The Law Office of Robert J. Maher, P.C. is a boutique law firm dedicated to helping its clients get the legal representation they want and deserve. Mr. Maher offers his clients individualized professional legal representation in the areas of immigration law and estate planning.
Family Based Immigration and Removal Proceedings
Mr. Maher represents individual clients in all types of immigration matters, including the representation of clients in removal proceedings, assisting individuals with visa applications and helping clients prepare for interviews with both the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and U.S. Consulates abroad. Please see our Immigration Law Blog for current issues in the field of immigration.
Employment Based and Investor Visas
In addition to family based petitions, Mr. Maher also assists employers seeking specialized workers sponsor employees through the H-1B visa and investors seeking opportunities in the United States through the EB-5 visa. As a part of this practice, Mr. Maher helps clients plan and prepare for their lives in the United States so that the transition is a smooth one. That assistance may include advising clients of the potential estate planning consequences of moving to the United States, assisting with the purchase of a condo, co-op or home or ensuring that the client has been adequately advised of the tax consequences of immigrating to the United States.
Estate Planning
Mr. Maher helps his clients prepare comprehensive estate plans that allow them to feel that their important priority, their loved ones, are adequately protected. Many people in the United States have not prepared a will, considered guardians for their minor children or named a health care agent. While many websites offer low-cost wills and other estate planning documents, there really is no substitute for the advice of an experienced attorney when it comes to making these types of decisions.
Estate Planning for Immigrants and Foreign Investors
Estate planning is especially important for immigrants to the United States and to the foreign investor who has purchased property in the United States.
Couples where one spouse is U.S. citizen and the other a Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) face estate planning challenges regarding the marital exemption, while and U.S. citizens with properties in a foreign jurisdiction must grapple with the issue of taxation in two countries.
A non-resident alien who dies owning property in the United States or shares in entities that own property in the United States is subject to estate tax. A non resident alien who owns property may also be subject to a gift tax if the individual transfer the property to a third party. These taxes can be up to 45% of the value of the real estate.
Guardianship Proceedings
As court appointed counsel and guardian for the incapacitated, Mr. Maher represents and advocates for those who are unable to make decisions for themselves.
Robert Maher is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the New York County Lawyer’s Association, Trusts and Estates Section. He is admitted to the Federal and State Bars of New York & New Jersey.