Family Law and Immigration Law
in Seattle, Washington

Domestic violence is commonly perceived as physical acts, such as punching, shoving, or slapping one’s intimate partner. It can also involve emotional and psychological manipulation so intense that the victims constantly live in fear. Non-physical domestic violence can be difficult to recognize for what it is: one person’s attempts to control another. If you grew up in a household where you were shouted at one Read More

You’ve been a green card holder for a while, and you are now prepared to take your immigration status to the next step and become a US citizen. Congratulations! Not only are you affirming your dedication to your new home, but you also enjoy benefits that are only available to those who are citizens through birth or naturalization, such as: The right to vote and hold public office Eligibility to apply for Read More

People put a lot of effort, time, and money into applying for citizenship, permanent residence, and other immigration benefits because job opportunities, education, safety, and financial stability are sometimes more available in the United States. Despite our country’s reputation as the world’s “melting pot” where many different cultures come together, the rules for the immigration process can vary greatly with each Read More

Both US citizens and lawful permanent residents enjoy the right to live and work in the United States, but the statuses aren’t identical. In this blog, we’ll explain the differences between the two. In most cases, those who immigrate to the US become permanent residents first. They receive a permanent resident card, more commonly known as a green card, that they can use to apply for employment, and Social Security Read More

It’s difficult enough when a relationship deteriorates, but when someone who once claimed to love you is also hurting or threatening to hurt you, the fear can be overwhelming. What can you do to keep yourself and your children safe as you leave that person and seek custody? In Washington state, there are different types of protective orders available, one of which is a restraining order. It is usually filed during Read More

People rarely think about protection orders until they need one. Did you know there are five different civil protection orders available in King County? The different protection orders are: domestic violence, anti-harassment, sexual assault, vulnerable adults, and stalking. These orders are all different and can only be granted in specific circumstances. The petitioner (person that asks for the order of protection) Read More

When petitioning a family member for lawful permanent residence in the US, you must complete an Affidavit of Support, also known as Form I-864. This document is a legally binding and enforceable contract between these parties: The sponsor The sponsored family member The federal government and your state and local governments Any government agency providing income-based public benefits to the sponsored Read More

So far, you and your spouse have been able to work through your divorce with dignity and respect. You don’t need spousal support and you’ve agreed on how to divide all marital property. When it’s time to create a parenting plan, however, things change. Instead of feeling generous and cooperative, you’re now worried, anxious, and even protective. You don’t want to use terms like “sharing” and “visitation” when it Read More

Getting divorced can be a very stressful time, and trying to separate belongings and finances combined for years – or even decades – can make things more difficult. When one spouse tries to come away with more than is considered their share, things can get messy. How do you know what you are entitled to? What is your property and what is considered “community property?” Understanding the legal idea of community Read More

Albert Einstein once encouraged people to “rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life.” It’s a wonderful concept, but sometimes life takes us miles away from those we love. Perhaps you came to the US on an employment-based visa to occupy a vacant executive position at your employer’s US subsidiary. You enjoyed the work, made close friends among your colleagues and neighbors, and finally adjusted your Read More