-
01
Unemployment Offices
If you've lost your job or been furloughed due to COVID-19 and severe economy, Lawinfopedia will provide you with accurate and reliable information about unemployment assistance and benefits. Search Unemployment Offices by state, and get everything you need about the nearest office.
-
02
Employment Departments
Want to find available job services and training? Need to file a claim for unemployment, disability, or paid family leave benefits? Or intend to manage your tax account and find important resources to succeed? Search Employment Departments on Lawinfopedia now, and you'll find the help you need.
YOU MAY FIND INFORMATION ON
-
Attorney Generals
The attorney general is the main legal advisor to the government. In jurisdictions, attorney generals have executive responsibility for law enforcement, prosecutions or even legal affairs generally. In practice, the attorney general provides legal advice to the government that varies between jurisdictions.
-
Bar Associations
A bar association, also called a legal association, is a group of lawyers that are not only dealing with issues affecting the legal profession but also dedicated to serving their own members. Members involved in bar associations are qualified as barristers or advocates. For practicing attorneys, membership in bar associations may be mandatory or optional.
-
Courts
Courts are the main means to resolve disputes in legal systems. As a government institution, courts have the authority to adjudicate legal disputes between parties and implement the administration of justice in all matters in conformity to the law. All people have the right to bring their claims to court.
-
Departments of Justice
The Department of Justice, also called the Justice Department, was established to enforce the law and administrate justice in the United States. Formed in 1870, the department is led by the United States Attorney General, ensuring public safety against foreign and domestic threats.
-
District Attorney Offices
District Attorney Offices are representing the United States federal government in United States courts of appeals and United States district courts. The offices are responsible for bringing criminal charges against someone in a particular area or state.
-
Victim Assistance Centers
Victim Assistance Centers are responsible for assisting and providing services via advocacy, education, and emotional support to all survivors of violence and crime in different areas. The mission of the organization is to bring hope and make changes for those people.
WHAT'S NEW AT LAWINFOPEDIA
-
Stimulus Check: How Much Can You Get And When
To counter the disease-induced economic meltdown, the government worked out a massive economic stimulus plan that will flood the U.S. economy with cash and provide relief for Americans who are taking a financial hit. And part of the plan is to send almost everyone direct payments from the government’s coffers from April 15th. Here is everything you need to know about the stimulus check. Who Is Eligible For A Stimulus Payment? Single US resident with an adjusted gross income less than $99,000 Those who file as the head of a household with an income less than $146,500 Those who file jointly without children with an income less than $198,000 How Much Money Will You Get? The base amount of your stimulus check is $1,200, but how much you will actually get depends on your taxes. It will be based on your adjusted gross income (AGI) from your 2019 federal tax filing. As a single taxpayer You’ll receive the full amount of $1,200 if you’re single, married filing a separate tax return, or a qualifying widow(er), with an AGI under $75,000. The amount decreases as your AGI goes up. When your adjusted gross income reaches $99,000, you will be ineligible for the stimulus. As heads of household You will get the full $1,200 payment if your AGI is $112,500 or less. The amount of your stimulus check will be gradually reduced to zero until your AGI reaches $146,500. As couples filing jointly If you’re married and file a joint tax return with your spouse, with an AGI of $150,000 or less, both of you will get $1,200. The payment decreases until your AGI reaches $198,000. And if you have children who qualify for the child tax credit (they must be 16 years old or younger), you’ll get an additional $500 for each child. For instance, a married couple with two children can get up to $3,400. What If I Haven’t Filed My 2019 Tax Return? IRS, which is responsible for issuing the payments, will look at your 2019 tax return for your filing status, AGI, and information about your children. If you haven’t filed it yet (now due July 15, 2020), the IRS will go to your 2018 return for the necessary information. You’d better use a Stimulus Check Calculator to help you figure out the estimated amount of your check (based on either your 2018 or 2019 return), to decide whether or not you should file 2019 return as soon as possible to receive a higher amount. Can People Who’re Not Required To File A Tax Return Get Stimulus Checks? According to the IRS, senior citizens, Social Security and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients and railroad retirees, who are not required to file a tax return, will receive the payment as well. People who haven’t filed a 2018 or 2019 return because they are under the normal income limits for filing a tax return, can use the Non-Filers portal to get their payment.
