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  • View Transcript

    Different from other law firms is that a few years ago we switched from an hourly rate firm to a flat fee per tier firm to save our clients money. Let me give you an example. In a divorce, let’s say a contested divorce, we go through filing the preliminary documents and then engaging in Discovery. In the state of Georgia, Discovery is about six months. So, we provide a fee that covers the client from the initial filings through the discovery period because a lot of times we’re able to resolve the case during that period. And if we are, then that’s the fee, and you’re out the door. However, if we are unable to resolve it at that juncture, then the next step is mediation, so we charge a separate fee for that. If we are unable to resolve it at mediation, then we are looking at a final trial. There is a fee for trial prep and trial. We find that there’s no reason to charge a client for everything if they don’t need all the services. Everyone knows that fees can get expensive when you’re talking about hiring a law firm, so our goal is that we hope that we’re helping individuals by providing this fee structure.


    The name of the firm is Atlanta Family and Immigration Law. We revised the name of the firm a few years back from the Law Office of Judes to specifically Atlanta Family and Immigration Law because we wanted potential clients to know what services we provide. Not many firms, I can say in the Metro Atlanta area, provide the service that we provide. We represent folks in both family law cases and immigration cases; however, we also work in the intersection of family and immigration. So that means that most times we represent clients in both cases, so we have an immigration case and a family law case going forward simultaneously. What that means is that a lot of clients come to this firm because they are married to a U.S citizen and they are a foreigner, or they are a foreigner married to a U.S citizen. So we represent both. However, things did not work out, and now they’re going through a divorce but that U.S citizen spouse petitioned for them to be in the United States and provided them status. So now what happens when your petitioner is gone and you are the beneficiary in your case is still pending before immigration or USCIS? This is where we come in. We try to assist you in maintaining your status in the United States while going through a divorce. In addition to that, I actually wrote a book about that and we released that earlier this year where it talks about Through The Eyes of an immigration attorney, maintaining your immigration status while going through a divorce and finding Freedom.


    The firm also handles landlord-tenant cases. We have tried to not handle those cases as frequently anymore. However, we understand that there is a need for these cases or representation for these cases in the state of Georgia because of the way that the landlord-tenant laws are written. Tenants are really at a disadvantage in the state of Georgia, and that is why we continue to represent tenants in specific cases when they need that assistance.


  • View Transcript

    When posed with the common inquiry about sponsoring family members, the response often falls into the realm of “maybe,” a nuanced answer typical of legal consultations. Attorneys are prone to navigating uncertainties, and the ability to sponsor relatives is contingent on the familial relationship and its classification by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).


    Immediate relatives, such as spouses, parents, children, or stepchildren, are considered for sponsorship, enjoying the benefit of unlimited visas available for expeditious immigration. However, when contemplating the sponsorship of a brother, sister, nephew, or similar relatives, the USCIS introduces complexities. Factors like the relative’s age, marital status, and parental status come into play.


    For instance, sponsoring a single, unmarried sibling without children might offer a more feasible pathway, whereas sponsoring a married sibling with children may involve a protracted waiting period of 15 to 20 years. The USCIS strategically manages immigration quotas, making the sponsorship process contingent on specific criteria and influencing the timeframe within which visas become available. Hence, the answer to the sponsorship question is nuanced and contingent on the immediate relative status and the specific familial relationship under consideration.


  • View Transcript

    Different from other law firms is that a few years ago we switched from an hourly rate firm to a flat fee per tier firm to save our clients money. Let me give you an example. In a divorce, let’s say a contested divorce, we go through filing the preliminary documents and then engaging in Discovery. In the state of Georgia, Discovery is about six months. So, we provide a fee that covers the client from the initial filings through the discovery period because a lot of times we’re able to resolve the case during that period. And if we are, then that’s the fee, and you’re out the door. However, if we are unable to resolve it at that juncture, then the next step is mediation, so we charge a separate fee for that. If we are unable to resolve it at mediation, then we are looking at a final trial. There is a fee for trial prep and trial. We find that there’s no reason to charge a client for everything if they don’t need all the services. Everyone knows that fees can get expensive when you’re talking about hiring a law firm, so our goal is that we hope that we’re helping individuals by providing this fee structure.


