Los Angeles VAWA Attorney

Whether you are a U.S. citizen or an immigrant, no one deserves to be stuck in an abusive relationship. At the Law Office Of Hari Heerekar, we proudly support the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and are passionate about helping abused immigrant women and children get the freedom they seek from abusive spouses or parents. 

Our team has handled many cases of this nature and takes them very seriously. We can advocate for you so you can escape a violent and abusive situation and gain legal permanent residence in the United States. The stakes are high in such cases where swift action is a must, which is why we work with a sense of urgency to start the application process.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence or abuse, get in touch with a VAWA attorney in Los Angeles by calling (213) 682-2338 or contacting us online. The initial consultation is free.

About the Violence Against Women Act

Passed in 1994, the Violence Against Women Act, or VAWA for short, is a federal law that allows abused immigrant spouses and children of U.S. citizens to obtain lawful permanent resident status without the sponsorship of a spouse due to being a victim of abuse. The law was brought forth as a response to abusive spouses using their position as a sponsor to threaten or silence their victims. It is important to note that VAWA applies to both men and women. 

The provisions in the law allow battered spouses to self-petition without the knowledge or consent of your abusive partner. While proving that you have been physically battered can increase the chances of being granted permanent residence, it is not the only way. You can also gain protection under the law by proving that you have been subject to extreme cruelty.

Some examples of extreme cruelty are:

• Abuse or manipulation of children
• Economic control
• Emotional abuse
• Holding your immigration status against you
• Intimidation
• Isolation
• Psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Threats and coercion

How to Qualify for Assistance Under the VAWA

The requirements to qualify for self-petitioning under VAWA include:

• Being legally married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
• Marriage was entered in good faith and not primarily for immigration benefits
• During the marriage, you (or your child) were abused physically, emotionally, or sexually by your spouse or subject to extreme cruelty
• You are a person of good moral character and no criminal record.
• You lived under the same roof as your spouse.

How The Law Office Of Hari Heerekar Can Assist You

In order to successfully file a petition under VAWA, you will need to fill out a detailed form that requires the submission of essential documents and records. This can be complicated to obtain without the help of experienced legal representation. 

Our Los Angeles VAWA attorneys are familiar with the petition process and the roadblocks that may complicate a successful submission. By hiring us, we will oversee your self-petition and guide you through the complicated aspects of the process to reduce the chances of denials or lengthy delays.

Seek Immediate Help from An Experienced VAWA Attorney in Van Nuys, Santa Ana, & Beyond

As a former immigrant, Attorney Hari Heerekar knows first-hand how confusing and stressful it can be to deal with the country’s complex immigration system and its processes. Throwing in the added turmoil of being abused by your spouse can be almost too much to bear. 

Your spouse may not have your back, but we will. Reach out to us and we will listen and get a better understanding of your unique situation, discuss your options, and put together a custom strategy so you can move forward with your head held high.

Dial (213) 682-2338 or contact our skilled and compassionate Los Angeles VAWA attorneys online. Your initial consultation is free and we speak multiple languages including Spanish, Russian, Hindi, Punjabi, and Arabic.