Read More > -
Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation and How to Apply
The current situation forces companies to shut down, and many businesses go bankrupt. Millions of Americans lost their jobs and have to depend on unemployment insurance. Here is all the information you want to know about this policy. What's Unemployment Compensation? Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) is an emergency program used to increase unemployment benefits for millions of Americans who are out of work due to the current situation. FPUC was built by the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act. The $2 trillion emergency stimulus package was signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act extends unemployment benefits through three initiatives: Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program. Who Can Get Help? How Much Can They Get? FPUC is a flat amount given to people who are receiving unemployment insurance, including those who get a partial unemployment benefit check. It provides a federal benefit of $600 each week. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program extends benefits to self-employed, freelancers, and independent contractors. The Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program extends benefits for an extra 13 weeks after regular unemployment compensation benefits are exhausted. The FPUC program applies to people who are available for the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program. How To Apply For Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation? To apply for Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, you need to file a claim for regular benefits with the UI program in the state where you worked. Most states recommend filing online. To successfully file a claim, you must provide your Social Security number, contact information, and details about your former employment. You can check your state's unemployment insurance program to find out the rules in your state. Most states are still waiting for the Department of Labor to implement the program. Once states begin to offer the extra payment, eligible people will receive refunds. All states have executed agreements with the Department of Labor as of March 28, 2020. Unless the program is extended, FPUC benefit payments will end after July 31, 2020. What Are The Special Considerations? Federal law permits the states' flexibility in amending their laws to offer unemployment insurance benefits in several situations such as: Employees can't work because employers temporarily close due to the current situation. People stop working because of a risk of infection, to care for a family member, or to homeschool their children. People are in isolation and anticipate going back to work after the isolation is over.
Read More > -
How To Get Unemployment Benefits
Losing your job can be a horrible experience. Fortunately, there are unemployment benefits to cover you. But do you know the qualifications and application procedures? Read on to find out. Are You Qualified For Unemployment Benefits? Each state has its own guidelines to determine whether an individual is eligible for unemployment benefits. The unemployment website of your state will list the criteria. You can google "unemployment your state" to find the site. Generally speaking, to claim unemployment benefits, you will need to have worked for a certain period of time, met minimum earnings requirements, and have lost your job due to no fault of your own. These are the traditional qualifications for unemployment benefits. Given the recent economic conditions, the Department of Labor has given states the flexibility to amend their laws and protect the unemployed. Check the unemployment website for the policies. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Act Considering the current circumstances, the federal government has issued a stimulus bill. You may get an expansion of unemployment benefits, including: Expanded Unemployment: Workers who are not eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI) traditionally may get benefits from Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). Supplemental Payments: Whether you are a recipient of UI or PUA, you can get an additional $600 per week through the end of July 2020. Extra Weeks of Unemployment: After your state unemployment benefits have ended, you can get an additional 13 weeks of unemployment according to Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) How To Open A Claim? You may be able to file for unemployment benefits online or over the phone. Contact your state unemployment office to find out the best way for you. But opening a claim, there are several things you need to prepare, including: Social Security Number Alien Registration Card if you're not a U.S. citizen Driver's license or State ID card number Mailing address including zip code Phone number Names, addresses, and dates of employment for all employers for the last two years How To Contact An Unemployment Office? To save your trouble, you can find contact information of the nearest unemployment office on our website. Start searching on the main page.
Read More > -
Who Can Get Unemployment Benefits And Who Cannot?
