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District of Columbia Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Lease agreement help

I am planning to buy a condo in dc for renting for secondary income. Can you help to get this done properly and legally. What are your fees? Thanks

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Jan 19, 2023

Under Justin’s terms of service as well as the ethical rules of our profession, this site isn’t a “hiring hall” as in the union trades. We aren’t permitted to respond to calls for employment. Here are some ideas for finding a lawyer:

I’ve written this same answer several times...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for District of Columbia on
Q: How do I get permanent shared custody of my 6 y/o daughter?

Greetings: My 6 y/o daughter's mother and I have temporary shared custody and have been to court three times to make the 50/50 arrangement permanent. Her mother has recently filed a restraining order prohibiting me, the father, from seeing her prior to a court hearing on Dec. 6, 2022. I want... View More

Laurence L. Socci
Laurence L. Socci
answered on Nov 30, 2022

I'm not sure there is a question here, but I can tell you, as an attorney who only represents men in custody cases, men often have an uphill battle in DC domestic relations court. I am happy to offer a consultation to you. I can be reached at (202) 262-5843 or laurence.socci@soccilawfirm.com.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for District of Columbia on
Q: We just settled my deceased parents' estate in July 2022. We have since found out that he owns 2 more houses. What now?
Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Nov 3, 2022

You'll need to reopen the estate to correct the other titles or sell the properties. In DC, that won't be very complex since the death was under the post-1995 rules, but having a lawyer would be helpful.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Immigration Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Hey, I was wondering if an immigration consultant business is legal in VA? I didn’t find any restrictions anywhere in VA

I’m not an attorney

Alexander Ivakhnenko
Alexander Ivakhnenko
answered on Oct 18, 2022

Even generally, providing any immigration advice without a valid law licence will constitute an unlawful law practice. I would be very apprehensive to do that.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Can the DC rioters, including the organizers be charged under DC law with the murder of the police officer and rioter?

Under D.C. law anyone acting together to commit a felony may be charged as principles or accessories, DC ST § 22-1805 and DC ST § 22-1806. Most charged admit that they were there to “stop the steal” which was to disrupt congress while in session. It is a felony to intimidate or impede a... View More

Laurence L. Socci
Laurence L. Socci
answered on Oct 17, 2022

No, they cannot be charged with murder. For a murder charge, there must be a showing of intent to commit murder. There is no intent. They may be charged with manslaughter if it could be proved that they knew there was a likelihood someone could get killed.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for District of Columbia on
Q: I have an ins policy where I have paid 38k into. The company is raising the premiums from 80 to over 300 dollars. Legal?

I have had the policy since 1984. Now they are raising the premiums after already paying 38k in premiums. If I surrender the policy can I get any of my money back. As you see above the company is raising the premiums substantial. This is a Universal policy

Laurence L. Socci
Laurence L. Socci
answered on Oct 16, 2022

It depends on the terms of the policy. I could not answer this question without reviewing the policy. Many times, polices include language that allows them to raise premiums after a certain period of time.

Whatever the policy says, controls.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for District of Columbia on
Q: A coworker put his head on my shoulder. It was unwelcomed, uninvited physical contact. I told my boss. What do I do now?
Matthew T. Famiglietti
PREMIUM
Matthew T. Famiglietti
answered on Oct 12, 2022

You should consult with with a qualified employment discrimination attorney who specializes in Sexual harassment. Most attorneys are providing consultations over the phone or zoom due to COVID.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Immigration Law, Civil Rights and International Law for District of Columbia on
Q: I’m getting married with an Au Pair that finishes contract before. How much time do we have for her not become ilegal?

I am marrying an AuPair. She was supposed to finish her program next May but she wants to quit due to bad relationship with the host family. Because she quits she technically has to leave the country “as soon as possible” but we are not sure how long that is. We want to get married as soon as... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Sep 24, 2022

Is your girlfriend’s J visa subject to the two year residency requirement? If not, she may be able to adjust status after marriage. Discuss the facts of your situation with counsel in a private phone call.

Q: retaliation case my supervisor had his employee to take a cellphon picture under my dress.what case law can I use

My supervisor did not compensate me for work performed and lied and said 7:45am -5:15pm was 8 hours and was committing fraud. What caselaw can I use for this

Matthew T. Famiglietti
PREMIUM
Matthew T. Famiglietti
answered on Aug 15, 2022

Is this a matter involving a DC employer? If so, I would be glad to give you a free 30 minute consultation tomorrow morning, August 16th at 10 am.

Clearly, videotaping under your skirt could well constitute sexual harassment in the work place. Did you report this incident to HR? Or have...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Can my husband marry a second wife overseas?

