VAWA
Protection for anyone who has suffered abuse from a spouse, parent, or child who is a citizen or resident. You file on your own. The person who harmed you is never told
Discretion · Strategy · Peace of Mind
Immigration Attorneys inRaleigh and Winston-Salem, North Carolina
You are not just another case. You are another family we protect
Great people and Amazing communication!! We felt heard each step of the way. A special thanks to Rudy for making our experience 10/10!!Three services we handle with particular care
Family petitions, VAWA, and U Visas before USCIS. In English or Spanish.
At Benitez Family Law we handle immigration filings before USCIS: family petitions, VAWA protection, U Visas for crime victims, adjustment of status, work permits, and waivers. We do not take immigration court cases. We would rather do fewer things and do them carefully
Visa U
For victims of certain crimes who helped or are willing to help the police. It can provide status, a work permit, and over time, residency
Family Petition (I130)
For citizens and residents who want to petition for a spouse, children, parents, or siblings. The first step toward reuniting your family with legal status.
Fiancé(e) visa (I-129F)Unlawful presence waiver (I-601A)Affirmative asylumWork permit (I-765)DACA renewalParole in Place (military families)Adjustment of statusConsular processing
OUR PHILOSOPHY
The same standard in every matter
At Benitez Family Law, we believe legal representation should feel composed, personal, and deeply strategic.
Meticulous care
Focused attention and a personal approach. Never by volume, never transactional.
Clarity
Clear answers, in a language you can understand and act on.
Discretion
Privacy and long-term results guide every case we take.
One firm for your whole family
Many of the people who come to us for custody or divorce have an immigration question no one has answered. Here, you don’t have to find another lawyer. The same team that knows your family case prepares your immigration filing, with one file and one strategy
How we work
Clarity at every step,from the very first call.
Knowing what to expect is the first step toward making sound decisions. This is how we stand beside every family, from the first conversation to the resolution of their case.
- First contact
The initial consultation
We talk through your situation in your own language, with no legal jargon. We listen, answer your questions, and give you an honest picture of your options before you make any decision.
- Analysis
Evaluating your case
We review the details thoroughly and determine whether your matter is the right fit for the attention we provide. We’re selective for a reason: every case we take on gets the depth it deserves.
- Strategy
Your tailored plan
We build a strategy shaped around your long-term stability, not just the next hearing. Every move has a purpose, and we explain it clearly before we act.
- Representation
Advocacy by your side
We represent you with meticulous preparation and steady communication. You’ll never wonder where your case stands; we keep you informed at every step, with the reassurance of knowing you’re not facing it alone.
A licensed immigration attorney handles every case personally.
Our immigration attorney prepares and files every petition before USCIS, in Spanish or English, and works alongside the family law team when a client’s situation touches both areas. You will always know who is handling your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What familiesNeed to Know
Straightforward answers to the most common questions about our services, process, and what to expect when working with us.
OUR SERVICESWhat kinds of immigration cases do you handle?
USCIS filings: family petitions, VAWA, U Visas, adjustment of status, work permits, waivers, affirmative asylum, and DACA. If your case is in immigration court, we are glad to recommend a colleague
Do you handle deportation or immigration court cases?
We do not handle cases in immigration court. If your case is already in court, we are happy to refer you to a trusted colleague who handles this type of defense.
Can I consult if I don't have legal status?
Yes. You do not need to have legal status to consult with us. Everything you tell us is confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege. During the consultation, we will review your situation and clearly explain what options may be available in your case.
What is VAWA and who qualifies?
VAWA is an immigration protection that allows certain individuals who have suffered abuse to apply for legal status on their own, without depending on the family member who abused them.
You may qualify if you have suffered physical abuse or extreme cruelty by:
- your U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse;
- your U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident parent; or
- your U.S. citizen son or daughter who is at least 21 years old.
VAWA protects both women and men. The abuse does not have to be physical. Threats, financial control, humiliation, isolation, and severe emotional abuse may also qualify.
Generally, you must show that you lived with the abuser and that you are a person of good moral character. If your case is based on a marriage, you must also show that the marriage was entered into in good faith. A police report is not required, and USCIS does not notify the abuser that you filed the petition.
Can I petition for my spouse, parents, or children?
It depends on your immigration status and your relationship to the person. U.S. citizens may petition for their spouse, children, parents, and siblings. Lawful permanent residents may petition for their spouse and unmarried children. Waiting times and requirements vary significantly depending on the case.
During your consultation, we can tell you whether you are eligible to file a petition and what to expect.
Are you notaries?
No. We are attorneys licensed and in good standing in North Carolina. In the United States a notary public is not an attorney and cannot give legal advice or file cases with USCIS, even though the word «notario» means something different in other countries. If someone who is not an attorney offers to handle your immigration case, be careful.
What language is the consultation available in?
In Spanish or English, whichever you feel more comfortable with. Our office is bilingual, so you do not need to bring an interpreter or ask a family member to explain your case for you.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
Begin with aPrivate Conversation
Confidential. Strategic. No obligation.
Schedule a Private Consultation