Puntier Law Firm - May 2022

Puntier Law Firm - May 2022

(404) 902-6004 | www.puntierlaw.com

May 2022

The Origin of My Passion for Others How I Found My Calling

I knew from a young age I wanted to be in a career where I could serve and advocate for people. Serving others and making people happy is in my character — my calling. This passion comes from my faith and the relationship I built with Christ over the years. Building my relationship with Him made me realize this calling isn’t just in my personality. He provided me with this gift for a reason, setting the tone for how I treat my clients today. My family came to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic and moved to the Bronx. Living in this area exposed me to a need in the community and attracted me to the idea of helping others. At first, I became a social worker to help young single mothers get back to work and provide them a strong foundation for themselves and their children. However, after a few years, I hit a point in my life where I wanted to do more and serve people at a higher level. So, I began asking myself, “What career would pave the way for me?” After doing my research, and saying a few prayers, I knew I wanted to become a lawyer. After I was accepted into law school, I knew I wanted to become a public defender. Not only would it enable me to serve others better, but it would also allow me to serve a larger population. I graduated from Hofstra School of Law in 2004 and started working at a Legal Aid Society. I worked there for four years, and then I went to do civil and personal injury work in a corporate setting.

That’s when I realized I wanted to be somewhere else. I’m a sociable person; I wanted to serve people and get in the trenches with my clients while advocating for them. “This passion comes from my faith and the relationship I built with Christ over the years. Building my relationship with him made me realize this calling isn’t just in my personality. He provided me with this gift for a reason ...” When my husband received a job opportunity in Georgia 10 years ago, we took a leap of faith and moved there. I started to interview with immigration law firms. I thought this would be ideal because, as an immigrant, I’ve been through the journey that many people are going through right now — I can relate to them on many different levels. In addition, I would get to utilize the gift God gave me to help these individuals. I didn’t get the position at a immigration law firm, but that experience sparked an interest, and I decided to open up my own firm. If these firms could do it, so could I! So, I opened Puntier Law Firm in 2012, and today, my firm works on cases that involve immigration, personal injury, and family law. I love what I do because I advocate for people who may not have received proper care in the past. I see a lot of myself in my clients, and I’m very humbled that I have the opportunity to make something out of my passion for others and for Christ. A Bible quote that has always stuck with me throughout my journey is Luke 1:45, which says, “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her.” I grew up believing that God will take me to where I’m supposed to be — he will open that door. Sure enough, God has opened that door for me and is helping and guiding me as I take on this part of my life. I want to give thanks to God, my family, my staff, and my clients for being powerful supporters of my journey. I’m looking forward to what’s next!

–Noemi Puntier

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A Timeless and Influential Book It’s Time to Read or Reread This Classic

“How to Win Friends & Influence People” by Dale Carnegie has stood the test of time. Published in 1936, this book has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. Relating to the key relationships of humans, the book embodies self-improvement, communication, relationship building, and compassion. Every working professional or individual rubbing elbows in their social group needs it in their toolbox! If you haven’t already experienced the influential and game- changing words of Dale Carnegie, it’s time to pick up a copy. If you’ve already read it, it’s time to give it another read to review and remember because there is still much value to unfold. Embedded within each page of this easy-to-read book are recommendations for creating, building upon, and improving successful and positive relationships within your life, whether it be with friends, family members, coworkers, network professionals, or supervisors. Written and published more than 85 years ago, its life lessons and thought-provoking suggestions still apply today because, while technology, education, and infrastructure have all advanced, our basic human tendencies and the way we interact remain the same. “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other

people interested in you,” Dale Carnegie states. In “How to Win Friends & Influence People,” he explores the importance of putting the needs, interests, and values of others before your own and how to handle situations for the best possible outcome. It takes a deep dive into getting to know yourself before learning how to bond with others on a personal and/or professional level.

This book, a brilliant study on human nature, will have you wondering why you didn’t read it sooner while reflecting on situations and interactions you could have handled differently. But most importantly, Carnegie’s pointers are sure to provide amazing insights while you learn to get along with just about anyone.

Why Uninsured or Underinsured Coverage Is Important BE PREPARED IF TRAGEDY STRIKES

Every time you get behind the wheel of your car and begin your drive, there is a chance that you could be involved in an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are 102 motor vehicle crashes a day. This is why it’s crucial

Typically, this type of coverage doesn’t cover damage to your car. But if the driver at fault has property damage liability, and your damages go over their limit, then you can find compensation from your insurance plan or take the other driver to court. Is This Type of Insurance Required in Georgia? Although drivers aren’t required to have uninsured or underinsured coverage, all insurance companies are required to offer at least $25,000 in coverage per person and up to $50,000 per accident. In Georgia, 12% of drivers do not have car insurance, which means there is a one in eight chance the other driver you may collide with won’t have coverage. Even though some of us don’t like preparing for the worst, having this form of coverage can help relieve the future stress you may be under if you ever find yourself in an accident. If an uninsured or underinsured driver has hit you or a loved one, and you received injuries, allow your friends at Puntier Law Firm to assist you. We will be happy to look at your case, help guide you through the process, and help you and your family get the compensation you deserve.

that you have uninsured or underinsured car insurance coverage because it can help protect you and your loved ones if tragedy ever strikes. What is Uninsured or Underinsured Coverage? Suppose you are involved in a car accident, and the driver had little to no insurance. Uninsured insurance compensates you for medical expenses, loss of income, and any losses. Unfortunately, 12.6% of all motorists do not have car insurance. Therefore, it is essential that you have uninsured or underinsured coverage on your plan.