    The name of the firm is Atlanta Family and Immigration Law. We revised the name of the firm a few years back from the Law Office of Judes to specifically Atlanta Family and Immigration Law because we wanted potential clients to know what services we provide. Not many firms, I can say in the Metro Atlanta area, provide the service that we provide. We represent folks in both family law cases and immigration cases; however, we also work in the intersection of family and immigration. So that means that most times we represent clients in both cases, so we have an immigration case and a family law case going forward simultaneously. What that means is that a lot of clients come to this firm because they are married to a U.S citizen and they are a foreigner, or they are a foreigner married to a U.S citizen. So we represent both. However, things did not work out, and now they’re going through a divorce but that U.S citizen spouse petitioned for them to be in the United States and provided them status. So now what happens when your petitioner is gone and you are the beneficiary in your case is still pending before immigration or USCIS? This is where we come in. We try to assist you in maintaining your status in the United States while going through a divorce. In addition to that, I actually wrote a book about that and we released that earlier this year where it talks about Through The Eyes of an immigration attorney, maintaining your immigration status while going through a divorce and finding Freedom.


    The firm also handles landlord-tenant cases. We have tried to not handle those cases as frequently anymore. However, we understand that there is a need for these cases or representation for these cases in the state of Georgia because of the way that the landlord-tenant laws are written. Tenants are really at a disadvantage in the state of Georgia, and that is why we continue to represent tenants in specific cases when they need that assistance.


  • View Transcript

    When posed with the common inquiry about sponsoring family members, the response often falls into the realm of “maybe,” a nuanced answer typical of legal consultations. Attorneys are prone to navigating uncertainties, and the ability to sponsor relatives is contingent on the familial relationship and its classification by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).


    Immediate relatives, such as spouses, parents, children, or stepchildren, are considered for sponsorship, enjoying the benefit of unlimited visas available for expeditious immigration. However, when contemplating the sponsorship of a brother, sister, nephew, or similar relatives, the USCIS introduces complexities. Factors like the relative’s age, marital status, and parental status come into play.


    For instance, sponsoring a single, unmarried sibling without children might offer a more feasible pathway, whereas sponsoring a married sibling with children may involve a protracted waiting period of 15 to 20 years. The USCIS strategically manages immigration quotas, making the sponsorship process contingent on specific criteria and influencing the timeframe within which visas become available. Hence, the answer to the sponsorship question is nuanced and contingent on the immediate relative status and the specific familial relationship under consideration.


  • View Transcript

    Business owners pose one of the significant challenges in family law cases. The level of control business owners exert over their income reported to the government varies, depending on factors like the presence of a bookkeeper, CPA, or tax strategist managing their financial records regularly. In Georgia, many small business owners lack these professionals, complicating matters when discussing revenue and income during divorce proceedings.


    For instance, some business owners may pay employees under the table or in cash, making it challenging to accurately determine revenue and expenses. A spouse might assert that the business generates a substantial monthly income, while in reality, significant expenses reduce the actual income. This discrepancy often leads to disputes in divorce cases, with one spouse advocating for alimony and child support based on the perceived higher income, contrary to the lower actual income after deducting expenses. This issue becomes a prominent concern in cases involving the division of assets.