Due to the disease-induced recession, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed on March 27 in order to ease the rising unemployment rate. To see if you're qualified for the new, expanded unemployment eligibility, here is everything you need to know. Who Is Eligible For Unemployment During This Tough Time? There are 6 different groups of people who are eligible for the situation, including: 1. "Workers laid off or furloughed due to COVID-19" The group refers to those who are unable to work because of having the disease or being in self-isolation as they may have it. Besides, those who can't go to their workplaces due to isolation restrictions and those who can't work due to workplace closures are eligible for unemployment too. 2. "Workers who quit due to COVID-19" Usually, those who quit their jobs are not eligible for unemployment, but under the new law, workers who did so as a direct result of the disease are eligible for expanded unemployment. 3. "Workers caring for children or other dependents at home" If you are forced to stay at home to take care of a family member or other member of your household who has the disease, you may be eligible for unemployment, even if your workplace still opens. The situation includes caring for a child who can't attend school due to the school closures, or someone of your household can't attend certain facilities due to their closures. 4. "Self-employed workers unable to work due to COVID-19" Unlike many other occasions, self-employed workers are now included in the expanded unemployment qualification. To be more specific, self-employed workers who are unable to work due to the disease are eligible for claiming benefits. 5. "Workers scheduled to begin employment but cannot due to COVID-19" Unlike the usual case that you have to prove you lost a job by demonstrating certain earnings before, CARES Act allows those who were originally scheduled to start a job but cannot do so due to the situation to claim unemployment benefits. 6. "Primary breadwinners because the head of household died from COVID-19" If the head of household died due to the disease and those who weren't working before have to become the primary breadwinner because of it, they may still be eligible for unemployment benefits. Who Is Not Eligible For Unemployment During This Tough Time? There are 5 groups of people who don't fit in the unemployment situation, including: 1. "Workers who can work remotely" You don't fit in unemployment if you are able to work from home and continue to receive a regular paycheck from employers. Yet you are eligible if your workplaces temporarily or permanently close due to the current situation. 2. "Workers who are on paid sick or family leave" Usually, those who are on paid sick or family leave are still getting paid by employers, so they don't fit the eligibility. However, if you can't return to work after your paid sick or family leave runs out, you can apply for unemployment. 3. "Workers who quit their jobs for other reasons but COVID-19" If you quit your job for other reasons that are not directly caused by the disease, such as personal preference, you are not eligible for unemployment. 4. "Individuals who don't have jobs or plan to have one" If you weren't working before this specific situation began, and you didn't have any plan to start a job, you are not eligible for unemployment unless the head of household died due to the situation discussed above. 5. "Individuals who find new employment" You must stop claiming unemployment benefits once you find a new job during this specific situation. However, if you lose it again due to the disease or your employers ask you to leave due to no reason of your own, you may claim the benefits again. How To Apply For Unemployment? Start the unemployment application process by visiting the unemployment website of your state. Do prepare necessary information when you apply, including: your Social Security Number/Alien Registration Number your mailing address, the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all employers - you worked for during the last 18 months the first and last dates you worked for each place You will receive a notice via mail explaining everything once you submit the application, such as how much benefit you can get, and how long they can last. What to do when you are not eligible for unemployment? For those who unfortunately don't meet the qualifications, don't worry, you still have other options. You can go check CARES Act about the stimulus checks information and see if you can get any assistance there; seek out new, temporary employment; rely on personal savings; or maybe talk with your bank, credit card issuers, landlords, and utility companies, and see if they can offer any help during the tough time.
