Iowa General Practice Legal Questions

If you're a US Citizen, you can sponsor your husband for a green card, if and only if he entered the US legally. It doesn't matter if has overstayed for 23 years. You can still sponsor him. There are many forms and many documents that need to be submitted. Consider working with an attorney. Some of us charge a very affordable flat fee for representation for the life of the case. Counsel in any state can represent you. ... Read Answer

Although it does not appeear as if anyone would be harmed in this case, you cannot cash your wife's check, and you can get into big trouble if you are caught forging her name on it.  You will either have to get the check reissued in your name or start an adminitration proceeding in court to handle your wife's estate and get the court to order that you can cash the check, either personaly or as the administrator of her estate.... Read Answer

A gift is not income for federal income tax purposes.  It's possible that it would be income for purposes of Iowa state income tax, but I doubt it.  I'm not aware of any taxes that the RECIPIENT of a gift has to pay, although, again, it is possible that Iowa has such a statute.  Currently DONORS are allowed to give $14,000 per year to any one party without it being subject to FEDERAL estate and gift tax (depending on where the donor resides, the gift could be subject to state tax, which are generally much smaller amounts.)  Most gifts are not subject to federal tax even if they are over $14,000, however.  First of all, gifts to spouses are not taxable.  It gets complicated, but basically gifts to someone other than a spouse would have to exceed $500,000, cumulatively, to be taxable (although that doesn't obviate the need for the donor to file a gift tax return for smaller gifts over $14,000.)  If you are contemplating that large a gift, you should consult an accountant and/or tax attorney.... Read Answer

I'm not sure what you are asking.  There is no reason you have to wait until you are charged before speaking with an attorney, unless you are saying that you can't afford an attorney and intend to have one appointed to you by the Court when you are charged.  In that case, you should contact  your local legal aid society to see if they will help you before you are actually charged.... Read Answer

If an arrest warrant was issued, I would always advise contacting a local attorney immediately. When an arrest warrant is issued, the person is subject to being arrested at any time and held in jail pending transport to the county in which he/she is wanted.  It is possible that an attorney can present the person to the court and may be able to have the warrant canceled.  Your best bet is to contact a local attorney who can advise you based upon knowledge of the judge and the local court.... Read Answer