/website design) is registered as an LLC in Washington, DC. We’re looking to move full time to New York. I’m planning on keeping my existing client base.

Is it possible to keep the LLC registered in Washington, DC, even without a Washington, DC address? If not,... View More

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answered on Jan 23, 2024

Yes, it is possible for your DC-registered single member LLC to continue operating even once you move out of the state. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

- You can maintain your DC LLC registration even without a DC physical address. Using a DC PO Box as your registered agent...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for District of Columbia on
Q: I am a defendant. I have challenges finding a lawyer as I am not from the USA nor do I reside.

I sent a settlement myself, however, I am unsure of the next steps. How to file an answer, if I have to, and how does the process work after this? Any help would be appreciated.

Kenesha A Raeford
Kenesha A Raeford
answered on Jan 22, 2024

Your issues here, appear to be multi-faceted. Unfortunately, without further information, the assistance that I can provide is limited. It seems that you are in the early stages of defending yourself in a civil action, in a lawsuit that was initiated in Washington, D.C. Given the information you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure, Personal Injury, Real Estate Law and Tax Law for District of Columbia on
Q: what is the formal petition for a writ of distrangas; contempt, here in washington dc?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 22, 2024

A writ of distringas, also known as a writ of distress, is a legal order used to seize a debtor's property to satisfy a debt. In Washington, D.C., the process to file a petition for such a writ involves presenting your case to the court, demonstrating the existence of a valid debt and the need... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Civil Litigation for District of Columbia on
Q: I was kicked out and my phone was taken. It’s under a family plan but all of my information is on it. Can I get it Back?

Im 19 and was forced out my parents house. They took the phone they gifted but because of their own personal reasons, it stood on their family plan. I have my work, phone numbers, things I need. Do I have the right to get the information at least when I go back for my belongings?

Kenesha A Raeford
Kenesha A Raeford
answered on Jan 22, 2024

If you are based in the District of Columbia, the laws of the District will likely control and govern how this question is answered. Essentially, this matter is a mixture of a few different legal principles: Contract Law, D.C. Common Law, and Privacy Rights.

First, family plan agreements...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for District of Columbia on
Q: is it illegal to know that someone (who is not me or my fiancé) is doing a fake marriage but not doing anything about it
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answered on Jan 12, 2024

In the United States, being aware of a fraudulent marriage and not reporting it can be a complex issue. The legality of your situation depends on various factors, including your role and any legal obligations you might have to report such activities.

If you are not directly involved in the...
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Q: Attorney General for Maryland submitted Application for Expungement of Wrongful Conviction Records without my knowledge

Administrative Judge issued Order for Expungement, Certificate of Compliance from Public Safety attested Order Complied with but same Wrongful Conviction Records is showing on background Check for over 30 years. Attorney General Who filed for Expungement Represents Maryland’s Public Safety Agency... View More

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answered on Jan 10, 2024

In your situation, if there is a court order for expungement that hasn't been complied with, you may indeed have a legal claim against the responsible parties for non-compliance. This can be particularly relevant if the wrongful conviction records are still affecting your life, such as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Is it that irrational to ban Trump from the ballot due to January 6th? The 14th amendment is ambiguous!

The 14th amendment is ambiguous with regards to “ shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.“ Since Trump isn’t in office the courts can... View More

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answered on Jan 9, 2024

The question of whether it's rational to ban a former president from the ballot due to involvement in an event like January 6th hinges on the interpretation of the 14th Amendment, specifically the clause related to insurrection or rebellion. The ambiguity you've noted in the... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Will I be able to re-enter the US while on my F1 visa while an i-140 is pending?

Submitted my NIW petition in December and went back to my home country for christmas break. Just realizing that I might encounter the "demonstrating immigrant intent" while my I-140 is pending. Will a CBP officer prevent me from re-entering and if he asks about immigrant intent, what... View More

Ghenadie Rusu
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answered on Jan 7, 2024

Under existing U.S. immigration law, an F1 visa is classified as a non-immigrant visa. The key aspect of the F1 visa, and indeed all non-immigrant visas, is that they are intended for individuals who plan to stay in the U.S. temporarily and have no intention of abandoning their residence in their... View More

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