Read More > -
Unemployment Benefits 101: Everything You Need To Know About It
During this tough time, unemployment may happen to you. And if it does, you’ll want to know how to apply for unemployment benefits. Here’s everything you need to know. Who Can Apply For Unemployment Benefits? More than 10 million individuals have applied for unemployment benefits, and the number is still growing. You may qualify for unemployment benefits if: You have lost your job most recently through no fault of your own You have been furloughed most recently through no fault of your own Your company has closed permanently or temporarily most recently Is There Any Other Requirement To Get Unemployment Benefits? There may be and it varies from state to state. In some states, you need to show that you are actively looking for a new job. You may also need to prove that you were employed before applying for the benefits. For example, you may have to offer proof that you were paid a salary within a certain period of time. How Much Unemployment Benefits Can I Get? The amount of unemployment benefits you receive varies by state. In many states, it is about half of your salary. You get the payments from the state in which you worked, and they are typically made weekly. How Long Do Unemployment Benefits Last? It also varies by state. While most states will pay unemployment benefits for 26 weeks, some states like Idaho pay for fewer weeks, and some states like Montana pay for more weeks. How Do I Apply For Unemployment Benefits? You can apply online, over the phone, or in person through the state where you worked. When Should I Apply For Unemployment Benefits? You should apply for unemployment benefits immediately after you lose your job or get furloughed. Does The CARES Act Provide Any Additional Unemployment Benefits? Yes, apart from the weekly unemployment benefits, you can also receive $600 a week from the date you lose your job to July 31, 2020. Besides, the CARES Act can also extend your unemployment benefits by another 13 weeks. What Other Benefits Can I Get? Stimulus Checks: The CARES Act also offers stimulus checks to taxpayers up to $1,200 per person. Paid Sick Leave: If you’re still working and have to take some time off to take care of yourself, a family member, or a kid coming home from school, you may be eligible for paid sick leave. Student Loans: Student loan borrowers can enjoy many benefits, such as 0% interest rates, suspension of federal student loan payments, and no garnishment of wages, tax refunds or Social Security benefits through September 30, 2020.
Read More > -
Family Attorneys
What Is A Family Attorney A Family Attorney is a lawyer who is an expert in family law. He/she can help you with divorcing, dissolving a civil union, or seeking benefits in a domestic partnership. What Does A Family Attorney Do? Family attorneys specialize in legal issues regarding family life and domestic relationships, including spousal relationships and parent-child relationships. 1. Marriage And Divorce Marriage and divorce come with a host of legal documents and procedures. To deal with the following issues, you need a family attorney’s help. Prenuptial Agreements: If you are rich or you are married to a rich person, a prenup agreement, which includes provisions for division of property and spousal support, can be beneficial someday. You can work out the framework of an agreement on your own, but a family attorney is usually essential to finalize a prenuptial agreement in court. Annulment: Under cases of misrepresentation, incest, bigamy, underage, or force, a couple can pursue an annulment to dissolve the marriage like it never existed. Divorce: There are two types of divorces: In a no-fault divorce which is allowed by all states, one spouse files for divorce by stating a general reason; In cases of fault divorces allowed by most states, one spouse faults the other for established reasons such as desertion, adultery, or cruelty. Alimony: Also known as spousal support, alimony is very common in divorces when one spouse earns a higher salary than the other. The wealthier spouse may need to provide payments, namely alimony, for the other after the divorce is finalized. 2. Child Support And Child Custody When spouses with children divorce, there will be legal issues about child custody and child support. Common family law issues include: Child Custody: Physical custody refers to a parent's right to have the child reside with him or her. One or both parents may be granted physical custody. Legal custody is a parent’s right to make major decisions about the children's health care, education, and religion. Child Support: By law, noncustodial parents must provide a monthly payment to support the children. The amount of the payment is determined by a family court. Paternity: A paternity test is used to identify a child’s father which is an influencing factor in child custody and child support cases. 3. Adoption There are many types of adoption, all of which may require extensive legal help. The following are the most common types of adoption: Agency Adoptions: Legal arrangements between the adoptive parents and a public or private agency are involved in these adoptions. Private Adoptions: The adoptive parents need to form straightforward arrangements with the birth mother. Identified Adoptions: These refer to adoptions in which the birth mother and the adoptive parents have already become acquainted independently, and they just need an adoption agency to finalize the process. International Adoptions: These include adoptions in which the parents adopt a child from another country. One important matter of the process is securing an immigrant visa. 4. Domestic Violence If you are abused during a marriage, a family law attorney can help you get full custody or file an order of protection to keep your family safe. How Can You Get The Most Out Of A Family Lawyer’s Help? Once you have chosen a family lawyer you trust, there are some tips for you to get the most of a lawyer’s help. Tell The Whole Story: There may be some embarrassing information in a family case, but hiding that from your lawyer is not a good idea. Your lawyer needs as much information as possible to mitigate or remediate the damage. Document Everything: To prove certain aspects of your case, a documented record of phone calls, text messages, e-mails, and any other conversations is extremely helpful. Take A Deep Breath: Try not to make rash or snap decisions in the middle of a case. How Are Family Law Attorneys Paid? To suit the financial budgets of clients, family law attorneys usually offer a number of payment arrangements to choose from. The common types are: An Hourly Rate: The payment is based on how many hours your lawyer has spent working on your case. This is the most common fee structure, but the cost can vary by practice area. A Flat Fee: The payment is fixed regardless of the lawyers’ working hours. This is usually only available if the case is very simple, like an uncontested divorce. There can be additional fees, too, including: Retainer Fees: If you want to secure a prestigious lawyer, you may need to pay an upfront fee. The cost of services can be deducted from the retainer. Consultation Fees: Many lawyers offer free consultation now, but some may still charge for the first meeting, whether you hire the lawyer or not. Contingency fees. Payable if you win the case. These are not very common in family law cases but you need to check this before choosing an attorney. All in all, a family law attorney is usually very expensive. If you have any trouble in paying the expenses, you can ask your spouse for help or get legal help for free by legal aids.