Why Should You Have This Coverage? If you didn’t have this type of coverage, you would have to pay for your losses with your own money. These expenses can increase quickly and leave you responsible for paying for your injuries and examinations. If you receive an injury from the accident, your main priority should be to recover. But if you don’t have uninsured or underinsured coverage, you will have more things to worry about.

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TAKE A BREAK

If someone runs into your car while on the road, by law, they must immediately stop their vehicle and get in contact with the driver they collided with. You will have to exchange names, addresses, license numbers, and vehicle registration information. If the other driver fails to do this, this is known as a hit-and-run. If you violate this law, you can be convicted of a felony. And I Don’t Have the Other Driver’s Information I WAS INVOLVED IN A HIT-AND-RUN

Hit-and-run cases have been on the rise over the past few years. There is an average of 682,000

hit-and-run crashes per year, and there is a 7% increase in deaths due to these accidents. It’s always a traumatic event if you find yourself in a crash, but not knowing who hit you can add more stress than you need. Some people fear that if they don’t have the information of the driver at fault, they cannot press charges. But that’s not the case — you can file a claim against “John Doe” to get compensated. What Is a ‘John Doe’? A John or Jane Doe is a name used during legal proceedings if they are unsure of the individual’s real name or if they would like to keep their identity confidential. If you’re involved in a hit-and-run incident, you can file a claim under “John Doe” if you don’t have any information on the person who hit you. How Does This Claim Work? Even if you’re unsure about who hit you, you’re still entitled to compensation for your injuries and property damage. Traditionally, you would open a claim against the other driver’s auto insurance, but you will file a claim with your auto insurance since you don’t know who the driver is. This lawsuit will be filed under an “uninsured motorist claim.” The law assumes that an unknown driver does not have auto insurance. Making this type of claim should not affect your insurance rates. If the unknown driver is ever identified then your insurance company can sue them for the money they paid you. If you or a loved one was involved in a hit-and-run accident, allow your friends at Puntier Law Firm to assist you. We will be happy to look at your case and help you file your suit. Talking to insurance companies and adjusters can be challenging, but with our help, we can ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.

ONE-PAN BAKED SALMON AND VEGGIES

It’s asparagus season! Celebrate with this easy one-pan salmon dish for two.

Ingredients

• 1 lb spring potatoes, halved • 2 tbsp olive oil (divided) • 8 asparagus spears, trimmed and halved

• 2 handfuls cherry tomatoes • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 2 5-oz salmon fillets • 1 handful fresh basil

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. 2. In an oven-proof dish, combine the potatoes and 1 tbsp olive oil. Roast for 20 minutes. 3. Remove the dish from the oven and add the asparagus. Toss, and bake for 15 more minutes. 4. Remove the dish from the oven and add the cherry tomatoes. Toss. Drizzle with balsamic, then nestle the salmon fillets into the vegetables. Drizzle with the remaining oil, and bake for 10–15 minutes. 5. Remove the dish from the oven, garnish with basil leaves, and serve!

Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com

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(404) 902-6004 www.puntierlaw.com 1770 Indian Trail Rd., Ste. 270 Norcross, GA 30093

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Faith — How It Inspired Noemi’s Life and Career

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This Book Has Stood the Test of Time

12% Of Drivers Do Not Have Car Insurance

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One-Pan Baked Salmon and Veggies

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You Can File a John Doe Claim

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Can I Sponsor My Spouse’s Green Card?

Can I Sponsor My Spouse’s Green Card? Yes — But There Are Different Circumstances to Consider

If it’s been less than 180 days since your spouse came to the U.S., they could return to their home country and apply for a green card through the U.S. consulate. You will need to submit Form I-130 to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and indicate your spouse will be applying for a green card. If it’s been more than 180 days , your spouse will be subject to a bar from entering the U.S. for either

One of the most frequently asked questions is if you can sponsor your undocumented spouse’s green card. The answer to this question depends on the status of your significant other and their circumstances. Here is everything you need to know about sponsoring your spouse’s green card. You’re a U.S. Citizen, and Your Spouse Entered Legally If your spouse entered the country and went through U.S. Customs and Border Protection and entered with a valid visa, the application process for a marriage-based green card is the same as if your spouse was a U.S. citizen.

three or 10 years. To avoid the bar, they would need to apply for a provisional waiver to enter the states sooner. After the waiver is approved, you will need to schedule a visa interview at the U.S. consulate.

If they came to the U.S. legally but overstayed, they should be cautious about leaving the U.S. until they receive their green card. If they do leave the country and try to come back without their green card, they may not be able to return for 3–10 years, depending on how long they were in the U.S. without legal immigration status.

If you have any questions about sponsoring your spouse’s green card, Puntier Law can help you! We can help you go through the application process and ensure all of your documents and information are in order. Also, there are other processes we need to take for individuals who are green card holders and want to sponsor their spouses. So, give us a call! We will be happy to look at your situation and assist you in any way we can.

You’re a U.S. Citizen, and Your Spouse Entered Illegally The length of time your spouse stayed in the U.S. illegally could affect when they can request a green card and return to the states.

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