New Place, New Laws: The Most Useful Attorneys to Know When You Travel or Move

Traveling gives us the opportunity to see new worlds, including new jobs, sights, and schools. While a relocation or a vacation can be an exciting adventure, there is also often some red tape you have to navigate as you adjust to the new area. Unfamiliarity with local laws can land you in legal trouble. Crossing state lines with kids when you’re separated can create custody problems. Navigating unfamiliar roads can lead to car accidents. Even when you’re far from home, you may need legal support. Knowing who to contact and what attorneys are available to protect your rights is a smart move, no matter if you’re a traveling nomad or relocating with your family.

Immigration: Work Permits, Visas, and Residency

If you’re traveling to a new country, you’re subject to that country’s immigration rules and laws. In some countries, criminal charges can result in a revoked visa. Changing immigration laws can put you or your family in a tricky spot if your visa is suddenly not renewed. Establishing residency for a permanent home or obtaining a work permit can often be a confusing process. Immigration attorneys can help make the process as quick as possible, eliminating the worry of paperwork headaches or deadlines. To ensure everything goes as planned, contact an immigration attorney even if you’re fairly sure of what the process will be like.

Personal Injury: Accidents, Negligence, and Abuse

When you’re moving or traveling, you’re exposed to a lot more public spaces and new situations. Navigating new streets, house hunting, or walking through busy areas can put you at risk when a third party behaves negligently. If you’re injured due to the negligence of others on your journey, a personal injury attorney is the one you want to call. They’ll help you file insurance, navigate the legal process, and pursue compensation if desired.

Personal injury includes intentional abuse as well. Visiting a new place means you haven’t had time to get to know community leaders well, which can make you or your family vulnerable to bad actors. Abuse can come in forms of physical harm, threats, or even sexual harassment. Certain places have a higher likelihood of abuse, so you’ll want to be wary in areas like new churches, inpatient medical facilities, or even detention facilities. In Illinois, a Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility sexual abuse lawsuit revealed that multiple teenagers and families were victims. Wherever you and your family travel, make sure you take precautions and know who to contact in case of emergencies.

Landlord-Tenant: Rental Issues and Housing Disputes

If you plan on renting a short-term lodging or buying a vacation home in the destination you’re traveling to, you may want to consult with a landlord-tenant attorney. They can go over any lease agreements with you to spot loopholes or red flags. If you end up getting into a dispute with a landlord or property owner or find unsafe living conditions, these attorneys will know and protect your rights, even if you’re not from the area. Renting is common for immigrants and travelers, so you’ll want to stay safeguarded in places where you’re less familiar with tenant laws.

Criminal Defense: Misunderstanding of Local Laws

Local laws can be very different than where you’re from, even if you’re traveling within the same country. Behavior that is legal where you’re from may be illegal elsewhere, which can land you in jail or with criminal charges. No matter what the circumstances are, consulting with a criminal defense attorney can help mitigate your sentence and even eliminate jail time in some cases. You don’t want to discuss your case with anyone apart from your attorney when you’re arrested. The sooner they’re in the picture, the better.

Family: Custody or Domestic Violence

If you’re traveling with children and you have a custody agreement with your co-parent, you’re going to want to be familiar with your right to travel or move with your child if you aren’t already. Hiring a family law attorney will help you discuss your options for traveling and relocation with your co-parent to ensure everyone is on the same page and has a fair say. In many cases, you need permission from the co-parent to travel or relocate with your children. In situations involving domestic violence, an attorney can give you the resources to obtain protective orders for you and your children.

Employment: Workplace Discrimination, Wrongful Termination, Unsafe Working Environments

Finding work overseas or in another state can be intimidating, especially when you don’t speak the language or are unfamiliar with local industries. While most communities are welcoming, an employment attorney can help you understand your rights and protect you if something goes wrong. Dangerous workplaces, job discrimination, and unlawful firing can hurt you and your family. You don’t have to put up with it just because you’re new to the community. Consult with an attorney about your options.

Conclusion

While traveling or relocating is an exciting experience, emergencies or misunderstandings can occur. You’re vulnerable in a new place, and it’s important to understand your next steps if something goes wrong while on vacation or when immigrating to a new area. An attorney will be an expert in the local laws and fight for your right to a safe and legal voyage to a new community.