Engagement, Marriage and Legal U.S. Immigration Status
Engagement, Marriage and Legal U.S. Immigration Status

Engagement and marriage to a U.S. Citizen is by far the most direct and immediate path to securing legal immigration status in the United States. For that very reason, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (“USCIS”) reviews each and every application under a heightened level of scrutiny in an attempt to uncover any evidence of immigration fraud or misrepresentation. Since the path to citizenship is shortened and simplified for individuals who are married to U.S. citizens, the potential for abuse of the system is intensified. Our current immigration laws were written favorably towards fiancés and spouses in an effort to not only promote family unity, but also to ensure that the law was not a direct obstacle to keeping families together. Given the public policy interests for providing this fast track to fiancés and spouses, it is important to note that, despite increased scrutiny, bona fide relationships and marriages will easily overcome any hurdles faced during the application process.

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Immigration LawMichael CarboneCarbone Law, LLCImmigration, Visas, Greencard, Fiancé Visas Comment
Are Verbal Contracts or "Handshake Agreements" Valid?
Are Verbal Contracts or "Handshake Agreements" Valid?

Every valid, enforceable contract has three key components: (1) An offer, (2) an acceptance of that offer, and (3) consideration, i.e., a benefit which must be bargained for between the parties. The benefit can be money, a promise to do something or a promise to refrain from doing something. When two parties discuss entering into a contract, most people picture a large stack of paper with all the specifics and details hammered out, the attorneys are in the room and the parties are there to sign that paperwork, which is the physical embodiment of their months of long, drawn out negotiations.

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Contract Law, General Legal PrinciplesMichael CarboneCarbone Law, LLCContracts, Legal Documents, Verbal ContractsComment
Immigration Law Overview: Who Can Legally Live, Work and Travel Within the United States?
Immigration Law Overview: Who Can Legally Live, Work and Travel Within the United States?

The Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”) was originally enacted in 1952 and although it has been amended numerous times, it addresses all aspects of our immigration system, including, birthright citizenship, asylum, deportation, travel visas, and legal authorizations to live and work in the United States.

Due to the immense complexity of our immigration laws, it’s quite easy to misunderstand the different ways that someone is legally authorized to live, work and travel within the United States.

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Immigration LawMichael CarboneCarbone Law, LLCImmigration, Work Authorization, Naturalization, Legal Permanent Residency, VisasComment
Should I Use a Will or Contract Template that I Downloaded Off the Internet?
Should I Use a Will or Contract Template that I Downloaded Off the Internet?

So, you want to write your own will or you’re in a bind and need a contract, should you use a template that you downloaded off the internet? Maybe, but your safest option is to proceed with caution.

While the internet has made it easier than ever before to have access to free legal templates, it has also created an outlet for increased exposure to legal liability. Besides the ease and affordability of downloading a template, the risks often outweigh the benefits. Choosing to prepare your own will or contract is certainly legal; however, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still consider the risks of dismissing professional legal assistance.

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Estate Planning, Contract Law, General Legal PrinciplesMichael CarboneCarbone Law, LLCLast Will & Testament, Contracts, Legal DocumentsComment