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District of Columbia Questions & Answers
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
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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
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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.

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark for District of Columbia on
Q: How could I request a refund for the transaction that did not take place?

We filed a patent application through a lawyer. The lawyer said it is suitable for the name we applied for. you can get this name. He said and we made the application. Then, 9 months later, the officer in the trade mark told us that 2 items were canceled due to name similarity with another company.... View More

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Mar 29, 2022

The attorney should not have given unqualified assurance that the mark could be registered merely on the basis of an initial search. Applications to register trademarks are reviewed by a USPTO examining attorney about six months after submission, and in your case apparently the examining attorney... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Bankruptcy and Real Estate Law for District of Columbia on
Q: What is the worst that can happen when flipping a house with 100% private money financing??

If I am using someone else's money and a house that I flip sells for less then previously estimated am I out anything more then my time? Or can the private money lender sue me and make me cover the loss?

What if I am using an LLC?

I am mostly worried that the private lender... View More

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Mar 19, 2022

If you find a private lender who would not require your personal guarantee and, often, security of your home co-signed by your spouse, you should hold that lender very close… or share his name with me. You will be completely liable on your project unless the lender is an idiot, and most hard... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for District of Columbia on
Q: If my left the house and we been separated for 7 months. But she is on the deed only why can't I change the locks.?

And if I changed the locks already what will happen next.

Laurence L. Socci
Laurence L. Socci
answered on Mar 8, 2022

If she is on the deed, you can't change the locks because she is still an owner. However, if she was gone for 7 months and you have not heard from her or she moved out of the area, then arguably she abandoned the home. In which case, you likely would not face any consequences for changing the locks.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for District of Columbia on
Q: My wife and I are separated and my name is on the mortgage and deed while her name is on deed only. What are my rights

She also have keys to the house and she is not trying to give them. Can I change the locks.

Laurence L. Socci
Laurence L. Socci
answered on Mar 8, 2022

For now, you have the right to stay in the house and so does she. When you get divorced, the court will divide the house and all other marital property unless you and your wife come to an agreement on the division of the property. Because she is legally on the deed, you cannot change the locks.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander for District of Columbia on
Q: I had given ex fiancé my car and she has promised me some form of payments she’s never gave me any payments also hold

Title is still in my name and I’m in a different state and she may be holding my w-2s

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Feb 27, 2022

This probably isn't a libel case, but you could certainly file a lawsuit and/or send a demand letter to get your vehicle back and have her return your documents. If you decide to hire an attorney, I'm sure anyone who responds would be happy to help. Good luck!

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Criminal Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Is it illegal for someone to create a Facebook fan page account using my name and then request money from members?

They promise to get them grants using my name for credibility and then run away with my customer's money

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Feb 10, 2022

In California and many other jurisdictions, it is illegal to use a person's name or likeness for profit without their permission. You should check with a local attorney to determine whether that prohibition applies where you are.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Criminal Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Is it false imprisonment to hold an employee after hours?

A high level manager asks a salaried employee if they can stick around to meet with them at 5:00pm which is normal close of business.

Employee is escorted to a conference room and takes a seat. The manager says they need to make some calls and then shuts the door.

The employee can... View More

Matthew T. Famiglietti
PREMIUM
Matthew T. Famiglietti
answered on Feb 6, 2022

The definition of false imprisonment is very strict. It is a term under criminal and tort (civil) law. Under tort law it is classified as an intentional tort. A person commits false imprisonment when he or she commits an act of restraint on another person, confining that person in a bounded area.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Have a Final Judgement Order and want to put a Lien on a property that is owned by the persons. HOW to Do So?
Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Feb 2, 2022

In DC, you file a lis pendens. The law changed a number of years ago, and the lawsuit, itself, is not a lien. It is a great idea ti have counsel assist in this.

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for District of Columbia on
Q: Can I sue Hospital for trying to make me wait in waiting room after Car accident?

Hey, I live in washington dc. I was in a car accident on 01/02/22. Ambulance took me to GWU hospital. They told me i had to wait in the waiting room to be seen. I understand that Covid has the hospitals beat. So i left. When i went to Washington hospital center and they diagnosed me with facial... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Feb 10, 2022

A District of Columbia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. It could depend on whether or not you sustained meaningful damages as a result of the wait. As a practical matter, long ER waits are not uncommon, especially now with the pandemic, depending on the... View More

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