DISCLAIMER: SPECIFIC RESULTS IN ANY CASE ARE NOT PREDICTIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS. EACH CASE IS UNIQUE.
October 12, 2024—Today the office received three green cards conferring U.S. Permanent Resident status on each member of the family. The wife from Honduras won an asylum case with our office and received a green card through that victory in Baltimore Immigration Court. Through a successful Form I-730 filing, her spouse also received asylee status and his own green card even though the spouse arrived to the US many years before the wife and is from Guatemala . The minor child received his green card through the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status program because his biological father abandoned him prior to birth.
June 24, 2024—José Z. Canto, Esq. started his day in Rockville in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland to help a mother obtain a prediciate order for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and then went to Annapolis in the afternoon to obtain the same for another guardian in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
June 17, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, the Judge granted our client’s Motion to Modify Child Support.
June 16, 2024—Our client from El Salvador received her green card today after a successful petition from her U.S. Citizen spouse.
June 14, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
June 13, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
June 12, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Charles County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
June 10, 2024—Our client from Mexico received her U.S. Permanent Residency or green card today based upon her marriage to a spouse who was classified as a skilled worker.
June 08, 2024—Our client from El Salvador received her green card today after a successful petition filed by her U.S. Citizen child.
June 07, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
June 06, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
June 03, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
May 31, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
May 30, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
May 29, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
May 28, 2024—Our client from El Salvador received her green card today after a successful petition filed by her U.S. Permanent Resident spouse.
May 27, 2024—Our client from El Salvador received her green card today after a successful petition filed by her U.S. Citizen child.
May 23, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
May 17, 2024—Our client from Ecuador received her green card today after a successful petition filed by her U.S. Citizen spouse.
May 14, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
May 10, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
May 08, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, our client’s Motion to Modify Child Support was granted.
May 07, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
May 06, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
May 04, 2024—Our clients, a husband and wife from El Salvador, received their green cards today after their U.S. Citizen son sponsored them.
April 26, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
April 23, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
April 22, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
April 17, 2024—Our client from Guatemala became a U.S. Permanent Resident today after a successful Special Immigrant Juvenile status case.
April 12, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
April 11, 2024—In the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
April 08, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
April 01, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
March 28, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore County and the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, the firm assisted three children received Special Findings of Fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
March 28, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
March 26, 2024—In a double header of hearings in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County and Montgomery County, two children received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
March 25, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
March 14, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
March 08, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
March 07, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
March 06, 2024—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today after a successful Special Immigrant Juvenile status case.
February 28, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
February 23, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland, the Judge granted our client’s Motion to Modify Visitation and Child Support.
February 22, 2024—In the Annandale Immigration Court, the Immigration Judge granted asylum to our client from El Salvador.
February 21, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client was awarded an Absolute Divorce.
February 20, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
February 16, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
February 15, 2024—Two green cards arrived in the mail today for two children who hold approved Form I-360s as Special Immigrant Juveniles.
February 09, 2024—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, our client was awarded custody and received special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
February 06, 2024—In the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, our client received custody of her two minor children and special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
February 06, 2024—Today our client from the Dominican Republic became a U.S. Citizen at the USCIS Baltimore Field Office.
February 05, 2024—José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a client negotiate a plea deal with the State’s Attorney. Client accepted a Probation Before Judgment for several serious traffic offenses.
February 02, 2024—The firm ends the week with four successfully completed Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
January 25, 2024—José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained Special Immigrant Juvenile Status findings for a child in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. In this case, the family could not locate the biological father so the case required a Motion for Alternative Service.
January 24, 2024—In a second day of a double-header of hearings, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained Special Immigrant Juvenile Status findings for two children in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
January 23, 2024—In a double-header of hearings, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained Special Immigrant Juvenile Status findings for two children in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
January 22, 2024—José Z. Canto, Esq. appeared at the Baltimore County Circuit Court as well as the Superior Court for the District of Columbia today. In both cases, he successfully obtained custody orders for his clients and predicate orders for the children who qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
January 18, 2024—Our client became a U.S. Citizen today at the USCIS Baltimore Field Office.
January 12, 2024—Three clients now have a chance to apply for the Special Immigrant Juvenile status program after the firm successfully obtained predicate orders this week in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
January 02, 2024—To start the new year, we received a green for our client from El Salvador. The client previously won a grant of asylum with our office.