  • View Transcript

    0:04

    we have been Drafting and preparing


    0:07

    prenuptial agreements for a very long


    0:10

    time now


    0:12

    we meet with one party even though we


    0:16

    communicate with both parties we meet


    0:19

    with one party we can only represent one


    0:21

    of the two


    0:23

    we prepare the documents we prepare the


    0:26

    uh agreements what the parties want to


    0:29

    agree to and then we allow the other


    0:32

    party to take it to another lawyer to


    0:35

    have it reviewed but essentially what


    0:38

    the prenuptial agreement is doing is


    0:40

    protecting the individual and their


    0:42

    assets a lot of folks are getting


    0:45

    married later in life


    0:47

    and so they have acquired homes and cars


    0:52

    and properties and vacation homes during


    0:55

    that time


    0:56

    and so although they are now attaching


    0:59

    themselves to another human being for


    1:01

    Life hopefully they want to be able to


    1:04

    protect those things in case things do


    1:07

    not work out


    1:08

    and so we advise folks even if you don’t


    1:13

    have any assets that it is best that you


    1:16

    go ahead and prepare a prenuptial


    1:19

    agreement because although you may have


    1:21

    started with not much or minimal things


    1:25

    change over the years you start to make


    1:28

    more money in your career you start to


    1:32

    acquire additional assets and here’s the


    1:35

    thing that upsets people most when I


    1:38

    represent them in divorces


    1:41

    the 401K


    1:43

    that is very upsetting to people because


    1:46

    whatever is accrued during the marriage


    1:50

    it is it is Up For Debate it is 50 50.


    1:55

    and some people say well I’m the one who


    1:58

    got up every day and went to work and


    1:59

    this other person didn’t go to work


    2:02

    so all of that money should be mine


    2:05

    that’s not the way it works


    2:07

    so if you want to protect your 401k or


    2:11

    your IRA then you want to include that


    2:13

    in a prenuptial agreement I will tell


    2:16

    you people don’t have any issues paying


    2:18

    child support


    2:19

    or even giving up a car or giving up


    2:23

    equity in the home but they very seldom


    2:27

    do I see someone say oh sure they can


    2:29

    have 50 of my 401k


    2:31

    and so that’s where that prenuptial


    2:34

    agreement matters what can’t be


    2:37

    addressed in a prenuptial agreement is


    2:39

    child support and child custody because


    2:43

    it is not for the individual parties to


    2:45

    decide it is for the maintenance of the


    2:48

    minor child and it is going to be based


    2:50

    on income


  • View Transcript

    Business owners pose one of the significant challenges in family law cases. The level of control business owners exert over their income reported to the government varies, depending on factors like the presence of a bookkeeper, CPA, or tax strategist managing their financial records regularly. In Georgia, many small business owners lack these professionals, complicating matters when discussing revenue and income during divorce proceedings.


    For instance, some business owners may pay employees under the table or in cash, making it challenging to accurately determine revenue and expenses. A spouse might assert that the business generates a substantial monthly income, while in reality, significant expenses reduce the actual income. This discrepancy often leads to disputes in divorce cases, with one spouse advocating for alimony and child support based on the perceived higher income, contrary to the lower actual income after deducting expenses. This issue becomes a prominent concern in cases involving the division of assets.


  • View Transcript

    0:04

    we have been Drafting and preparing


    0:07

    prenuptial agreements for a very long


    0:10

    time now


    0:12

    we meet with one party even though we


    0:16

    communicate with both parties we meet


    0:19

    with one party we can only represent one


    0:21

    of the two


    0:23

    we prepare the documents we prepare the


    0:26

    uh agreements what the parties want to


    0:29

    agree to and then we allow the other


    0:32

    party to take it to another lawyer to


    0:35

    have it reviewed but essentially what


    0:38

    the prenuptial agreement is doing is


    0:40

    protecting the individual and their


    0:42

    assets a lot of folks are getting


    0:45

    married later in life


    0:47

    and so they have acquired homes and cars


    0:52

    and properties and vacation homes during


    0:55

    that time


    0:56

    and so although they are now attaching


    0:59

    themselves to another human being for


    1:01

    Life hopefully they want to be able to


    1:04

    protect those things in case things do


    1:07

    not work out


    1:08

    and so we advise folks even if you don’t


    1:13

    have any assets that it is best that you


    1:16

    go ahead and prepare a prenuptial


    1:19

    agreement because although you may have


    1:21

    started with not much or minimal things


    1:25

    change over the years you start to make


    1:28

    more money in your career you start to


    1:32

    acquire additional assets and here’s the


    1:35

    thing that upsets people most when I


    1:38

    represent them in divorces


    1:41

    the 401K


    1:43

    that is very upsetting to people because


    1:46

    whatever is accrued during the marriage


    1:50

    it is it is Up For Debate it is 50 50.


