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I have a past removal case in the U.S. (Boston Immigration Court), but I no longer live in the U.S. I'm currently a protected person in Canada and have no plans to return or seek immigration status in the U.S. How can I formally request termination of my U.S. removal case? Do I need to file a... View More 
answered on Apr 13, 2025
Yes, you would have to file a motion to terminate with the immigration court and also serve the motion on the Department of Homeland Security along with your evidence. You should be aware though that despite no longer being in the United States, case law does allow the judge to issue a removal... View More
I'm looking to understand how long a trademark is valid in the USA, specifically for one that I currently own.
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
As long as you use it, for the goods or services for which you use it.
My brother passed away intestate and unmarried, with no living parents or children. I'm his only sibling, but I live in another state. He had very little money, his car was recently totaled, and he lived in state housing while receiving state healthcare. How do I proceed with probate given... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
In Massachusetts, if your brother died intestate with minimal assets, you may be able to use a simplified process called *voluntary administration*. This is available when the estate’s total value is $25,000 or less (not including one car), and there is no real estate involved. You can file a... View More
I rented an apartment in Massachusetts and moved out on January 31st after providing more than 30 days' notice. There wasn't a written lease agreement. All communication with my landlord was via text messages. Despite requesting my security deposit and interest back twice, the landlord... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
Yes, you may have grounds to sue your landlord in Massachusetts for not returning your security deposit interest. Under Massachusetts law, landlords are required to return the security deposit, along with any interest accrued, within 30 days of the tenant moving out. If the landlord fails to do... View More
I was charged with gun possession after a gun was found in a gym bag with my name tag in a house where I previously stayed as a roommate. I was unaware of the gun being placed in the bag. The person who found the gun reported it, mentioning my belongings were also at the house. However, the gun was... View More
answered on Apr 12, 2025
First, I’m sorry to hear that you are being charged with a crime you didn’t commit. No attorney can give you odds of success. However, I’ve tried a number of gun cases with similar and worse facts and ended up with acquittals, so you definitely have a decent shot at walking away from this.... View More
I am a single mother seeking a pro bono lawyer to help me in court to revise my child support and custody agreement. My child's father, whom I consider a narcissist, currently pays child support that is too low to meet our needs, and he has custody on weekends while I have none. There have... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
I understand how difficult it must be to navigate custody and support issues while trying to make sure your child's needs are met. In Massachusetts, there are a number of resources that offer free legal assistance for individuals in situations like yours. You may want to start by contacting... View More
I am 17 years old and living with my parents in Massachusetts. I earn my own money through a job, and I have a bank account in my name. However, my parents are controlling how I spend my money, telling me what I can and cannot purchase. There are no legal or financial agreements in place that I am... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In Massachusetts, as a 17-year-old, you are considered a minor, which means your parents still have a legal responsibility for your well-being and finances. While you can earn your own money and have a bank account in your name, your parents may feel they have the right to oversee how you spend it,... View More
In Massachusetts, my lease for a multi-tenant apartment mentions that the property owner can enter with 24-hour notice, typically provided by email. However, twice now, the notice has been given by placing a piece of paper on my door for property showings by a real estate agent. On the previous... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
In Massachusetts, if your lease specifically states that notice for entry must be given by email, then placing a notice on your door likely does not meet the lease requirements. The lease terms are legally binding, and if the landlord or agent isn't following them, you have the right to raise... View More
I am concerned about a situation where my electric company in Massachusetts has not billed me for electricity from June 2024 due to issues with their meter. They have since corrected the issue, but now I have 9 months' worth of outstanding billing. Is there any restriction in Massachusetts... View More
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
It’s completely reasonable to feel overwhelmed when faced with a surprise electric bill covering nine months of usage, especially when the delay wasn’t your fault. In Massachusetts, electric utilities are allowed to back-bill for unbilled usage caused by meter errors, but they must follow... View More
I was awarded attorney's fees in a civil lawsuit in Massachusetts, and we placed a lien on the plaintiff's home in 2017. However, the lien expired two years ago. Today, when I tried to renew the lien, I was informed that it expired due to the statute of limitations. Can I file a request... View More
I signed a contract on September 16, 2024, in the Netherlands for a boat purchase, with terms stating "net price imported and delivered to the USA northeast." The contract does not include clauses about changes in tariffs or duties. Recently, new tariffs have been imposed. The seller... View More
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
This situation puts you in a tough spot, especially since the contract doesn't mention how tariff changes are to be handled. Because the agreement states “net price imported and delivered to the USA northeast,” that wording generally implies the seller is responsible for getting the boat... View More
I'm 15 and my mother has full custody of me while my father has no custody rights. If I'm taken out of my mother's custody and there are government agencies involved, what are the likely steps that will follow for my custody arrangement?
