Posted on April 12, 2024 in Immigration

Lawful permanent residency and U.S. citizenship are both legal statuses that allow you to remain in the United States indefinitely. However, citizens and permanent residents have different rights and privileges. It is easier to become a lawful permanent resident than to become a citizen but to retain your status as a permanent resident, you must be cautious about how often and for how long you leave the country. A citizen, however, may travel or live anywhere in the world without risking his or her citizenship status. Citizenship, once granted, is permanent. If you are unsure which status to pursue, a Bloomingdale, IL immigration attorney can help you determine whether becoming a lawful permanent resident or a citizen would likely be better for you.

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 Posted on April 10, 2024 in Family Law

A mistake commonly made among divorcing couples is posting about their divorce on social media. Many things you say online can be used as evidence against you in court, and it is best to consult with an experienced family law attorney before discussing your divorce, or marriage, on social media.

This article will discuss three ways social media can impact your divorce in Illinois.

Parenting Time

In Illinois, “parenting time” refers to the time that a parent spends with the child during which he or she is responsible for the child’s care. By default, Illinois law prefers to split parenting time evenly between the mother and father. If either parent disputes this arrangement, however, the court will look at many factors when deciding who should be awarded more parenting time. Some of these factors include:

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 Posted on April 09, 2024 in Personal Injury

In Illinois, being so close to Lake Michigan means that many people own boats and go out on the water whenever they have the chance. Boating accidents are very common and can be extremely dangerous, but they often go unreported. Sometimes, if people on the boat were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident, they prefer not to report it so as to avoid any legal repercussions. Even if one of them gets seriously injured or the boat is significantly damaged, the people might agree to cover the costs amongst themselves rather than calling in the authorities and then revealing that they were engaged in illegal activity.

However, if the accident goes unreported, the injured party has no way of requiring the people responsible to cover all the costs that might otherwise be compensated in a personal injury case, including medical bills, emotional and physical therapy, and loss of income. If this has happened to you, you do not need to try to deal with this on your own. An experienced Naperville, IL personal injury lawyer can review your case and advise you on your legal options.

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 Posted on March 26, 2024 in Family Law

One of the most potentially contentious issues in a divorce is child custody. In Illinois, child custody is legally referred to as the allocation of parental responsibilities. When parents cannot reach an amicable parenting agreement, the court may require a custody evaluator to be assigned to the case. A custody evaluator’s role is to assess the situation and provide recommendations that prioritize the best interests of the child. Having an Illinois family lawyer advocate for you in this process is critical.

What Does a Custody Evaluator Do?

Custody evaluators play a crucial role in helping the court make informed decisions about custody by conducting comprehensive evaluations of the family dynamics, parental capabilities, and the child’s needs. They are trained professionals with expertise in child psychology, family dynamics, and conflict resolution. This background allows evaluators to provide valuable insights and recommendations to the court based on their assessments. An evaluator’s involvement becomes necessary when parents cannot resolve their differences through mediation or negotiation, and the court requires additional information to make a fair and impartial decision.

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 Posted on March 21, 2024 in Immigration

Adjustment of status refers to the process by which an individual changes their immigration status from non-immigrant to immigrant while residing in the United States. This legal procedure offers a pathway for individuals already present in the U.S. to obtain lawful permanent resident status, also known as a green card, without the need to return to their home country for visa processing. Knowing when to seek adjustment of status is crucial for immigrants navigating the complex U.S. immigration system.

To apply for adjustment of status, an individual generally needs to meet specific eligibility criteria, including having entered the U.S. lawfully (or being eligible for certain exceptions), maintaining legal status during their stay in the U.S., having an approved immigrant petition, and not being ineligible due to certain criminal or immigration violations. The following are some scenarios under which a person can apply. Due to how complex the process can be, it is recommended that anyone looking to apply for an adjustment of status speak with an Illinois immigration lawyer first.

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 Posted on March 20, 2024 in Personal Injury

Brain bleeds, also referred to as intracranial hemorrhages, are a grave consequence of car accidents. The immense force and abrupt deceleration involved in crashes can inflict severe trauma upon the delicate structures of the brain, leading to various types of bleeding within the cranial cavity. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain bleed injury in a vehicle accident, it is important to speak with an Illinois personal injury lawyer to understand what legal options you may have.

How Do Brain Bleeds Occur?

Although encased within the protective confines of the skull, the brain is particularly vulnerable to injury when there are any kind of rapid acceleration or deceleration forces, such as those that happen in car accidents. These forces can cause the brain to collide against the skull's inner surface, resulting in contusions, lacerations, or the tearing of blood vessels. These injuries usually initiate bleeding within the brain, causing intracranial hemorrhages.

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 Posted on March 12, 2024 in Immigration

According to statistics from the American Medical Association (AMA), the United States could see a physician shortfall of more than 100,000 over the next decade and a shortfall of nurses by almost 200,000. These shortages carry into other healthcare professional areas, as well. This is why non-immigrant visas for healthcare professionals are critical for addressing the nation's healthcare needs and ensuring the availability of skilled medical personnel. Several options are available for coming to the United States to work, depending on the individual's circumstances. An Illinois immigration lawyer can help with this process.

H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa is one of the most common options for skilled workers, including healthcare professionals. This type of Visa allows employers to hire specialized professionals from other countries. The individual must possess a bachelor's degree or higher. Healthcare occupations such as physicians, surgeons, pharmacists, and medical researchers often qualify under this category.

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 Posted on March 08, 2024 in Personal Injury

Truck accidents caused by inexperienced drivers are a significant concern on the nation’s roads. This issue has become even more alarming given the recent data showing that the United States is facing a truck driver shortage. According to a recent study, the country needs to employ more than 80,000 truck drivers this year to compensate for the current shortage. By 2030, it is estimated that the shortage will spike to more than 160,000 drivers. This shortage has led to hiring inexperienced drivers who lack the training to operate these massive vehicles, resulting in more truck accidents and loss of life. If you or your family has been impacted by a commercial truck accident, contact an Illinois personal injury lawyer to find out what legal recourse you may have.

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 Posted on March 05, 2024 in Family Law

Divorce can be an emotional process as it is, but when you are divorcing a narcissistic spouse, it can be an incredibly emotionally exhausting and psychologically taxing experience, fraught with complexities and challenges. Narcissistic individuals often exhibit traits such as grandiosity, manipulation, lack of empathy, and a constant need for admiration. When navigating a divorce with such a person, it is essential to prepare for a tumultuous journey filled with manipulation, gaslighting, and attempts to control the narrative.

If your spouse is narcissistic, then it is important to understand the nature of narcissism and its implications in the context of divorce. Narcissists view relationships as transactions to maintain control and dominance over their partners. They commonly use various tactics to undermine their spouse's position during divorce proceedings. This is why having a skilled Illinois divorce lawyer advocating for you is important.

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 Posted on February 26, 2024 in Family Law

Getting married is a significant life event filled with love, excitement, and hope for the future. While contemplating the possibility of divorce may not be a pleasant thought, considering a prenuptial agreement can offer numerous benefits and provide peace of mind for both partners. The following are some of the most common reasons couples draw up a prenup. To learn more, contact an Illinois family law attorney.

Asset Protection

One of the most common reasons a couple decides to sign a prenuptial agreement is to protect their assets. Whether you have built substantial wealth before marriage through investments, real estate, or business ownership, or if you anticipate inheriting assets in the future, a prenup can establish clear guidelines for how these assets will be managed and divided if you and your spouse divorce.

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