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Texas Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Lemon Law, Consumer Law, Insurance Defense and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: How can I resolve a stolen title issue to release insurance funds for a total loss in Texas?

I live in Texas and purchased a car with a Missouri title. Soon after I got it running, I was involved in an accident, and the car was deemed a total loss. Unfortunately, I've not been able to transfer the title to my name because it was stolen, and the current titleholder is in prison and... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Employment Law and Energy, Oil and Gas for Texas on
Q: Compensation options for wrongful termination in oil and gas industry without official termination.

I've been out of work for over a month after my employer reassigned positions, leaving me without one. I work in the oil and gas industry on a drilling rig. Although I filled in for a day for someone who quit, creating an available spot, I was assured any open position would be given to me,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Texas on
Q: Can I cross an immigration checkpoint with my DACA approval letter and driver's license?

I accidentally left my work permit in Odessa, TX, and need to retrieve it. To reach Odessa, I have to cross an immigration checkpoint, but I only have my DACA approval letter and driver's license with me. My work permit is active until May 2027. I'm currently in McAllen, TX. Can I cross... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 20, 2025

You can cross an interior immigration checkpoint with a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of lawful presence—but there are risks involved if you don’t have your physical work permit (EAD) on hand. Although your DACA approval letter and valid driver's license suggest lawful... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets, Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Texas on
Q: Options after vehicle seizure and arrest in Texas for firearms in a warrantless search?

I was traveling on a public roadway, driving the speed limit, wearing my seatbelt, and following all other ordinary traffic codes when I was pulled over for no registration. I informed the officer that my license was expired and I had no insurance. I explained that as a U.S. Citizen, I believed I... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Family Law and Domestic Violence for Texas on
Q: What is the likely outcome of the custody battle between my mom and stepdad, and can I live with my stepdad?

I am 16 years old and my mom and stepdad are about to divorce. Although my stepdad, who has been a father figure for 8 years, hasn't adopted me legally, I want to live with him. My biological father is not involved in my life. My mom, an alcoholic with past CPS cases, drives drunk, has... View More

Rafee'a S. Majeed
Rafee'a S. Majeed
answered on Jun 20, 2025

I am sorry to hear that you and your sibkings are going through this. Given that your Step-dad has had substantial past contact with you and your siblings, and the concerns that you've expressed about your Mother, there is probably a greater than 50% chance that a Judge "could" grant... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Texas on
Q: Missed probation appointment due to phone number change, resulting in violation; unable to reach probation officer.

I missed a probation appointment last month due to changing my phone number and being unable to reach out. After contacting my probation officer, I found out I was violated. Though I attended a subsequent appointment, I've been unable to reach anyone by phone or email this month. What should I... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Texas on
Q: Is there a TRCP rule requiring attorneys to provide firm name for Attorney Index in arbitration?

I am a court reporter working under the American Arbitration Association. During an arbitration deposition, the in-house counsel for a defendant party refused to provide her firm's name and address. Both parties agreed to list the in-house counsel under "Also Present" instead of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Texas on
Q: Should I choose COS or Consular appointment for H1B transfer on B2 visa?

I am currently in the USA on a B2 visa, valid until September 2025, which was approved last week. I have a job offer from a new employer with a start date of July 21, 2025. I am open to traveling outside and re-entering the USA. Given USCIS's recent archiving of the B2 visa policy page in May... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 20, 2025

If you’re in the U.S. on a B2 visa and recently received a job offer for an H1B position starting July 21, 2025, your decision between Change of Status (COS) and consular processing will depend on risk tolerance, timing, and mobility.

A Change of Status lets you remain in the U.S. while...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for Texas on
Q: Can I remove my name from a misleadingly signed car loan in TX?

I was misled by my uncle when he informed me that he needed a co-signer for a car loan and that my name would be removed after six months of on-time payments. However, I was listed as the primary borrower, not the co-signer. My uncle is now being uncooperative regarding removing my name from the... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 19, 2025

Whether you can be removed from the loan depends on what the loan documents you sign actually say, not what your uncle may have told you.

If the loan documents are different than what your uncle may have told you, you should not have signed the loan documents. It would be very hard to...
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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Custody determination for unmarried parents in Texas after father's jail release

I was in a 12+ year relationship and we have two children, aged 12 and 10, but never married. I left the relationship while the father was in jail, and there were no legal custody agreements set in place. Since then, the kids have been living with me in my apartment, and the father has a past of... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 19, 2025

You should file an original suit affecting the parent-child relationship to establish a possession schedule, set child support, etc. Any attorney who practices in the area of family law in or near the county where you reside with the children should be able to assist you.

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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Texas on
Q: Is a visitor with no job lined up allowed to find employment and change visa status in the U.S. during a five-month stay?