    1:55

    and some people say well I’m the one who


    1:58

    got up every day and went to work and


    1:59

    this other person didn’t go to work


    2:02

    so all of that money should be mine


    2:05

    that’s not the way it works


    2:07

    so if you want to protect your 401k or


    2:11

    your IRA then you want to include that


    2:13

    in a prenuptial agreement I will tell


    2:16

    you people don’t have any issues paying


    2:18

    child support


    2:19

    or even giving up a car or giving up


    2:23

    equity in the home but they very seldom


    2:27

    do I see someone say oh sure they can


    2:29

    have 50 of my 401k


    2:31

    and so that’s where that prenuptial


    2:34

    agreement matters what can’t be


    2:37

    addressed in a prenuptial agreement is


    2:39

    child support and child custody because


    2:43

    it is not for the individual parties to


    2:45

    decide it is for the maintenance of the


    2:48

    minor child and it is going to be based


    2:50

    on income


  • View Transcript

    0:04

    we have been Drafting and preparing


    0:07

    prenuptial agreements for a very long


    0:10

    time now


    0:12

    we meet with one party even though we


    0:16

    communicate with both parties we meet


    0:19

    with one party we can only represent one


    0:21

    of the two


    0:23

    we prepare the documents we prepare the


    0:26

    uh agreements what the parties want to


    0:29

    agree to and then we allow the other


    0:32

    party to take it to another lawyer to


    0:35

    have it reviewed but essentially what


    0:38

    the prenuptial agreement is doing is


    0:40

    protecting the individual and their


    0:42

    assets a lot of folks are getting


    0:45

    married later in life


    0:47

    and so they have acquired homes and cars


    0:52

    and properties and vacation homes during


    0:55

    that time


    0:56

    and so although they are now attaching


    0:59

    themselves to another human being for


    1:01

    Life hopefully they want to be able to


    1:04

    protect those things in case things do


    1:07

    not work out


    1:08

    and so we advise folks even if you don’t


    1:13

    have any assets that it is best that you


    1:16

    go ahead and prepare a prenuptial


    1:19

    agreement because although you may have


    1:21

    started with not much or minimal things


    1:25

    change over the years you start to make


    1:28

    more money in your career you start to


    1:32

    acquire additional assets and here’s the


    1:35

    thing that upsets people most when I


    1:38

    represent them in divorces


    1:41

    the 401K


    1:43

    that is very upsetting to people because


    1:46

    whatever is accrued during the marriage


    1:50

    it is it is Up For Debate it is 50 50.


    1:55

    and some people say well I’m the one who


    1:58

    got up every day and went to work and


    1:59

    this other person didn’t go to work


    2:02

    so all of that money should be mine


    2:05

    that’s not the way it works


    2:07

    so if you want to protect your 401k or


    2:11

    your IRA then you want to include that


    2:13

    in a prenuptial agreement I will tell


    2:16

    you people don’t have any issues paying


    2:18

    child support


    2:19

    or even giving up a car or giving up


    2:23

    equity in the home but they very seldom


    2:27

    do I see someone say oh sure they can


    2:29

    have 50 of my 401k


    2:31

    and so that’s where that prenuptial


    2:34

    agreement matters what can’t be


    2:37

    addressed in a prenuptial agreement is


    2:39

    child support and child custody because


    2:43

    it is not for the individual parties to


    2:45

    decide it is for the maintenance of the


    2:48

    minor child and it is going to be based


    2:50

    on income

  • View Transcript

    I’ve authored two books, one dedicated to co-parenting during and after divorce and the second addressing the intersection of divorce and immigration status maintenance. Additionally, I’ve been honored to be recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2019 and chosen as a Top Lawyer in the state of Georgia 40 under.

