Keep the demand letter, complaint, summons, signed Form I-864, immigration filings, notices, benefits records, payment records, and all related communications.

Note response dates, hearing dates, service details, and any deadline stated in the demand. Missing a deadline can affect the available defense strategy.

Do not ignore the claim or make substantive admissions before counsel reviews the documents and the procedural posture of the matter.

Is the affidavit enforceable?

We review the signed form, sponsorship records, and filing history for arguments that may affect whether the affidavit is enforceable in your case.

Has your obligation ended?

We examine the timeline and events, including changes in status, residence, or other legally relevant circumstances, that may affect whether the obligation has terminated.

Are the claimed damages accurate?

We audit income calculations, benefits claims, payment records, and the damages theory against the available evidence.

Was the case filed and served correctly?

We evaluate service, venue, jurisdiction, pleadings, deadlines, and other procedural issues that may affect the case.

What’s the best path forward?

Where appropriate, we discuss settlement, negotiation, motion practice, or litigation strategy based on the facts and what provides the strongest position.

I received a letter saying I owe money because of an I-864 I signed. Is this real?

It may be. An I-864 demand can assert rights under a federally enforceable Affidavit of Support. Do not ignore the letter: preserve it, note every stated deadline, and have the signed form and claimed amount reviewed before responding.

Can I actually be sued over an I-864?

Yes. A sponsored immigrant or another legally eligible claimant may bring an enforcement action in some circumstances. Whether the claim succeeds depends on the signed affidavit, the parties, timing, damages, governing law, and court procedure.

I just got served with a lawsuit — what do I do right now?

Record the service date, calendar the response deadline, preserve every document, and avoid making admissions or signing an agreement before receiving legal advice. Review our immediate steps after an I-864 demand or lawsuit.

If my ex remarries, does that end my obligation?

Remarriage by itself generally does not terminate an I-864 support obligation. Federal law identifies specific terminating events, so the immigration history and other facts should be reviewed before assuming the obligation has ended.

What should I have ready before I call a lawyer?

Gather the signed Form I-864 or I-864A, demand letter, summons or complaint, immigration records, divorce documents, financial and benefits records, payment history, and communications concerning support.

Does getting divorced end my I-864 obligation?

No. Divorce alone generally does not terminate the federal I-864 obligation. Richard Wilner discusses this issue in ImmiGreat Podcast Episode 19.

Can I withdraw my I-864 once we’re divorced?

Generally, an affidavit cannot simply be withdrawn after the sponsored immigrant has obtained permanent resident status based on it. Whether an obligation remains enforceable requires review of the immigration history and any legally recognized terminating event.

I signed as a joint sponsor, not the main sponsor. Can I still be sued?

Yes. A joint sponsor signs a separate support commitment and may face a claim in some circumstances. The executed documents, immigration records, claimed damages, and procedural history should be evaluated individually.