I have a friend who will be visiting the United States on a visitor visa. During his stay, he wants to explore potential job opportunities and eventually immigrate. He doesn't have employment lined up yet but plans to change his visa status once he finds a job. He has a five-month deadline for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 20, 2025

Your friend cannot legally work in the United States while on a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. That type of visa is meant strictly for tourism, business meetings, or medical treatment—not employment. Actively seeking employment isn’t expressly prohibited, but accepting a job or engaging in work during... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Immigration Law for Texas on
Q: Can I get a passport without a photo ID or secondary documents?

I am an adult in need of obtaining a passport without a photo ID or any secondary supporting documents. I used to have a passport when I was very young, but currently, I only possess a birth certificate. I recently applied for a driver's license but was denied because I don't have a photo... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 20, 2025

If you don't have a photo ID or secondary documents, getting a U.S. passport as an adult becomes much more difficult—but not entirely impossible. The U.S. Department of State requires proof of both citizenship and identity. While your birth certificate proves citizenship, you must also... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Texas on
Q: Traffic ticket issued incorrectly; name used from insurance card.

I received a traffic ticket under my name, but the incident involved my mom, who was driving without a license. The officer used the insurance card with my name to issue the ticket. I have received a court date letter. How should I address this situation, and what steps can I take to correct the... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 19, 2025

You can set the traffic ticket for trial; then you and your mom can go to the traffic court and explain the situation to the judge.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Probate and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Economical way to transfer deed of a jointly purchased home after co-owner's passing.

I purchased a home 10 years ago jointly with a friend whose half was held in a family Trust. After his passing six months ago, his children decided to transfer his half to me. They claim to have been working with a local lawyer on the process. What is the most economical way to get the deed... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 19, 2025

The trustee of the family trust can execute and record a deed to you of the trust's interest.

0 Answers | Asked in Banking and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: What is the federal loan interest rate for a fixed-rate intrafamily mortgage?

I am considering an intrafamily mortgage loan to purchase a home with a fixed interest rate. It will be a long-term loan. What is the applicable federal loan interest rate for this type of loan?

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Landlord - Tenant, Civil Rights and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Service dogs banned & rent disparity in TX apartment complex

My wife and I, who both have service dogs, live in an apartment complex in Joshua, Texas, currently named Sylvia At South Broadway. Management has banned our service dogs from the community room and issued us a lease violation for having them there, stating they do not comply with Federal or State... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 19, 2025

You can speak to a lawyer that practices in the area of housing discrimination or file a complaint: https://disabilityrightstx.org/en/handout/how-to-report-housing-discrimination/

You will want to provide proof of your disability and your service dog's training, proof you gave your...
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0 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Wrongful Death, Probate and Personal Injury for Texas on
Q: What steps are needed to obtain a court order for a private autopsy when not all next of kin agree?

My father died under unclear circumstances while at work, and his death certificate is available but does not mention trauma to his body. There is no will in place, and there are four adult children as direct next of kin. While my three sisters do not want an autopsy, I am seeking a court order for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for Texas on
Q: Statute of limitations for knee replacement malpractice claim in Texas?

I had knee replacement surgeries on my right knee in 2013 and 2016, and I'm currently experiencing issues with bending. I've been told by some lawyers that the case may be too old to pursue in Texas. Can you provide information on the statute of limitations for a medical malpractice claim in Texas?

Raymond Chow
Raymond Chow
answered on Jun 18, 2025

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including medical malpractice, is typically two years from the date of the injury. I also want to gently mention that many surgical cases involve known risks, which means that even if the timing had been different, the situation may not have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Contracts for Texas on
Q: How can I become a plaintiff in the lawsuit against Norada Capital due to default on a promissory note?

I have a $100,000 promissory note with Norada Capital Investments, which has defaulted. I would like to become a plaintiff in the federal lawsuit Taylor et al vs Norada Capital Management LLC et al, which is currently active. I have documentation concerning the default, and I need guidance on the... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 18, 2025

You need to hire a civil trial attorney licensed to practice in the district where the current federal lawsuit is pending. That attorney will have to evaluate whether you can intervene in that lawsuit in light of its current procedural posture or whether you should file your own lawsuit. In order... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Probate and Civil Litigation for Texas on
Q: How can I challenge POA & executor rights in Texas for lack of transparency and missing funds?

I am seeking legal assistance to address and potentially change the rights of the current POA and executor for my father's affairs. Since his passing on March 26, 2024, at nearly 103 years old, I've noticed a lack of accountability and transparency from my sister, who was appointed... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 18, 2025

First, with your father's death, the POA is no longer effective. So there is nothing to change now.

Second, to address your sister's actions as executor for your father's estate, you will need to hire an attorney who practices in the area of probate law in or near the county...
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