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District of Columbia Questions & Answers
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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

James L. Arrasmith
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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?

James L. Arrasmith
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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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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

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 22, 2024

In a divorce proceeding, both parties are typically required to disclose all financial assets and liabilities, including business interests and tax returns, through the discovery process. If your spouse refuses to voluntarily provide this information, you can use formal legal tools within the... View More

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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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Can I get married to my boyfriend on a visitor visa from Canada?

I arrived here on August 29 but went back for Christmas to see my mom. Came back and he proposed. If I were to marry him now, would I be able to apply for I-130 and stay? Also would like to know if leaving the USA made the 180 days start over or if it continued where it left off from when I left... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 31, 2024

Yes, you can get married in the United States while on a visitor visa from Canada. After getting married, you can apply for an Adjustment of Status through the I-130 form to become a permanent resident based on your marriage to a U.S. citizen. However, it's important to note that you must have... View More

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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

James L. Arrasmith
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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 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 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

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Criminal Law, Immigration Law and Civil Litigation for District of Columbia on
Q: Should I take legal action on my u4u sponsor who have put my mental/physical health at risk,with force on being homeless

My sponsor under u4u, forcibly threw me out of the house and won't let me stay after 2 weeks of being the states. He knew I had health issues and risks as well. So I was already mentally, verbally, and physically abused. I have also been forced to stay in america and to remain homeless with... View More

Kevin L Dixler
Kevin L Dixler
answered on Jan 15, 2024

There are limited mechanisms to handle these situations. The best remedy is to be a good guest. Obviously, things sometimes do not work out. However, you are entitled to file for an employment authorization card.

In addition, you should seek the assistance of a not for profit, community...
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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Criminal Law, Immigration Law and Civil Litigation for District of Columbia on
Q: Should I take legal action on my u4u sponsor who have put my mental/physical health at risk,with force on being homeless

My sponsor under u4u, forcibly threw me out of the house and won't let me stay after 2 weeks of being the states. He knew I had health issues and risks as well. So I was already mentally, verbally, and physically abused. I have also been forced to stay in america and to remain homeless with... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 14, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the challenges and hardships you've been facing. It's important to understand that your situation sounds serious and might require legal intervention. However, it's essential to consider a few key points before proceeding with legal action.

First,...
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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
James L. Arrasmith
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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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

Brian J. Reilly
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answered on Jan 8, 2024

The most important thing to keep in mind is to tell the CBP the truth. If are still engaged in course work, it is easier to explain you intend to finish your studies. If you are on OPT or extended STEM OPT you should say you understand your obligation to leave at its completion; that the NIW I-140... View More

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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

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 8, 2024

Re-entering the U.S. on an F1 visa while an I-140 is pending can be complex due to the dual intent involved. Your F1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, which means you must demonstrate nonimmigrant intent when entering the U.S. However, filing an I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) can be seen as... View More

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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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1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Can the federal government withold money to colleges who allow pro palestinian protests.

Nikki Haley spoke about not giving money to colleges who refused to “crackdown” on protests deemed anti semetic.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 27, 2023

The federal government's ability to withhold funding from colleges based on the content of protests or speech activities raises significant First Amendment concerns. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects freedom of speech, which includes the right to engage in peaceful protests... View More

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