Read More > -
How To Find A Lawyer?
No one ever plans on legal trouble, but sometimes it does happen. If the legal trouble is complicated or involves lots of money, you might not know how to deal with it without a lawyer.However, finding a good lawyer who can help you handle your particular problem may not be easy. Don't expect to locate a good lawyer by solely reading an advertisement. There is not enough information in this source for you to make a wise judgment. So how to find a good lawyer? Here are five effective ways to help you find a lawyer, as well as what questions you should ask during your first meeting with him or her to select the best one for your case. How To Find A Lawyer: 1. Personal Referrals Talk to your friends, family members, colleagues, and other acquaintances to see if they know any lawyer they can recommend. 2. Lawyer Referrals You can also ask a lawyer you trust. Even if they are not familiar with the area of law in which you need legal help, they may be able to recommend someone who can deal with your case. 3. Make Full Use Of Online Services Many sites offer a way to connect with your local lawyers. You just need to do a simple online search, answer a few questions about your case, and leave your contact information, then the right type of lawyers will contact you directly. 4. Consult Lawyer Directory Check your state or local bar association's attorney directory, which provides a list of lawyers in your area. 5. Turn To A Law Librarian A law librarian may help you identify authors in your state who have written articles or books on a particular legal subject. Try any or some of the methods mentioned above, and you’re sure to get some attorney options. But meanwhile, you may feel confused as to who will be the best attorney for your case. You need to interview each of them personally. Below are some of the important questions to ask: What Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Lawyer Do you offer a free consultation? If not, how much does the initial meeting cost? How much experience do you have in cases similar to mine, and what were the outcomes of those cases? Are there any other ways like mediation or arbitration to solve my problem? Have you ever been disciplined for attorney misconduct? What services do you provide? What are your fees? How are the fees calculated (by the hour, half-hour or otherwise)? Are your fees negotiable? How do you expect to be paid? How much time can you spare to solve my case? How often can I hear from you? More Considerations When Hiring A Lawyer Aside from asking questions, there are also many other things to consider: When you go for your consultation, pay attention to details, including how professionally you are treated, if his or her personality is compatible with your own, and if you feel comfortable working with him or her. Reading what previous clients have said about the attorney can also help you make the right choice.
