Ilona Bray
J.D. · University of Washington School of Law
U.S. Immigration Laws and the Selective Service
Foreign nationals in the United States need to know whether they're required to register with the Selective Service and, if so, by when. ... READ MORE
Dissolving a Homeowners' or Community Association (HOA)
Community association governance not working out as intended? Find out your legal options with regard to ending an HOA. ... READ MORE
What Your Homeowners' Association (HOA) Insurance Covers; And What It Leaves Uninsured
If you live in a development or community that is governed by a homeowners' association (HOA), you could end up paying less for individual homeowners' insurance than the average homeowner. That's because HOAs are responsible for buying insurance that covers all public areas of a development. ... READ MORE
How Buyers Can Protect Against Problems in New-Home Construction
Having a new home built is a popular option for buyers, but all too often, problems arise: the house wasn't "built right," or it's missing some things, like the promised upgraded faucet handles, or the design specifications weren't followed exactly. ... READ MORE
The Role of Homeowners' Association (HOA) Attorneys
Homeowners' associations (HOA) exist for the benefit of homeowners who live in the communities they manage. This sometimes requires that an HOA retain its own attorney to resolve legal disputes that affect homeowners. In addition, there are times when the HOA will need an attorney to resolve disputes. ... READ MORE
Escrow and Closing in Buying or Selling a Home
The escrow period is the final step and a critical time in the home purchase deal, leading up to the closing, when the final deed and final payments are transferred between a buyer and seller. ... READ MORE
Returning to the U.S. After Deportation or Removal
If you were removed from the U.S. because you, for example, overstayed your visa, violated the terms of your status, or committed a serious crime (even if you had a green card), the United States expects you to remain outside its borders for some time to come. To that end, you will be considered "inadmissible" under U.S. immigration law, and thus not allowed to return to the U.S., for a number of years. ... READ MORE
Will U.S. Citizen's Criminal Record Bar Sponsoring a Family Immigrant?
In what situations might the criminal record of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who wishes to petition an immigrant affect the success of the I-130 or I-129F petition? ... READ MORE
How Marriage Fraud Leads to Possible Removal and Inadmissibility Upon Attempted Reentry
Any non-citizen of the U.S. who enters into a marriage for the sole or primary purpose of evading U.S. immigration law and obtaining permanent residence (a green card) is deemed to have engaged in marriage fraud and is subject to various
immigration law consequences. ... READ MORE
Can My Landlord Shut Off My Utilities?
Nearly every state forbids landlords from “self-help” evictions, such as cutting off your utilities, as a way to force you out, or in retaliation for your exercising a legal right, such as complaining to a local housing agency. ... READ MORE