Symantha Rhodes

I am an immigrant helping other immigrants who face difficulties navigating the US legal system to obtain legal status to become residents and citizens quicker, build successful businesses, and leave a legacy for their families. I provide quality services by ensuring my legal advice is comprehensive, and my client support is unmatched. I offer affordable flat fees that are transparent.

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Florida

The Florida Bar

ID Number: 1038152

Since 2022

Managing Attorney

Plan Life Law, PLLC

2022 - Current

Practicing immigration, business formation, and estate planning law.

Drafting Lawyer

Adelson Law Office

2021 - 2022

Immigration and estate planning

Realtor

Self-Employed

2014 - 2022

Assist with property sales contract preparation

Legislative Assistant

New York State Assembly

2016 - 2017

Draft bills and memos, and aid in the passing of state laws.

Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law

J.D. (2021) | Law

2018 - 2021

The Florida Bar  # 1038152

Member

2022 - Current

"The Big Beautiful Bill": A Sweeping Shift in U.S. Immigration Policy – And Its Contentious Ramifications

June 7, 2025

H.R. 1 - The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act": A Closer Look at its Impact on Middle-Class Families and Business Opportunities

May 23, 2025

The Perilous Erosion of Liberty: Examining the Trump Administration's Rhetoric on Habeas Corpus

May 15, 2025

Family-Based Immigration: Your Complete Guide to Green Card Eligibility

Blogger

September 16, 2024

Family-Based Immigration: Your Complete Guide to Green Card Eligibility

Blogger

August 5, 2024

Estate Planning for Baby Boomers: Strategies for Retirement and Legacy Planning

July 29, 2024

NAVIGATING THE CORPORATE TRANSPARENCY ACT (CTA): New Rules for Businesses

Blogger

July 23, 2024

President Biden's New Immigration Policies 2024: A Complete Overview

Blogger

July 16, 2024

ESTATE PLANNING:Not Just For The Wealthy

Blogger

October 26, 2023

ASYLUM: The Application Process Amid New Regulations

Blogger

June 2, 2023

Q. Can a US citizen petition a parent who is currently overstaying and has a history of overstays on visitor visas?

June 2, 2025

A: Your parent has been accruing unlawful presence since their last authorized stay expired. Generally, if an individual leaves the U.S. after an overstay of 180 days to less than one year, they face a 3-year bar from re-entry. An overstay of one year or more typically triggers a 10-year bar. Multiple overstays can significantly complicate future attempts to enter the U.S. and may even lead to a permanent bar.

However, there's good news: Parents of U.S. citizens who are 21 or older are classified as "immediate relatives" by USCIS. This status provides significant advantages, as immediate relatives are often exempt from bars to adjustment of status that apply to other visa categories, including those related to overstaying a visa. This means the act of overstaying is frequently forgiven for immediate relatives, and they can often adjust their status without needing an unlawful presence waiver.

It's crucial to understand that other Grounds of Inadmissibility, such as visa fraud/misrepresentation or criminal history, could still prevent adjustment of status. Given these complexities, it is not recommended that your parent do not leave the country during this process and that your family obtain legal representative. ... Read More

Q. I'm power of attorney for my sister. How can I legally evict her boyfriend from her house in Florida?

May 27, 2025

A: As your sister's full power of attorney, you generally have the authority to manage her property and legal affairs, which includes the ability to initiate an eviction. Ensure the power of attorney document specifically grants you the authority to manage real estate matters and undertake eviction actions on behalf of your sister.

Since there's no written lease agreement and her boyfriend may not be paying rent, he is likely considered a "tenant at will" or an "unwanted guest" in Florida law.

Unlawful Detainer Action is typically the correct procedure in Florida when there is no formal landlord-tenant relationship (i.e., no lease and no rent paid).

Florida law does not explicitly require a notice to vacate before filing an unlawful detainer action, but it's often advisable to send one anyway. This might encourage him to leave voluntarily.

If he is considered a month-to-month tenant at will (if any rent/contribution was made), you would typically need to provide a 15-day written notice to vacate before the next rent due date.

If the boyfriend doesn't leave after notice (or if no notice is required for unlawful detainer), you will need to file a complaint with the County Court.

The summons and complaint must be legally served on the boyfriend by a sheriff or a certified process server. The boyfriend will have a short period to respond to the summons. If he doesn't respond, you can seek a default judgment for possession. If he contests it, a hearing will be scheduled where you'll present your case.

If the court rules in your favor, a "Writ of Possession" will be issued. This document authorizes the sheriff to physically remove the boyfriend from the property if he still refuses to leave.

It is highly recommended to consult with a Florida attorney. They can guide you through the specific procedures and ensure you comply with all legal requirements to prevail. ... Read More

Q. Can IRS hold my money during an investigation of alleged tax debt?

May 27, 2025

A: Yes, the IRS can hold your money, including freezing your bank account, if they believe you owe back taxes, especially during an investigation of alleged tax debt or fraud.

IRS investigation of a potential tax fraud can take a long time to resolve.

To potentially expedite the process, you should:

Respond promptly to all IRS notices.

Cooperate fully with the investigation, providing any requested documentation.

Consider consulting an attorney who can assist you.They can help navigate the complex process, protect your rights, plea your financial hardship and negotiate with the IRS on your behalf

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