Planning Without Papers: Estate Planning Options for Undocumented Immigrants in the U.S.

Planning Without Papers: Estate Planning Options for Undocumented Immigrants in the U.S.

In the United States, many undocumented immigrants live with constant uncertainty—about their future, their families, and their legal rights. One area that is often misunderstood or ignored is estate planning. Too many undocumented individuals believe that because they lack legal immigration status, they cannot write a will, create a trust, or protect their families and […]

Injured and Undocumented: What Are Your Legal Rights on a Construction Site in the U.S.?

Injured and Undocumented: What Are Your Legal Rights on a Construction Site in the U.S.?

Every day, undocumented immigrants show up to some of the most dangerous jobs in America—particularly in construction. They work hard, often without health insurance or safety guarantees, and put their lives at risk to build homes, offices, and roads across the country. But what happens when an undocumented worker is injured on the job? Too […]

Dividing Lives, Defending Rights: Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in New York When One Spouse Is Undocumented

Dividing Lives, Defending Rights: Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in New York When One Spouse Is Undocumented

Divorce is always challenging—but when immigration status is part of the equation, it becomes significantly more complicated. For couples in New York State, understanding the legal distinction between contested and uncontested divorces is the first step in navigating a separation. When one spouse is undocumented, the stakes are even higher, involving not just emotional and […]

Incest: A Family’s Dirty Secret – Rights, Responsibilities, and the Path to Healing

Incest: A Family’s Dirty Secret – Rights, Responsibilities, and the Path to Healing

By: Janet Howard Protecting Victims, Parental Duties, and Legal Rights Incest is one of the most damaging forms of abuse, leaving deep emotional, psychological, and often physical scars on its victims. This complex issue carries profound legal and moral implications—not only for the perpetrator but also for the non-offending parent, who has a duty to […]

Dual Citizenship: The USA Does Not Recognize, and Revocation of U.S. Citizenship

Dual Citizenship: The USA Does Not Recognize, and Revocation of U.S. Citizenship

By Brian Figeroux, Esq.  Dual citizenship is a legal status in which a person holds citizenship in two countries simultaneously. This situation often arises when individuals are born to parents from different countries or when they acquire a new nationality through naturalization while retaining their original one. In an increasingly globalized world, dual citizenship has […]

The Dangers of Filing an Uncontested Divorce Instead of a Contested Divorce in New York State

The Dangers of Filing an Uncontested Divorce Instead of a Contested Divorce in New York State

By Brian Figeroux, Esq. Divorce is a significant legal and financial decision that requires careful consideration of its long-term consequences. In New York State (NYS), couples can choose between uncontested and contested divorces, depending on whether they agree on the key aspects of the divorce, such as property division, child custody, and spousal support. While […]

A Step-by-Step Guide to Collecting Surplus Money in Foreclosure Actions Under RPAPL §1361 in New York

A Step-by-Step Guide to Collecting Surplus Money in Foreclosure Actions Under RPAPL §1361 in New York

By Brian Figeroux, Esq. In New York, when a foreclosed property is sold for more than the outstanding mortgage debt and associated costs, the excess funds are known as surplus monies. These funds are deposited with the court and can be claimed by individuals or entities with a legitimate interest, such as junior lienholders or […]

Historical Context of Guantánamo Bay Detention Practices and Modern Immigrant Rights Under President Trump

Historical Context of Guantánamo Bay Detention Practices and Modern Immigrant Rights Under President Trump

By Brian Figeroux, Esq.  Guantánamo Bay, located on the southeastern coast of Cuba, has been under U.S. control since 1903. Its detention facility gained international attention post-9/11 when it was used to hold individuals captured during the “War on Terror.” The choice of Guantánamo was strategic, aiming to place detainees outside the jurisdiction of U.S. […]

Attorney General James Releases Tips for New Yorkers to Protect Themselves from Predatory Debt Collectors

Attorney General James Releases Tips for New Yorkers to Protect Themselves from Predatory Debt Collectors

Editorial credit: wisely / shutterstock.com  NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today released a guide to help New Yorkers use the state’s Exempt Income Protection Act (EIPA) to protect their money from debt collectors. The EIPA is a state law that prevents debt collectors from draining consumers’ bank accounts, leaving them unable to cover […]