The Best Immigration Attorneys in Ormond Beach, Florida
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Ormond Beach, Florida. Rated 4.8/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
John Gihon
The Gihon Law Firm
John Gihon is a highly respected immigration attorney based directly in Ormond Beach with over 15 years of dedicated immigration law practice. Formerly an Assistant State Attorney, he brings extensive courtroom experience to his immigration practice. Specializes in complex family-based petitions, deportation defense, and business immigration cases. Maintains excellent client satisfaction ratings with numerous 5-star reviews praising his responsiveness and successful case outcomes. Licensed in Florida and admitted to practice before multiple federal immigration courts.
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Michelle Goudelock
Goudelock & Gonzalez Immigration Law
Michelle Goudelock operates a highly-rated immigration practice in nearby Daytona Beach that actively serves Ormond Beach clients. With over a decade of focused immigration law experience, she has built a strong reputation for successful family-based immigration cases and deportation defense. Fluent in Spanish, she effectively serves diverse client populations. Numerous client testimonials highlight her compassionate approach and high success rates in complex immigration matters. Regularly handles cases before the Orlando Immigration Court.
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Shannon N. Barbas
Barbas Law Firm
Shannon Barbas leads a well-established immigration practice in South Daytona that serves the entire Volusia County area including Ormond Beach. With extensive experience in family-based petitions and naturalization cases, she has helped hundreds of clients achieve successful immigration outcomes. Known for her detailed case preparation and personalized client service. Maintains strong bar standing and has developed expertise in handling complex adjustment of status cases and waiver applications. Clients consistently praise her thorough approach and successful case resolutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Ormond Beach, Florida
What types of immigration cases do attorneys in Ormond Beach, FL typically handle?
Immigration attorneys in Ormond Beach commonly handle family-based petitions, employment-based visas, naturalization applications, deportation defense, and humanitarian cases like asylum or VAWA. Given Ormond Beach's proximity to major employers and its diverse community, lawyers here are experienced with both employment sponsorship for local industries and family reunification cases common in Volusia County.
How can I find a reputable immigration lawyer in Ormond Beach?
You can start by checking the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) directory for certified specialists in the Ormond Beach area. Additionally, the Volusia County Bar Association offers lawyer referral services, and local community organizations like the Hispanic American Club of Volusia County may provide recommendations. Always verify an attorney's credentials with The Florida Bar and read client reviews specific to their immigration practice.
What should I expect during my first consultation with an Ormond Beach immigration attorney?
During your initial consultation, typically offered in-person or virtually, the attorney will review your specific immigration situation, discuss potential strategies, and explain applicable Florida and federal laws. They'll assess your eligibility for various immigration benefits, outline the legal process, and provide a clear fee structure. Many Ormond Beach firms offer multilingual services to accommodate the local immigrant community.
Are there any local resources in Ormond Beach that work with immigration attorneys?
Yes, several local organizations collaborate with immigration lawyers in Ormond Beach. The Volusia County Hispanic Association often partners with attorneys for community workshops, and Daytona State College's Center for Business and Industry occasionally hosts immigration legal clinics. Additionally, some churches and community centers in the Ormond Beach area provide referral services and support for immigrants seeking legal assistance.
How do immigration procedures in Florida differ from other states?
While immigration law is primarily federal, Florida-specific factors affect cases in Ormond Beach. The state's USCIS field offices in Jacksonville and Tampa handle local applications, requiring knowledge of their specific processing times and procedures. Florida's unique industries, including tourism and agriculture, also influence employment-based visa strategies. Additionally, state courts in Volusia County may interact with immigration cases involving criminal matters or family law issues.
Navigating Divorce and Immigration in Ormond Beach, Florida: Why You Need Specialized Legal Help
For immigrants living in Ormond Beach, Florida, the intersection of family law and immigration law can be incredibly complex and stressful. If you are facing a divorce while your immigration status is pending or conditional, the stakes are exceptionally high. The outcome of your divorce proceedings can directly impact your ability to remain in the United States, making it crucial to seek guidance from a legal professional who understands both areas of law. An immigration divorce lawyer is not simply a family law attorney; they are a specialist who can navigate the unique challenges that arise when a marriage dissolves for someone on a visa, with a green card, or in the naturalization process.
In Ormond Beach and throughout Volusia County, many residents have obtained residency through marriage. If you have a conditional green card (CR-1 or CR-6) based on a marriage that is less than two years old, a divorce can jeopardize your status when it comes time to file the I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions. Similarly, if you are in the process of applying for a marriage-based green card and the marriage ends, your entire application is at risk. An experienced immigration divorce lawyer in Ormond Beach can advise you on the specific procedures, such as filing for a waiver of the joint filing requirement due to divorce, and help you gather the necessary evidence to prove the marriage was entered into in good faith, despite its eventual breakdown.
Local context matters. Working with a lawyer familiar with the Ormond Beach area means they understand the local family court procedures at the Volusia County Courthouse and can coordinate effectively between your divorce case and any ongoing or future immigration proceedings. They can help you understand the implications of divorce on different visa types, whether you are on an H-1B, L-1, or another non-immigrant visa where marital status might be a factor. Furthermore, if domestic violence is a factor in the divorce, a knowledgeable attorney can guide you on special immigration protections available, such as filing a self-petition under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which does not require your spouse's cooperation.
The most practical advice for anyone in Ormond Beach in this situation is to consult with an immigration divorce attorney before finalizing any divorce agreements or making major decisions. Do not assume that a standard divorce attorney will understand the immigration consequences of asset division, spousal support, or child custody arrangements. A misstep in the divorce settlement could inadvertently create issues with the financial sponsorship affidavits of support (I-864) that are central to many family-based immigration cases. By seeking integrated legal counsel, you protect not only your personal and financial future but also your legal right to live and work in the United States. Taking proactive, informed steps with specialized legal help is the best way to navigate this difficult life transition while safeguarding your immigration status.
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About Ormond Beach, Florida
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