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The H1B Visa is a difficult opportunity for international citizens to work in the United States without a Green Card. There are entire divisions in companies like the Audu Law Firm dedicated to helping applicants through the program. The process can be unnerving, therefore let us go over the necessary information and steps to apply for a H1B Visa. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Each year, the U.S provides a cap for applicants, usually set at 65,000 applicants. In addition to that, 20,000 visas are given to any other people applying. Yearly applications easily exceed that number (85,000). This is why people enter what many call the Lottery Process. Each applicant will receive a number which is used for a computer-generated algorithm to randomly select a number. If you do hold a master's degree or higher, you do have a slight chance advantage, but as in real lottery, nothing is certain. SEARCHING FOR H1B SPONSORS Numbers aside, your primary goal is getting your application sent in the first place. First, you need confirm if you fit the requirements for the visa. The requirement consists of verifying that you are sufficiently educated and/or experienced in your specified profession. This could be proven by a variety of methods, such as having a bachelor’s degree or higher in your particular field. Foreign degrees and relevant experience also work as equivalents. Once that is established, you can begin your search for H1B sponsors, or rather, companies that are accepting H1B applicants. You can find H1B sponsorships on most popular online job boards. There are outlets that will charge you to handle your resume in hopes of increasing your chance of callbacks.  APPLYING FOR QUALIFYING JOBS Now that you’re on the hunt, what type of jobs should be looking for? Aside from jobs adhering to your specialty, the job must be considered a “professional” workplace. This is investigated by U.S. Immigration services regarding the tasks you complete, your prevailing wages, degree requirements, and so on. It’s imperative that this job you’re applying for require specialized skills. The good news is that these can cover a large variety of career paths, ranging from an artist or journalist to a lawyer or scientist. JOB FILES FOR H1B PETITIONS Once you’ve applied and interviewed with your chosen sponsor, you will begin collecting all your relevant documents for your attorney. Don’t forget to file for the Labor Condition Application, as you must file this before applying for the H1B Visa. The submission window is 7 days, thus highlighting the importance of having all files gathered before this session begins. You can refer to the last fiscal year’s process schedule here ; it will benefit you to know your integral dates. THE WAITING GAME Once your sponsor has submitted everything, you’ve done your part. From here on out, it’s all up to the government and its processes to provide you with an answer. Unfortunately, there isn’t a determined time frame for the wait. It could take months before you receive the verdict. It is important to know that thousands of those who applied in Michigan were not granted the visa. If you receive the “declined letter,” keep in mind that there’s always next year. You are free to take new steps in your next attempt like contacting immigration lawyers like our friends at Rathi & Associates . The opportunity is still there and there are plenty of ways to make sure your applications stands a better chance at acceptance.

If you’re contemplating filing for divorce, it’s likely you have a preconceived notion of the idea of divorce. You’d be surprised to find, however, that most stereotypes surrounding divorce are more myth than truth. In this blog, we debunk the five most common divorce myths. MYTH #1: DIVORCE IS THE EASY WAY OUT Divorce is never easy. It can be costly, emotionally draining, and time-consuming – but it is rarely viewed as easy. In most cases, it takes more courage to leave a marriage that is of no benefit to you and your wellbeing than it is to stay in one. MYTH #2: DIVORCE IS ALWAYS COSTLY This is perhaps one of the biggest myths surrounding divorce. The truth is, however, divorce doesn’t have to be expensive. Uncontested divorces tend to move more quickly and efficiently through the court while avoiding the high costs of litigated contested divorce. MYTH #3: YOU SHOULD HIDE YOUR ASSETS In some cases, a spouse may hide valuable assets in an effort to save them from being divided. Under no circumstances should you hide your assets – doing so can land you in more legal trouble than you bargained for. During the divorce process, both parties will be asked to disclose financial records and if you’re hiding assets, they can be uncovered. MYTH #4: IT’S ALWAYS ONE PERSON’S FAULT When the divorce is the direct result of a spouse’s infidelity, it can be easy to point the finger on the cheating spouse – but that isn’t always the case. In most cases, a divorce is the result of both parties being equally unhappy. Unfortunately, a married couple can fall out of love and realize their marriage can’t be saved. MYTH #5: THE MOM ALWAYS GETS THE KIDS When making decisions over child custody, a judge will look more at what is in the best interest of the child rather than the gender of the parent. If the father is the primary caregiver, financially and emotionally, chances are he will be awarded custody of the child. 