  • View Transcript

    0:04

    we have been Drafting and preparing


    0:07

    prenuptial agreements for a very long


    0:10

    time now


    0:12

    we meet with one party even though we


    0:16

    communicate with both parties we meet


    0:19

    with one party we can only represent one


    0:21

    of the two


    0:23

    we prepare the documents we prepare the


    0:26

    uh agreements what the parties want to


    0:29

    agree to and then we allow the other


    0:32

    party to take it to another lawyer to


    0:35

    have it reviewed but essentially what


    0:38

    the prenuptial agreement is doing is


    0:40

    protecting the individual and their


    0:42

    assets a lot of folks are getting


    0:45

    married later in life


    0:47

    and so they have acquired homes and cars


    0:52

    and properties and vacation homes during


    0:55

    that time


    0:56

    and so although they are now attaching


    0:59

    themselves to another human being for


    1:01

    Life hopefully they want to be able to


    1:04

    protect those things in case things do


    1:07

    not work out


    1:08

    and so we advise folks even if you don’t


    1:13

    have any assets that it is best that you


    1:16

    go ahead and prepare a prenuptial


    1:19

    agreement because although you may have


    1:21

    started with not much or minimal things


    1:25

    change over the years you start to make


    1:28

    more money in your career you start to


    1:32

    acquire additional assets and here’s the


    1:35

    thing that upsets people most when I


    1:38

    represent them in divorces


    1:41

    the 401K


    1:43

    that is very upsetting to people because


    1:46

    whatever is accrued during the marriage


    1:50

    it is it is Up For Debate it is 50 50.


    1:55

    and some people say well I’m the one who


    1:58

    got up every day and went to work and


    1:59

    this other person didn’t go to work


    2:02

    so all of that money should be mine


    2:05

    that’s not the way it works


    2:07

    so if you want to protect your 401k or


    2:11

    your IRA then you want to include that


    2:13

    in a prenuptial agreement I will tell


    2:16

    you people don’t have any issues paying


    2:18

    child support


    2:19

    or even giving up a car or giving up


    2:23

    equity in the home but they very seldom


    2:27

    do I see someone say oh sure they can


    2:29

    have 50 of my 401k


    2:31

    and so that’s where that prenuptial


    2:34

    agreement matters what can’t be


    2:37

    addressed in a prenuptial agreement is


    2:39

    child support and child custody because


    2:43

    it is not for the individual parties to


    2:45

    decide it is for the maintenance of the


    2:48

    minor child and it is going to be based


    2:50

    on income

  • View Transcript

    I’ve authored two books, one dedicated to co-parenting during and after divorce and the second addressing the intersection of divorce and immigration status maintenance. Additionally, I’ve been honored to be recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2019 and chosen as a Top Lawyer in the state of Georgia 40 under.

  • View Transcript

    Georgia is one of the states that offer legal separation, a legal status some states do not provide. In states without legal separation, the only means to terminate a marriage is through divorce. Legal separation in Georgia caters to individuals who, for religious or personal reasons, prefer not to associate the term “divorce” with their situation.


    For those seeking legal separation, the divorce process is undertaken, resulting in a legal separation order signed by the judges. This order comprehensively addresses the division of assets and liabilities, custody matters, and other relevant aspects, essentially mirroring a divorce agreement. Despite the thorough legal separation process, the individuals involved remain legally married. It is important to note that being legally separated does not grant the freedom to marry someone else, as the marital status persists.


    In contrast, a divorce represents a clean break, where all pertinent issues are addressed, allowing the parties involved to part ways definitively and potentially remarry in the future. The key distinction lies in the permanence of the separation, with legal separation maintaining the marital status, while divorce signifies a complete and final dissolution of the marriage.


  • View Transcript

    I have partnered with the State Department, and they will reach out to me if there is an international abduction case that has come across their desk. We have handled cases from Jamaica, the UK, France, Mexico, and Brazil. These cases are exceptionally challenging, ranking among the most difficult ones we deal with. In such instances, the courts assess whether the country is a signatory of the Abduction Hague Convention law. If the country is a signatory, the next consideration is the presence of existing custody orders in that country, whether from the U.S. or the other involved country.


    If a custody order is already in place, the federal courts do not determine custody. Instead, they honor the existing order and facilitate the return of the child to the designated jurisdiction. This may result in the child staying in the U.S. with the parent present or necessitate their return to the other country. These cases evoke strong emotions as a child is being removed from a parent, making them some of the most difficult to handle. However, these cases are expedited in federal court, allowing only 60 days from the time the case is received for resolution. This urgency has led to instances where clients from France and the UK have attended hearings, and on the same day, the child is returned to their home country.


  • View Transcript

    Georgia is one of the states that offer legal separation, a legal status some states do not provide. In states without legal separation, the only means to terminate a marriage is through divorce. Legal separation in Georgia caters to individuals who, for religious or personal reasons, prefer not to associate the term “divorce” with their situation.


