Category: Legal

Immigration, Legal

Know Your Rights: Legal Reasons #42

Sanjay Sabarwal

With the advent of a new administration, there has been increasing tension from certain sectors of the population who are not naturalized or U.S citizens. I have fielded numerous panicked calls from students, tourists and in process applicants who are afraid of being accosted by authorities. Here are some things one should be aware of in the following situations: Rights-No-Matter-Who-Is-Pres-2016-11-10, also if its work related then know this: Work, and if you are in public, then this: Public.

Regardless of your status, know that you have rights and use your common sense in answering or not answering questions. You can always choose to remain silent and ask if you are being detained or if there is a warrant. Remember, stay calm. And know there is always help out there.

Legal

You Want To Charge Me For What???!! Legal Reasons #41

Sanjay Sabarwal

I admit it. Telling potential clients by starting retainer often causes sticker shock for someone as most of the time people assume a smaller number or assume they will be billed hourly. The reality is that once matters get to an attorney, a lot of information and procedures come into play.

“But it’s just a simple matter. You just have to read a page,” The reality is that we have to follow a set of ethics. I am not a proof reader. Each line has to be read and understood what the long-term effects or consequences could be. It is never as simple as just reading a document, but evaluation for the client the potential risks, conflicts and omissions. So while some can think they are being overcharged, the reality is that they are buying peace of mind and security.

What is your value for those?

Legal, personal injury

Sue My Own Car Insurance Company?!! Are You For Real???: Legal Reasons #40

Sanjay Sabarwal

I often hear about people who get hit by uninsured or underinsured drivers, and are happy to receive any type of settlement. Many are not aware that their own insurance company is in the business of making money not ensuring their clients are made whole. So while it’s idea that the liable party pay for everything, there is a chance they only have liability insurance, or worse, no insurance. All is not lost!

In those instances, it would be foolish not to consider your insurance company for compensation especially where there is significant injury and monetary lose due to inability to work. Always get a free consultation from an attorney regarding your matter.  At a minimum, you will be better informed, and perhaps even see there are more options than you had considered.

At a minimum, always get a police report done so whoever the irresponsible party is, they are cited and are held responsible.

Legal

When You Are Made To Feel You Don’t Belong: Legal Reasons #39

Sanjay Sabarwal

I now have added Immigration to my practice. Recently,  I have received many calls from frantic people about their immigration status. There is a growing panic that even with a green card, they are no longer can assume they are safe to stay in the country.  It came to me that I had a way to help others who do not have the information to handle the bureaucracy and increasing resistance from Trump Administration to accepting the ideal that this country is built on immigration.  That is not the ideals I grew up on, and I cannot fathom the pain this is causing people with unclear immigration statuses.

It is now the time to ensure that others have the same benefits as others before them.  It is no longer viable to sit and wait for the best. I hope I can contribute to their dreams or, at the minimum, give them a clearer answer.

Legal

In Times Of Uncertainty: Legal Reasons #38

Sanjay Sabarwal

It’s never easy when fundamental changes are occurring in the work place, one’s marriages, and going through unexpected injury or immigration changes.  One of the best advice I received from legal professors was “when in doubt, ask. ” The worst that can happen is a no, but more often you learn something new, gain a new perspective or get more grounded in your beliefs.

Recently, I have fielded several calls on divorce, wrongful employment, and immigration concerns. Each time, I ask the party to check in with themselves to ensure they are OK with themselves. Courts are a slow process, and it can wear you down so the best thing one can do for themselves is ensure they have the proper support structure to surround themselves. Now I realize that in some cases, some parties truly feel alone, but there are organizations and activities one can do to distress themselves. Worry is just an illusion of doing something. Procrastination due to fear can lead to inaction which guarantees failure. So no matter the legal situation, pick up the phone and ask!

Legal

I Am Done! When Divorce is the Only Choice #Legal Reasons 37

Sanjay Sabarwal

The term “irreconcilable differences” is first reason given on California forms for marital dissolutions (the States’s fancy way of saying divorce). It is a catch-all phrase when partners can no longer continue in a marriage. It explains the failure of a marriage in a way that few words can.  I am struck by how much is covered in that simple phrase, and how often I get calls from people who have given it there all, but can no longer continue. It still surprises many when I advise them to seek counseling, to try all ways before continue on the path for divorce because it is a slow process and one hard on both parties as they share with the court their finances, the inner workings of their relationship, and can lay bare what made the marriage fail.

It is not for everyone. We all have had bad fights, and there are times we struggle with our spouses, but filing is a weapon used when all negotiations have failed. When truly the parties are at an impasse and cannot resolves their differences. It is not a decision to make lightly or in the heat of emotion. So truly try everything else before making that call.