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
If you're removed from your mother's custody at 15, and your father doesn't have custody rights, the state or a child welfare agency will likely step in to figure out where you can safely live. The first thing they'll do is try to place you with a relative, like a grandparent,... View More
I have been approved to participate in the Summer Work and Travel Program on a J-1 visa, with a confirmed job as a grocery clerk. I am considering doing additional door-to-door window cleaning work while in the U.S. Do I need special approval for this additional job to ensure compliance with my... View More
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answered on Apr 5, 2025
If you're in the U.S. on a J-1 visa through the Summer Work and Travel Program, your work options are limited to the job that was pre-approved and listed on your DS-2019 form. That means you're only authorized to work as a grocery clerk, as that's the position tied to your visa... View More
I have a "continuance without a finding" from this past spring for shoplifting, with the condition of maintaining good behavior for a year, and the continuance period is not yet complete. I need to submit a CORI background check for a 6-month internship at a non-profit. My employer... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
It’s understandable to be concerned about how your "continuance without a finding" for shoplifting might affect your internship application. Since your employer mentioned that you may need to meet with HR if something shows up on your CORI check, it might be a good idea to address the... View More
I am currently in the U.S. on an L2S visa, and I am working for a company. My work status is set to expire on October 11th, 2025. I was selected for the H-1B cap this year (2026), and my company will be filing the petition soon. They will process it as a change of status and will use premium... View More
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answered on Apr 5, 2025
If your L2S status expires on October 11th and your H-1B change of status petition isn’t approved by that date, you would be out of status starting October 12th. Filing the H-1B petition before your current status expires doesn’t automatically let you stay past the expiration unless it's... View More
I'm concerned about whether the enforcement of Question 1 from the Massachusetts voters' ballot is being carried out. Could you clarify if there have been any legislative refusals or challenges related to auditing in this context?
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answered on Apr 7, 2025
In November 2024, Massachusetts voters approved Question 1, granting State Auditor Diana DiZoglio the authority to audit the Legislature.
However, legislative leaders have resisted this change, arguing that it violates the separation of powers outlined in the Massachusetts Constitution.... View More
I am being falsely accused of online libel involving an anonymous Twitter account, which I did not create or own. The accuser insists it's my account despite both the lack of evidence on their side and the fact that I've presented proof of my non-involvement. I spoke on behalf of someone... View More
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answered on Apr 7, 2025
First, it’s important to gather and organize all the evidence you have. Keep the screenshots of interactions, along with any proof that shows you had no involvement with the anonymous Twitter account. This will be key if the situation escalates. Make sure you document the timeline of events,... View More
My brother, a U.S. citizen, passed away in Portugal. His ex-partner informed me of his death but refuses to provide any further information about his will or the circumstances, and I don't know where his body is or how he passed away. My brother owned a fully paid home at 459 Butman Rd,... View More
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answered on Apr 2, 2025
You should immediately contact the probate court in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, where your brother's property is located, to determine if a will has been filed. The property at 459 Butman Rd, Lowell falls under their jurisdiction, and you can search probate records online or call the... View More
I am a Nigerian immigrant with a 10-year green card expiring in 2033, married to an American citizen, and the father of a nearly two-year-old son. My marriage has become unstable, marked by my spouse's threats to expel me from our home, including one real incident. Additionally, I face racial... View More
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answered on Apr 5, 2025
First, your safety and your child's well-being come first. If your spouse is threatening you or has forced you out of your home, you can contact local authorities or a family court to seek a protective order. This can help prevent future incidents and give you legal grounds to stay in the home... View More
I live in Massachusetts under state housing authority, and my boyfriend, who was a co-tenant, left without notice. Both of us were on the lease, and my rent was calculated based on his income. Since he left, my income has significantly decreased, but the housing authority is still making me pay... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
In this situation, you should immediately inform the housing authority that your co-tenant has left and explain that your income has decreased. Since your rent was originally calculated based on both of your incomes, the housing authority may need to reassess your eligibility and rent amount. You... View More
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