    For those seeking legal separation, the divorce process is undertaken, resulting in a legal separation order signed by the judges. This order comprehensively addresses the division of assets and liabilities, custody matters, and other relevant aspects, essentially mirroring a divorce agreement. Despite the thorough legal separation process, the individuals involved remain legally married. It is important to note that being legally separated does not grant the freedom to marry someone else, as the marital status persists.


    In contrast, a divorce represents a clean break, where all pertinent issues are addressed, allowing the parties involved to part ways definitively and potentially remarry in the future. The key distinction lies in the permanence of the separation, with legal separation maintaining the marital status, while divorce signifies a complete and final dissolution of the marriage.


  • View Transcript

    I have partnered with the State Department, and they will reach out to me if there is an international abduction case that has come across their desk. We have handled cases from Jamaica, the UK, France, Mexico, and Brazil. These cases are exceptionally challenging, ranking among the most difficult ones we deal with. In such instances, the courts assess whether the country is a signatory of the Abduction Hague Convention law. If the country is a signatory, the next consideration is the presence of existing custody orders in that country, whether from the U.S. or the other involved country.


    If a custody order is already in place, the federal courts do not determine custody. Instead, they honor the existing order and facilitate the return of the child to the designated jurisdiction. This may result in the child staying in the U.S. with the parent present or necessitate their return to the other country. These cases evoke strong emotions as a child is being removed from a parent, making them some of the most difficult to handle. However, these cases are expedited in federal court, allowing only 60 days from the time the case is received for resolution. This urgency has led to instances where clients from France and the UK have attended hearings, and on the same day, the child is returned to their home country.


  • View Transcript

    There are occasions when the representation involves the landlord; however, more often than not, the focus is on representing the tenant. Evictions come into play when there is a breach of the lease agreement, which fundamentally serves as a contractual arrangement between the parties. The primary reason for evictions typically centers around rent payment issues, reflecting the landlord’s concern for financial matters.


    In the state of Georgia, landlords are constrained by the legal requirement that prevents them from engaging in self-help evictions. This implies that landlords cannot unilaterally enter the property, change locks, or dispose of the tenant’s belongings. Instead, they are obligated to follow the judicial process, initiating eviction proceedings by filing a formal complaint with the courts. This process is expedited but strictly adheres to legal protocols.


    Evictions are commonly prompted by non-payment of rent, yet other factors such as criminal activities, noise violations, and repeated complaints from fellow tenants could also serve as grounds for eviction. The Georgia eviction process unfolds rapidly, with landlords filing for eviction due to non-payment of rent. Upon filing, tenants are given seven days to respond. Once a response is submitted, including potential counter-complaints, a hearing is scheduled within seven days of the response, with the subsequent hearing typically set seven days later. This expeditious legal process ensures swift resolution, bringing the parties involved to court promptly.


  • View Transcript

    There are occasions when the representation involves the landlord; however, more often than not, the focus is on representing the tenant. Evictions come into play when there is a breach of the lease agreement, which fundamentally serves as a contractual arrangement between the parties. The primary reason for evictions typically centers around rent payment issues, reflecting the landlord’s concern for financial matters.


    In the state of Georgia, landlords are constrained by the legal requirement that prevents them from engaging in self-help evictions. This implies that landlords cannot unilaterally enter the property, change locks, or dispose of the tenant’s belongings. Instead, they are obligated to follow the judicial process, initiating eviction proceedings by filing a formal complaint with the courts. This process is expedited but strictly adheres to legal protocols.


    Evictions are commonly prompted by non-payment of rent, yet other factors such as criminal activities, noise violations, and repeated complaints from fellow tenants could also serve as grounds for eviction. The Georgia eviction process unfolds rapidly, with landlords filing for eviction due to non-payment of rent. Upon filing, tenants are given seven days to respond. Once a response is submitted, including potential counter-complaints, a hearing is scheduled within seven days of the response, with the subsequent hearing typically set seven days later. This expeditious legal process ensures swift resolution, bringing the parties involved to court promptly.


CONTACT OUR FIRM

GET HELP FROM AN ATLANTA FAMILY & IMMIGRATION LAWYER.
FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE CALL
678-601-5580.

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