December 22, 2023—The firm settled a contested divorce case today involving marital property, alimony, and custody.
December 15, 2023—In the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, the Magistrate Judge granted our client third-party custody of her niece. The Magistrate Judge also made special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
December 15, 2023—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, our client was awarded sole physical and sole legal custody of one minor child. A child support award was also granted.
December 11, 2023—Today our client from Mexico became U.S. Permanent Resident. Although the client had unlawful entry and presence, she qualified for Parole-in-Place because of her U.S. Citizen husband who served in the Army. Parole-in-Place is an important benefit for military servicemembers.
December 08, 2023—Two green cards arrived today for two clients, originally from El Salvador, based upon their approved asylum status. Both clients were in immigration proceedings and won a defensive asylum case. They are now U.S. Permanent Residents.
December 02, 2023—Today our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident thanks to the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status program.
November 30, 2023—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today based on an approved Form I-360, Special Immigrant Juvenile visa.
November 20, 2023—Our client from Morocco became a U.S. Permanent Resident today based upon an approved Form I-130 filed by her adoptive U.S. Citizen mother.
November 13, 2023—Today our client from El Salvador received a green card after a successfully filed Form I-130, petition from client’s U.S. Citizen daughter.
November 10, 2023—Today our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident based on an approved Form I-360, Special Immigrant Juvenile visa.
July 19, 2023—Our client from Guatemala received her U.S. Permanent Residency. The firm previously represented the client in her asylum proceedings in Baltimore Immigration Court, where she was granted asylum after a contested hearing.
July 14, 2023—Today our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident based upon his approved asylum petition before the Immigration Court.
July 12, 2023—Our client from Germany received her green card today based upon her marriage to a U.S. Citizen spouse.
July 11, 2023—Today our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident. Client has held TPS Status for over 20 years. Through a marriage to a U.S. Citizen spouse, he now holds a green card.
July 10, 2023—Our client from El Salvador received his green card today through the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status program.
June 30, 2023—During the past month, The Canto Law Firm, LLC, helped eight children receive predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
June 23, 2023—Our client from Honduras became a U.S. Permanent Resident based upon his marriage to his U.S. Citizen spouse.
June 21, 2023—Today our client from Baltimore City received a Judgment of Absolute Divorce in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland.
June 15, 2023—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, helped a Prince George’s County father modify a custody order in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, to allow him to enjoy overnight visitation for the first time in years.
May 29, 2023—Our client from Honduras received her U.S. Permanent Resident card today. Client held TPS status, travelled to Honduras on advance parole, and received a green card through a U.S. Citizen Child.
May 23, 2023—Today our client from Honduras became a U.S. Permanent Resident based upon his U.S. Citizen son (over the age of 21).
May 22, 2023—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today based upon his approved Special Immigrant Juvenile Status visa.
April 29, 2023—Our two clients from El Salvador became U.S. Permanent Residents today at USCIS Baltimore Field Office.
April 21, 2023—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today at USCIS Baltimore Field Office.
April 19, 2023—Our client from Colombia became a U.S. Permanent Resident today at USCIS Baltimore Field Office.
April 18, 2023—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today at USCIS Baltimore Field Office.
April 17, 2023—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today at USCIS Baltimore Field Office.
April 14, 2023—José Z. Canto, Esq. opened a newly printed green card for his client from El Salvador. The client is now is a U.S. Permanent Resident after becoming a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
April 13, 2023— Our client from the Dominican Republic became a U.S. Citizen today at the U.S. District Court for Maryland (Greenbelt).
April 07, 2023—Today our client from Honduras became a U.S. Permanent Resident. The client won her asylum case at EOIR Baltimore in 2021.
April 05, 2023—Today our client from Colombia became a U.S. Citizen at the USCIS Baltimore Field Office.
March 31, 2023—In this month of March, the firm litigated eight custody cases involving Special Immigrant Juveniles and obtained predicate orders for each of the clients.
March 29, 2023—Our client from Honduras became a U.S. Permanent Resident today based upon an approved asylum application before Baltimore EOIR.
March 25, 2023—In the District Court of Maryland (Annapolis), José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained a favorable plea bargain with the prosecutor despite several serious traffic offenses. The client only paid a fine of $100.00.
March 24, 2023—In the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, the firm successfully defended against a motion for modification of legal custody filed by the opposing party.