The decision to divorce comes with many unpleasant tasks: court dates. Financial reviews. An assessment of your estate. However, for divorcing parents, one task is usually dreaded above all others—telling their children that their parents will no longer be married.  A divorce can loom large in the mind of a child and even have lasting effects on a person into adulthood. With some consideration and care, however, parents can mindfully approach this conversation and ensure that this news is communicated with compassion and sensitivity. Let's take a look at some tips that every divorcing parent should consider before sitting down with their kids. JOT IT DOWN You shouldn't prepare a speech for your children, but sitting down before you speak to them and jotting down a few notes about what you will say and how you will phrase it can be helpful. You will likely answer a lot of questions for your child too, some of which you'll be able to anticipate while preparing notes. PENCIL IT IN Do your best (with your spouse, if possible) to schedule your talk with your children. It's hard to anticipate how long the discussion will take, but recognize that children will likely have questions and will be shocked or upset. You want to avoid bumping into bedtime during this process or other scheduled activities that will whisk your child away from the house before they have time to process the discussion or ask the questions they want to. BE HONEST When talking to upset children, it can be tempting to sugarcoat certain realities so that they, too, do not dread them. This is ill-advised. Confront the hard truths with your child during this first talk so that you later do not have to correct them and recalibrate your child's expectations. KNOW IT'S MORE THAN ONE CONVERSATION No matter how thorough or careful your talk with your child is, remember that this will be a process for everyone and there will likely be more questions and concerns from your children as it proceeds. Patience is key here, as is recognizing that your children will best adapt knowing that they have their parents' attention, consideration, and love.

In most divorces, both spouses manage some level of cooperation to reach the terms of their divorce and move on with their lives. Other times, however, the spouses can be in heated contention with one another about the end of their marriage. When this happens, terms of the divorce must be fought for and some spouses may do unsavory things to try and leverage process in their favor. A common way this is done is for one spouse, usually the "breadwinner" spouse, to hide assets in an attempt to shield them from the property division process. HOW TO FIND HIDDEN ASSETS Just like in a criminal trial, there is a "discovery" process in a divorce proceeding in which each spouse gives the other information on all the marital property they have that should be considered during the property division process. Sometimes, a spouse will know that the other is not being forthcoming during the discovery phase. Other times they can't be sure, but have a healthy suspicion that something is amiss. A knowledgeable Sugar Land divorce attorney, however, can help ensure that the discovery process is thorough as possible. Evaluating your spouse's assets isn't just checking bank accounts—it can be a whole body of evidence made up of different documents and records. Here's what should be asked for during discovery: Tax returns (1040, refunds, etc.) Financial statements (such as credit card statements) Loan applications Bank statements Other relevant documentation (sizable receipts, cancelled checks, etc.) WHAT IF THERE ARE STILL MISSING ASSETS? If your spouse has turned over everything he or she says they have in accordance with the discovery request and you still believe there to be hidden assets, then it may be time to turn to a forensic accountant. A forensic accountant can evaluate the financial information that has been surrendered in the discovery process and trace the flow of cash and other assets and determine whether or not the spouse is being as transparent as they say they are.

At Audu Law Firm, we put our clients’ best interests first. Whether we are helping someone file for divorce, seek compensation for a serious injury, or navigate complex immigration laws, we draw on our knowledge, experience, and skill to secure a favorable outcome. With any case, this starts by developing an attorney-client relationship that is built on mutual trust. When you work with Audu Law Firm, you will always be treated as more than just a number on a case file. Need another reason to choose Audu Law Firm? Consider the following: We offer no-risk consultations to all potential clients Our counsel is compassionate, but our advocacy is aggressive We keep our clients updated throughout every step of their case Our customized solutions are tailored to meet your needs HOW YOU CAN STAY CONNECTED TO AUDU LAW FIRM We treat our clients like people – not case numbers – and we go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure our clients stay informed throughout every step of the process. If you want to stay connect to Audu Law Firm, please visit us on the web! Google+ Facebook Avvo Foursquare Justia Linked In Twitter Yelp FavStar Pinterest Scoop.it Storify Look Up Page Muck Rack AboutMe BlogSpot Flickr WordPress Tumblr

Of all of the important matters that need to be assessed and settled in a divorce, child custody can be the most sensitive and significant. It's common for parents to enter this process with specific outcomes in mind—and to also be surprised how their own, seemingly unrelated behavior has undermined their goals. Let's take a look at five most common child custody mistakes that occur during the divorce process. INSULTING YOUR SPOUSE IN PUBLIC (AND ONLINE) It's normal to be on less-than-perfect terms with your spouse as you enter the divorce process, but when it comes to child custody, the court wants to see that you can encourage your child's relationship with your co-parent. Badmouthing your spouse in public (including social media) does not indicate that you are ready to do this. COACHING YOUR CHILD If your child is old enough, the court will likely take their custody preference into consideration if parents cannot agree on arrangements. When doing so, the court is interested in the child's genuine wishes, not rehearsed answers that one parent has primed their child to give. LIVING WITH A NEW ROMANTIC PARTNER It is not unheard of for one or both parents to already be moving on to other partners before their marriage is officially dissolved. Still, it is highly advised that parents refrain from cohabitation with these partners. The court wants parents to provide as much continuity to their child as possible-- and living with new adults is not part of that continuity. MAKING PARENTAL DECISIONS ALONE In the middle of a divorce, it's normal for a family's routine to be somewhat upended while arrangements are decided and transitions are made. Still, it is important that parents continue to cordially collaborate on parental decisions. Making these decisions alone only demonstrates to the court that you are unwilling to participate in sharing parental responsibilities. BEING OVERLY AGGRESSIVE It is not in the court's interest anymore to simply award custody to one parent and not the other. The court wants parents to continue to collaborate and share as many burdens and joys of parenting as possible. That is why clients who insist on sole custody—either to leverage bargaining or punish their spouse—will often find their demands rejected.