Read More > -
Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you are facing criminal charges, you may need to search for a criminal lawyer to defend your rights. Many legal issues are involved in a criminal case, and a professional attorney can make things a lot easier. What Happens In A Criminal Case? In a civil case, the lawsuit is usually brought by private citizens or businesses that demand to be financially reimbursed for some sort of damages. Whereas in criminal cases, the lawsuit is usually brought by the government. The government will likely impose punishments, such as jail time, fines, probation, etc. on the defendant. What Are The Types Of Criminal Cases? There are three main types of criminal cases: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Infractions are the least serious type. It is for something like a traffic ticket or a fine. You can be spared if you pay for the ticket or fine. Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies but both may face punishments as harsh as jail time. Such punishments can haunt you for a lifetime, so you need to stay away from misdemeanors and felonies. But if you are charged with such criminals, don’t panic and ask a criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights. What A Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do For You? As you can see, the possible punishment of a criminal case can impact your life, so it is crucial to get professional assistance from a lawyer. A competent criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the nature of the charges filed, any available defenses, plea bargain deals, and the consequences a criminal conviction will mean for you. What’s more, you also need a proper lawyer with negotiating a plea bargain, preparing your case for trial and crafting the best strategy for your defense. Why Should You Hire A Criminal Defense Attorney? Legal issues and documents regarding a criminal case are very complex. For different offenses, there can be very distinctive rules and procedures. So to get the best defense, you need an experienced attorney who has worked on your particular type of case. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you gather the information you need to prove your innocence, including whether there are any legal rules justifying your actions. Where Should You Look To Find A Criminal Defense Lawyer? Here are some useful ways for you to find a criminal defense attorney: Recommendations from family or friends who had worked with lawyers before. A referral from an attorney you trust. Get information from your state’s bar association Search on the Internet for a criminal defense attorney in your neighborhood. How Do You Choose A Criminal Defense Lawyer? Here are some things to consider when choosing a criminal defense attorney: Comfort Level: Do you trust the lawyer with your personal information? Does the lawyer seem interested in your case? Credentials: Does the lawyer have sufficient experience? City: Is it convenient for you to travel to the lawyer’s office? Besides what has been mentioned above, the cost of the service is also an important factor. You may find the fees very high. If you have a tight budget, a pro bono attorney is a suitable alternative.
Read More > -
Pros Of Local Attorneys
Lawyers, also known as attorneys, are advocates for both people and organizations to the court and to opposing parties. They are important in criminal cases, civil cases, and in situations that involve legal rights and obligations for personal and business issues. Do I Need A Lawyer? Online resources have provided knowledge people need to solve many of their legal issues. However, without the related education and proper training, the average person may easily miss a vital deadline or file the wrong document in court, which can crucially impact your legal rights. Lawyers or legal advisors have years of education and training on various aspects of the legal system. With that knowledge, they can help navigate you through any complex law-related process to ensure your legal rights are always protected. In addition, consulting a pro attorney or a legal advisor to get the right information quickly and accurately in a legal process can help save time and reduce costs. What Can A Lawyer Or A Legal Advisor Do For Me? First, a legal adviser helps clients avoid litigation. They advise how to prevent personal legal problems, or help non-profit organizations to establish and adhere to the requirements of their tax-exempt status. Second, a lawyer helps you decide whether you need legal help or not. Sometimes, it's hard to judge whether an issue is a legal matter or something that can be resolved out of the court. At this point, you can turn to a lawyer for initial answers. Third, a lawyer will represent you to the court and opposing parties in any legal matter. They prepare essential documents for you, offer advice on proceeding your legal issue, and speak for you on the court, or negotiate with the opposing party on your behalf on mediation or arbitration. Should Location Be A Major Factor In Your Search For An Attorney? Yes! Location is a significant factor you should consider when looking for an attorney to represent you. Here are three main advantages of hiring a local attorney: 1. A local lawyer understands the regulations for your location better. Your issue will likely depend on local laws, so a local attorney will be an ideal choice; 2. A local lawyer is more convenient for you to meet. Although some attorneys are willing to travel to meet you, they will mostly charge for travel time. Therefore, finding a local lawyer in your geographical area is usually a good idea; 3. A local lawyer has practical local knowledge. An attorney in a specific city or town will likely have connections to local agencies, which will be helpful in the process of resolving your issue. How To Find A Local Lawyer? The most common and reliable way is to ask your family, friends, or colleagues for recommendations. Even if the recommended lawyer cannot handle your case, he or she can likely introduce you to another attorney who can. If recommendations do not lead you to a right lawyer, consult your state bar association or local nonprofit groups for lawyer referral services. They can help connect you to a qualified lawyer. Some people also find attorneys through the phonebook from advertisements. However, you should be careful to review a lawyer's education and experience when selecting one this way. Finally, you can run an attorney search on the Internet. Many online directories can help you find plenty of lawyers in different practice areas.
Read More >
