“I thought I'd have to explain everything twice, once in English and once to my mother in Spanish. Caridad did it once, at the table, and both of us understood.”
Marleny S.Petition for her husband
Immigration attorney in Jersey City
What happens to my family now?
You have questions about a petition, a green card or a letter that came in the mail. Caridad Villaverde answers them in English and in Spanish, and tells you plainly where your case stands before anything is filed.
- English and SpanishCaridad and Renato answer in both
- A lawyer, not a notarioOnly a lawyer may advise you on your case
- Fee in writingA quote before you sign anything
The worries that bring people in
What happens to my…
Pick the sentence that sounds most like yours.
…petition while we wait?
Family petitions wait in line by category and country. We explain where you are in it, and what you can and can't do meanwhile.
Family visas…husband or wife who is still abroad?
The consulate interview, the sponsor and the income that's required: we go over it before anything is filed.
Family visas…case if a letter arrives?
Don't ignore it, and don't sign anything yet. Some letters carry deadlines of a few days; bring it in and we'll read it together.
Removal defense…family if I'm detained?
With the person's A-number in hand, we find where they are and whether they can ask for a bond hearing.
Removal defense…green card if I travel?
Some trips put a green card at risk. Ask before you buy the ticket, not at the airport.
Green cards…application if I have an old arrest?
A record can change what's possible. We get the court papers and read them before anything is filed.
Green cards
What families ask on the way in
Do I have to speak English?
No. Caridad and Renato work in Spanish every day, and Renato in Portuguese as well. Your letters and forms can come to you in your language, and in English if you prefer.
Will talking to a lawyer get me in trouble?
No. What you tell us stays between you and the office. Talking to a lawyer is not a report to immigration or anyone else.
Are you a notario?
No, we are lawyers. In many countries a notario is a lawyer, but here it isn't, and some people take advantage of that. Only a lawyer or an accredited representative may advise you on your case.
What does it cost?
A first consultation has a set fee, quoted when you book, and lasts about an hour. After that you get a written quote. Government filing fees are separate, and we list each one.
Who you'll talk to
A lawyer who sat where you're sitting
Caridad Villaverde was six when her parents brought her to Hudson County. She was translating the family's mail at the kitchen table before she knew what an affidavit was.
So the first meeting isn't an interrogation. Bring the whole pile: the letters, the receipts, the form you're afraid you filled out wrong. She sorts it, tells you which paths are open and which aren't, and explains why, even when the answer is that it's too soon to file anything.
Caridad and Renato work in Spanish; Renato in Portuguese too
Saturday morning appointments
You keep your originals; we make the copies
In their own words, afterward
“The letter said thirty days and I was ready to panic. They filed my renewal that same week and told me what every page was for.”
Nagwa H.Green card renewal
“Nobody promised me anything. They told me what the judge would look at and what we'd do if it went the other way. That's what calmed me down.”
Danilo R.Court notice
Every case is different. These words don't promise any result in yours.
Bring the letter, the receipts and your questions
Call or write. Renato will find you a time, Saturday mornings included.