Every family or couple that is looking to adopt a child must legally submit to a pretty extensive vetting process. In the state of Texas, adoptions require background checks, interviews, and the submission of references, but, undoubtedly, the home study is the most stressful process for most applicants. A home study is a visit from a social worker or adoption professional to an applicant family's residence for evaluation. These visits include interviews and an inspection of the household itself. While this part of the process is often dreaded by applicant families and couples, there are also a lot of misconceptions about home studies. The following is important to remember about home studies in Texas: IT IS NOT A CLEANLINESS INSPECTION Yes, a sanitary household is important, but it is not necessary to prepare your house for a photo shoot. Immaculate cleanliness is far less important than showing your home is comfortable, safe, and capable accommodating the upbringing of a child. YOUR HOUSE DOES NOT NEED TO BE TOTALLY CHILD-READY (YET): If there are changes that need to be made to your house before you welcome a child into it, they do not all have to be complete by the home study. Agencies realize that this kind of transition is a process and just because a nursery is incomplete or toys are not yet purchased does not mean a household will be automatically disqualified. THERE WILL BE ITEMS OF INTEREST While your home does not need to fully outfitted to accommodate a child during your home study, there will be some items that will be inquired about or inspected. These items can pose a potential risk to children and should be safely maintained, including: Firearms Medications Chemicals (such as cleaning products) Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers Swimming pools THE QUESTIONS WILL BE PERSONAL Clients tend to focus heavily on the appearance and readiness of their homes, but the truth of the matter is that interviews that are conducted are just as critical. Agencies want to know about your history, your experience with children, what your response would be to a number of different parenting scenarios, and many other things about your potential family life. These interviews will likely be conducted together with your spouse and separately. REMEMBER TO RELAX It’s important to remember that these agencies want to find homes for these children. An open, honest, and prepared approach is always recommended for these home studies—along with a reminder that they are just one piece of a larger view of you and your family's candidacy.

It's normal for a client facing a divorce to be unsure about how to approach this difficult time in their lives from a legal standpoint. Who should represent them? What qualities should they look for? What does the right attorney need from them? These uncertainties are why Audu Law Firm offers a case evaluation to all prospective clients. Attorney Lilian Audu believes that all clients should carefully review their legal options before a divorce, and a free, no-obligation consultation helps these clients proceed with freedom and information to do just that. Still, many wonder what these evaluations entail and how they help both Attorney Audu and you decide how to proceed. In your case evaluation, the following will be discussed: The client's circumstances: How long were you married? What is the reason for the divorce? What are the major pieces of marital property? Are their children involved? The client's goals: Is there a specific custody arrangement they'd like to establish? Where should the client's new residence be? Would they like to relocate ? What is the client's best case scenario following their divorce? The client's concerns: Are there long-term financial concerns? Are their assets you'd like to protect? Assets you believe are hidden? Are there domestic violence or substance abuse concerns? Or Child Protective Services concerns? Finally, after assessing all this information, Attorney Audu will share any of her concerns about the client's circumstances and expectations. In some cases, there may be reasons why she feels that a client's case is not a fit for the firm, but in most cases, will outline what her next steps would be and how they best address the concerns and goals of the client.

Divorce affects nearly every aspect of your life in some way, so it should come as no surprise that going through a divorce can impact your taxes. There are actually four major ways that this process can affect your tax liability, so it’s best to work with a tax accountant to prepare your return in the years following a divorce. For more information about your specific case, contact our Sugar Land divorce lawyers today. YOUR FILING STATUS The most immediate and obvious impact divorce will have on your taxes is your filing status. Most individuals will file as single people, rather than as a married couple (obviously this may not be the case if you quickly remarry, but that’s for another blog). YOUR DEPENDENTS The divorce process alone will no longer establish which parent can claim children as dependents; instead, this will be settled after the divorce is finalized. Although the primary custodial parent is frequently able to take advantage of the tax deduction, it will often be taken by the parent who is paying the majority of child support. SUPPORT PAYMENTS Child support payments are not tax deductible for the payor, but the advantage of this is that the payee does not have to pay taxes on that income. Spousal support, on the other hand, is a completely different story. The person paying alimony can use the full amount as a tax deduction, while the recipient will need to report those payments as taxable income. PROPERTY DIVISION Dividing up your marital assets is already one of the most complex aspects of a divorce case, and it should come as no surprise that it will continue to be very complex when tax season rolls around. Depending on how your assets are divided, which assets go where, the total value of the assets, and a wide range of other factors, your tax liability may either increase or decrease. This can get highly complex, so it’s helpful to work with a professional tax accountant who can help you sort through it all.