Marriage-based immigration process for a spouse living outside the U.S.

By Mo Syed

If you are a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident and are married to a foreign national who is living abroad, you may file an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative for them to come to the U.S.[1]

Steps for the Entire Process:

1) Filing the I-130:

The first step of starting this process is for the U.S. citizen to file the I-130 petition along with all supporting evidence to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). *See below for a check list of what is needed for the I-130 filing.

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It's Tax Time

By Cheryl Hepfer

Although most folks think that tax time is April 15th or thereabouts, there are a number of things that you should consider doing before the end of the year that may affect your tax obligation for 2023.

Certainly, check with your accountant or tax advisor, but generally, the end of December and the beginning of January are prime times to get organized. If you don’t already have a CPA or tax professional, this is good time to find one and establish a relationship. CPAs often stop taking on new clients after the beginning of the year, and some tax planning in December may be very beneficial.

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Mohammad Ali Syed is a principal attorney in Offit Kurman’s Immigration Law practice group.

He represents clients in business and employment related permanent and temporary visa matters.

He also represents families and individuals in family-based immigration matters, such as fiancé, spouse and immediate family member applications. He also litigates immigration matters in federal courts.

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Pet Edition

Cheryl’s dog, Pepper, celebrates Thanksgiving in style.

Sandy’s dog, Gigi, celebrates her 4^th birthday relaxing by the fire.

Goat Cheese Wrapped in Phyllo Dough

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon light butter
4 small white onions, chopped
1 teaspoon sugar
1⁄2 cup balsamic vinegar
1⁄3 cup honey
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
4 frozen phyllo pastry sheets, thawed
butter-flavored cooking spray
3 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

INSTRUCTIONS

Melt butter in large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add onions and sugar; cook, stirring often, 30 minutes or until caramel colored.
Add vinegar and honey; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 15 to 20 minutes or until thickened.
Stir in thyme.
Stack phyllo, coating each layer with cooking spray.
Cut into 6 (5 inch) squares and spoon onion mixture evenly onto center of phyllo squares.
Top evenly with goat cheese.
Lift corners and twist together.
Place packets on a lightly greased baking sheet and lightly spray each packet with cooking spray.
Bake at 375°F for 12 minutes or until golden.

Enjoy!

Sandra A. Brooks

[email protected]

240.507.1716

As a family law attorney, Sandra (Sandy) Brooks’ practice focuses on a wide range of aspects in regards to family law. She dedicates her time to assisting clients in domestic law matters including divorce, child custody and visitation, family mediation, spousal and child support, property division, and division of retirement benefits. Other matters that fall under her jurisdiction as a family law attorney include tax consequences of divorce, mediation, prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, negotiating and drafting of separation agreements, domestic litigation, and post-judgment proceedings. Sandy is a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

Cheryl L. Hepfer

[email protected]

240.507.1717

Cheryl Hepfer is a highly-regarded attorney who has practiced family law for more than 40 years. She has been rated by her peers and is listed in Best Lawyers in America and as a top lawyer in the Washingtonian, Bethesda Magazine, and Super Lawyers. She is past president of both the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Family Lawyers.

Her practice consists primarily of domestic litigation involving significant assets and business interests. She has a wealth of experience in complex cases involving significant assets and property distribution, alimony, child custody and access. She has significant experience representing owners of businesses and their spouses, and those with significant assets, and works with business valuation experts and forensic accountants to maximize the benefits to her clients.

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