March 23, 2023—In the Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland, the firm helped defend a youth and his father facing charges in the juvenile court.
March 17, 2023—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, the firm obtained an absolute divorce for the client.
March 06, 2023—Our client, a citizen of Honduras, received her U.S. Permanent Resident card today based upon a marriage to a U.S. Citizen.
February 28, 2023—In this month of February, the firm litigated seven custody cases involving Special Immigrant Juveniles and obtained predicate orders for each of the clients.
February 17, 2023—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client received an absolute divorce.
February 13, 2023—Our client from Peru became a U.S. Citizen today at USCIS Field Office (Baltimore).
February 10, 2023—Two of our clients from Chile received their U.S. Permanent Resident cards today based upon a Form I-130 filed by their U.S. Citizen daughter.
February 06, 2023—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today after receiving approval as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
February 10, 2023—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client received an absolute divorce.
February 03, 2023—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client received an absolute divorce and was granted sole physical and sole legal custody of a minor child.
January 26, 2023—Today our client from El Salvador received his U.S. Permanent Resident card based upon an approved asylum petition before USCIS. Also, another client from El Salvador, received a new green card today based upon USCIS’ approval of her Form I-90.
January 25, 2023—USCIS approved our client’s Form I-90 today. The client, originally from El Salvador, now has ten more years with her green card. USCIS also approved a Form I-90 for our client from Ecuador today.
January 23, 2023—Our client, a U.S. Citizen, is now reunited with her three Mexican-born children. All three children entered the United States this month and received their green cards and social security cards in the mail today.
January 17, 2023—Our client, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, received her U.S. Permanent Resident card today based upon her marriage to a U.S. Citizen. On today’s date, another client, a citizen of Honduras, received his U.S. Permanent Resident card day as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
January 08, 2023—Today our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Citizen at the Baltimore USCIS Field Office.
December 31, 2022—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, concludes the month of December with seven successful Form I-360 filings for children from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
December 13, 2022—Today our client from Nicaragua became a U.S. Citizen.
December 12, 2022—Today our client from Peru became a U.S. Citizen.
December 09, 2022—The Canto Law Firm, LLC received today a green card for our client from El Salvador. The client earned his green card after a successful asylum grant before the USCIS Asylum Office.
December 07, 2022—Our client from Guatemala received her green card today. The client earned her green card after a successful asylum grant at Baltimore Immigration Court.
December 06, 2022—Today our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
December 05, 2022—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident based upon a successful asylum case in the Baltimore Immigration Court in 2019.
November 28, 2022—Our client from Honduras became a U.S. Permanent Resident today as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
November 27, 2022—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
November 18, 2022—Today our client from Colombia became a U.S. Permanent Resident as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
November 17, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. participated in oral arguments this morning in a record appeal arising from a District Court civil action.
November 15, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained special findings of fact allowing a young man from Honduras to remain the United States through the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The young man’s parents forced him to drop out of school at age 10 to begin work in agriculture. The young man was also targeted by drug cartels. The young man now has a promising future in the United States where he is studying and wishes to become an architect.
November 14, 2022—Today our client from Guatemala received her U.S. Permanent Resident Card. The firm previously represented the client in her removal proceedings and helped her obtain a grant of asylum based upon her membership in a particular social group (family).
November 09, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client from Nicaragua received predicate orders to allow him to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The government of Nicaragua persecuted the client because he participated in protests against the government. The client’s mother also abandoned and neglected him.
November 08, 2022—Today our client from Colombia received her green card as a Special Immigrant Juvenile. José Z. Canto, Esq. represented the client at all stages of the case, including advocating for the client at the custody hearing, filing the Form I-360, and submitting the Form I-485 for the green card.
November 07, 2022—The Canto Law Firm, LLC received two green cards today for two clients who are now U.S. Permanent Residents. The firm assisted a lady from Ecuador and her daughter obtain U.S. Permanent Residents as a result of a Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative filed by the U.S. Citizen husband/stepfather.
November 02, 2022—Today USCIS approved our client’s Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Our client, a U.S. Citizen, filed a Form I-130 for his spouse from Guatemala.
