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Washington International Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Immigration Law and International Law for Washington on
Q: I recently got divorced in Costa Rica. I live in the United States and hired a lawyer in Costa Rica to represent me.

My lawyer is asking me if I want an official English translation of my divorce decree from the “Casa Amarilla” that would include an apostille. He said in order for the decree to be used or recognized in the United States, it must have the apostille. I called a lawyers office here in Washington... View More

Stanislav Kshevitskii
Stanislav Kshevitskii
answered on Oct 18, 2024

Both the U.S. and Costa Rica are signatories of the 1961 Hague Convention which abolished the requirement that U.S. consular officers authenticate Costa Rican civil documents for use in the United States. The Convention became effective in Costa Rica in 2011.

The Government of Costa Rica...
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Q: Disabled person selling a house to move oversea - consequences?

My parents live in Washington state, and my mother is disabled receiving SSDI and long term care service where a caregiver comes to her house every day. They live in a house they jointly own, no mortgage. They're both seniors, and now they miss their home country, so they decided to move back... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 29, 2024

Selling a house and moving overseas can have several implications for your parents, particularly regarding their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicaid benefits. First, it's important to note that SSDI benefits are typically not affected by the sale of a primary residence or... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Immigration Law and International Law for Washington on
Q: How can I find a lawyer knowledgable in United States and Costa Rican law? Is there a website I can use? I need…

to speak to someone about the enforcement of alimony orders between these countries.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 5, 2024

It could take some research and legwork on multiple websites. These could include legal directories, consular offices, and various bar associations. Good luck

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Immigration Law and International Law for Washington on
Q: My wife is a Costa Rican national and has permanent residency in the United States which she obtained through…

our marriage. However she moved back to Costa Rica a year ago and doesnt plan to return. I am a United States citizen. We have been married 5 years and got married in Costa Rica. We are currently getting divorced in Costa Rica, I signed power of attorney to a lawyer there. She is asking for $2000... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 31, 2024

Enforcing an alimony order from Costa Rica in Washington State can be complicated but not impossible. Your wife would need to go through the legal process of domesticating the foreign divorce decree in the U.S., which typically involves proving that the Costa Rican court had proper jurisdiction and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in International Law, Securities Law, Tax Law, Banking, Business Law and Military Law for Washington on
Q: I need a lawyer to help run an international bank that provides services to countries and individuals globally

While serving as a special operator in the United States military and using the bank to assist my career covertly

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 10, 2024

I would strongly advise against pursuing anything like this, as it could result in severe legal consequences. If you need legitimate banking services, I'd recommend working with a reputable financial institution through proper legal channels.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Business Law and International Law for Washington on
Q: Do you know where I can find laws on product compliance related to labeling requirements for textiles and apparel?

Specifically, I'm looking for laws that would dictate these requirements for goods sold into these countries: Malaysia, Singapore, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, and Hong Kong. Is this something you're able to help with? I'm struggling to find what I need through a basic Google search.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 8, 2024

I can provide some general guidance on where to find information about textile and apparel labeling requirements for the countries you mentioned.

1. Malaysia: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (MDTCA) oversees labeling requirements.

2. Singapore: The Consumer...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and International Law for Washington on
Q: I got a DUI in WA state in 2002. In April of 2023 I planned a vacation to Canada. I was determined inadmissable.

I'd like to travel to Scotland in spring of 2024. I have only the one DUI. I have a valid passport and traveled to Ireland in 2022. Weird that I could go to Ireland but not Canada. Will I be allowed into Scotland or will my inadmissible status to Canada prevent my trip?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 11, 2023

You are inadmissible to Canada due to your DUI conviction, but that does not necessarily mean you will be inadmissible to Scotland. The UK Border Force has the right to refuse entry to anyone they believe is a threat to the UK's security. You can increase your chances of being allowed into... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Business Law, International Law and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Amazon closed my account, can reinstate it?

amazon kdp closed my account on 01-12-2023. With 22,000$ three pending months, I have been a publisher with Amazon KDP since 2019 and have worked hard over the past four years to establish myself as one of the best-sellers in the children category. Unfortunately, due to a mistake on my part, I have... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 5, 2023

If your Amazon KDP account was closed due to policy violations or negligence on your part, it may be possible to reinstate your account by contacting Amazon KDP support and explaining your situation. You will need to provide evidence that you understand the policies and have taken steps to correct... View More

2 Answers | Asked in International Law and Probate for Washington on
Q: My mother lives in Sydney, AU with my brother but is also a legal resident of WA state. We need to file a will. How?

She lives in Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Is a US citizen and has a home in Mill Creek, WA.

Need a will.

How to file? Foreign will and file in WA or have WA will and will a JP suffice as a notary?

Keith Armstrong
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Keith Armstrong
answered on May 1, 2023

Your mother can file her Last Will & Testament in Washington State under RCW CW 11.12.265 prior to her death. The cost is $20. Your mother or proper attorney-in-fact or guardian can withdraw that Will anytime with proper identification. Having it witnessed with two persons makes it legal,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and International Law for Washington on
Q: How do you know if your under RCW26.26A.415? Is there a list? WA

Also how does relate to

Family Law for foreign nationals?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 19, 2023

RCW 26.26A.415 is a section of the Washington State family law statutes that deals with parenting plans and child custody agreements. It provides guidelines for the court to consider when creating a parenting plan or child custody agreement, including factors such as the child's age, the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law, Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights and International Law for Washington on
Q: What would I do if I believe this page is endangering my father's life

I believe this article to be neglegant endangerment. Who can I reach out to.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 16, 2020

A Washington attorney could answer best, but your question remains open for three weeks. You could reach out to the publisher and ask them to take the page down while expressing your concerns. If that doesn't work, you could reach out to an attorney for a consult to explore options. You could... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Federal Crimes, Immigration Law and International Law for Washington on
Q: I just learned that I inadvertently committed a federal financial crime. Should I write a letter of explanation to IRS?

I'm from Canada and a US permanent resident ( through marriage) since 2011. I made several money transfers from Canada of less than $10,000 not knowing that this was a federal crime to do so. No one at my bank ever notified me of the potential problem. I am seeking a divorce and my US citizen... View More

Hector E. Quiroga
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Hector E. Quiroga
answered on Nov 8, 2018

You need to speak with an attorney familiar with federal law around international financial transactions.

1 Answer | Asked in International Law for Washington on
Q: I am international student. I paid money to roommates before i came back to my country, but they did not pay ityet
Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Jul 25, 2018

This isn’t a question. Perhaps you need to schedule a consult with a lawyer to help formulate a question.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and International Law for Washington on
Q: How do I go about hiring a lawyer about a case in France? Or maybe get some advice on what to do next

This is for my 24 yr old son.

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Jul 10, 2018

Many lawyers practicing International Trade law have contacts around the world and can research for qualified lawyers in foreign countries. Also, the U.S. Embassy in many countries maintains a list of local attorneys, though the reference may not constitute a referral. As far as I know, there is no... View More

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