Family Law and Immigration Law
in Seattle, Washington

Adjustment of status is the process through which you can obtain lawful permanent residency, also known as your “green card,” when you are already physically located in the United States. You can apply for adjustment of status in the family category, the employment category, or the refugee category. In today’s blog, we’ll focus on answering some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the family-based Read More

Life happens and circumstances change. Whether you are a parent who pays child support or a parent who needs to receive it to provide for your child, you know what a big role this financial arrangement plays in the lives of everyone involved. So what happens when the child support arrangement ordered by the court is no longer right? There are lots of situations in which this might be the case, and sometimes it is Read More

Washington law provides that spousal maintenance (aka “alimony”) awards to be modified but only as to future payments and only if you can show a substantial change of circumstances. The law also provides that the obligation to pay maintenance stops upon death of either the recipient or the payor or remarriage or registration of a domestic partnership of the party receiving maintenance. Parties may also agree to Read More

There is a strong presumption for custodial continuity in the state of Washington.  A trial court must determine and allocate the parties’ parental responsibilities based on what is in the best interest of the child.   The “best interests of the child” standard is the top consideration in parenting plan modification cases, which is served by stability unless a change must protect the child from physical, mental, or Read More

At Zafiro Law, we like to keep on top of everything happening in the world of immigration. While that often means keeping up to date with the latest changes to the law, it also sometimes means learning about scams that target immigrants. In today’s blog post, we’re uncovering one of those scams -- a trend of people taking advantage of a common misconception in immigrant communities. Read on to learn more! You may Read More

A few weeks ago, USCIS resumed in-person public services at its field offices, asylum offices, and application support centers (ASCs).  What this means is that USCIS has resumed scheduling interviews and biometrics appointments.  However, the number of appointments and interviews are still limited to ensure social distancing, allow time for proper cleaning and sanitation, and reduce waiting room occupancy. Here Read More

Divorce proceedings officially kick off when you or your spouse are served with divorce papers. If you’re the one getting served, whether you knew it was coming or it comes as a surprise, this can be a very emotional moment. However, it is important to take action quickly to protect your rights and safeguard your future. Here are the steps you need to take after being serve with divorce papers: Review the Read More

“Naturalization” is the process by which an immigrant can become a citizen of the country in which they are living. In order to become a citizen of the United States, you will be required to complete a naturalization interview in which you will be asked questions about your application and your background. At the time of your interview, you must also take a test. The test involves reading, writing, and speaking Read More

When a baby is born and the mother is married, the law automatically assumes that the mother’s husband is the baby’s father. The couple does not have to take extra steps in order for the father’s name to appear on the baby’s birth certificate or for him to have parental rights and obligations. However, if you’re a father and you are not married to your child’s mother, things are a little different. You and the mother Read More

As the United States responds to coronavirus, many immigrants are feeling frightened and confused about how this will impact them. While things are changing quickly and it’s difficult to be certain of what we can expect, our team is here for you and wants to help. In today’s blog, we’re looking at a few of the ways COVID-19 has affected the immigration process and what these changes mean for you.  Limited Read More