We are married with a 9 months old son. He’s visiting out of the states and I was told from a family member that he’s considering a second marriage over there

Laurence L. Socci
Laurence L. Socci
answered on Aug 10, 2022

No. A valid marriage in any country, including the United States, is a valid marriage anywhere. If he gets married in another country, he could be prosecuted in the United States for bigamy, and the overseas marriage would not be valid.

1 Answer | Asked in Education Law for District of Columbia on
Q: What law can I use for the Dist. of Columbia to be able to use religious exemption from the Covid vaccine for my child?

This is for my child to be able to attend school this month.

Matthew T. Famiglietti
PREMIUM
Matthew T. Famiglietti
answered on Aug 3, 2022

You would need to get medical documentation from your child's doctor stating the child has a disability that prevents him or her from receiving the covid shot safely. I am attaching the exemption: https://osse.dc.gov/release/osse-encourages-families-receive-required-immunizations. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury for District of Columbia on
Q: Why dose lawyer need my tax returns for lawsuit involving child sexual abuse?
John Mesirow
PREMIUM
John Mesirow
answered on Jul 28, 2022

Are you suing someone for child sexual abuse? If so, your lawyer is probably asking for your tax returns either to prove your loss of income, or because you have claimed loss of income and the other side is asking for them (and would almost certainly be entitled to them). If this isn't why,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Do I have to pay a fee for the form I-765 (work authorization) if sending it together with adjustment of status I-485?
Monica E Rottermann
Monica E Rottermann
answered on Jul 26, 2022

No, you do not need to pay a separate fee for the I-765. The $1,225.00 fee you pay with the I-485 covers the filing fee for the I-765. However, if you are eligible for and requesting a fee waiver, you would need to include both form numbers on the fee waiver application.

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for District of Columbia on
Q: I got married to a uscitizen im undocumented we are on a same sex marriage, how much would process for green card

Can I only do the process thru a lawyer

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Jul 21, 2022

If you entered the USA with a visa, then you can adjust status after marriage to a US citizen. This is despite the fact that you are out of status currently. You can represent yourself in this process, but if you make a mistake it could be years long delay or an outright denial. Some of us handle... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Constitutional Law and Libel & Slander for District of Columbia on
Q: I need help in my case for January 6, 2021. If anyone can help me, please let me know.

I need help regarding my charges for being inside the Capitol on January 6

Laurence L. Socci
Laurence L. Socci
answered on May 27, 2022

I'm a DC criminal defense attorney. I offer low-bono services, which means I offer significant discounts for certain cases. This would be one of those cases. If you would like to discuss your case with me, you can call me at 202-262-5843 or email me at laurence.socci@soccilawfirm.com.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Immigration Law for District of Columbia on
Q: My fiancée going to be here on a k1 visa, can she still work remotely for her foreign country?
Agnes Jury
Agnes Jury
answered on Apr 22, 2022

Yes but to make it clear that it is foreign income it would be better that her pay is deposited to her foreign bank account. Best wishes!

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for District of Columbia on
Q: I live in DC and my lease expired at the end of Dec 2021. How much notice do I need to give my landlord if I want to go?

I have been living in the same condo for over two years. My last lease expired at the end of December 2021 and the owner of the unit never sent me one to renew. Based on my understanding of local law, I am now living month-to-month. I want to leave and go to a new place because there have been many... View More

Laurence L. Socci
Laurence L. Socci
answered on Apr 11, 2022

If your lease is month to month, you need to give 30 days notice. If the lease is more than month to month then you need to give 60 or 90 days, depending on the length of the lease.

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Since my husband has no income and his friend will be a joint sponsor for my green card application

will my husband have to be added to the size of sponsor’s household or household includes only the friend- joint sponsor, his wife and kids and myself?

Agnes Jury
Agnes Jury
answered on Apr 5, 2022

Your husband would not be included in the friend's household size unless you and your husband LIVE with the friend/joint sponsor or the friend/joint sponsor claims your husband as a dependent on his taxes. Best wishes!

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Can one person be a joint sponsor for 2 different immigrant friends that are not related ?
Agnes Jury
Agnes Jury
answered on Apr 5, 2022

Yes as long as the sponsor meets the minimum income test counting the two individuals sponsored as part of the sponsor's household size. Best wishes!

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Bankruptcy for District of Columbia on
Q: When you have a overpayment how do you get this money back from child support takes weekly payments and half arear

They just stop taking from you after you paid court up in arrears

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Apr 5, 2022

Most likely you will not be able to get it back.

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