November 01, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client from Colombia successfully obtained special findings of fact allowing him to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
October 27, 2022—At the Hyattsville Immigration Court, the Immigration Judge granted our client’s application for asylum. The client was a preacher in El Salvador with an urban ministry focus. The client, among other important work, helped children turn away from the MS-13 gang. Because of this work, the client became a target of MS-13 and suffered past persecution, including an attempted murder. The Immigration Judge granted asylum based upon our client’s imputed political opinion of anti-gang or anti-MS-13. The client’s husband also received asylum as a derivative beneficiary.
October 27, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, our clients–two brothers–from El Salvador were placed under the custody of their great aunt. The Magistrate also made special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. One of the brothers is turning twenty-one (21) in three weeks. The Canto Law Firm, LLC, successful scheduled the hearing on an emergency basis.
October 25, 2022—This evening at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore City, Maryland, the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (“MVLS”) presented José Z. Canto, Esq. with its Ten Year Pro Bono Achievement Award. The award honors an attorney who has accepted at least one pro bono case per year for a decade. The Chief Judge for the Maryland Court of Appeals, the Honorable Matthew J. Fader, presented the award. Photo Credit: William Petruzzo, Petruzzo Photography, LLC
October 25, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted a client obtain shared physical and joint legal custody on a temporary basis for her two children.
October 25, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Maryland, our client was found “not guilty” in a juvenile criminal matter for driving without a license.
October 24, 2022—José Z. Canto, Esq. counseled a U.S. Citizen with her immigration petitions to obtain U.S. Citizenship for her three minor children. The minor children were born in Mexico and lived the early part of their lives there. They are now U.S. Citizens and reside with our client, their mother, in Maryland.
October 19, 2022—José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted a 20-year old boy from El Salvador obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status a week before his 21st birthday in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. The case involved a motion for an emergency hearing.
October 17, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted two children from Mexico obtain special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
October 14, 2022—The Canto Law Firm, LLC assisted a 20-year old girl from El Salvador obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status just two weeks shy of her 21st birthday in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. The case involved a motion for an expedited hearing.
October 11, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, The Canto Law Firm, convinced a judge to grant our client sole physical and sole legal custody of two minor children.
October 07, 2022—Today at the Baltimore Immigration Court, the Immigration Judge granted our client’s motion to vacate order of removal and to dismiss proceedings. The client, who was deported several years ago, now has a pending U visa and is now safe from deportation to Guatemala.
October 03, 2022—The Canto Law Firm, LLC received a U.S. Permanent Resident card today for our client from El Salvador. She received this green card after USCIS approved our Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, filed by client’s U.S. Citizen daughter.
September 30, 2022—Our client is now on the path to becoming a U.S. Permanent Resident after the firm obtained special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
September 27, 2022—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today. He received his green card as a Special Immigrant Juvenile. He now has a path to become a U.S. Citizen in five years.
September 26, 2022—This morning in the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County (Rockville), José Z. Canto, Esq. helped our client obtain a dismissal of several criminal charges relating to driving without a license, driving with expired tags, and driving without auto insurance.
September 21, 2022—Our father-daughter couple received their U.S. Permanent Resident or green cards today in the mail. The father-daughter couple won a defensive asylum case at Baltimore Immigration Court.
September 20, 2022—Our client from Honduras became a U.S. Permanent Resident today. He received his green card as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
September 19, 2022—Prior to the start of a contested divorce and custody trial, the firm settled a case for our client on favorable terms in a Marital Settlement Agreement in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
September 14, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client obtained his absolute divorce based on a twelve month separation.
September 09, 2022—In the past week, the firm obtained divorces in two separate cases for both of our clients based upon mutual consent in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
September 07, 2022—Today in the Baltimore Immigration Court, the Immigration Judge granted our client’s Joint Motion to Reopen and Unopposed Motion to Dismiss Proceedings without Prejudice. The firm helped the client vacate her order of deportation so that she can now pursue a U visa after being a victim of a qualifying crime in the United States.
September 06, 2022—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today. She received her green card because she qualified for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
September 01, 2022—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, is happy to report that our client and her daughter, both from Guatemala, received their U.S. Permanent Resident cards today. They both received this status after the client won a defensive asylum case at Baltimore Immigration Court.
August 30, 2022—In a double header of hearings, the firm obtained custody and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status findings for children from El Salvador and Guatemala.
August 23, 2022—In the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County (Rockville), our client was found “not guilty” for driving without a license. Later the same day, José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted another client obtain custody and special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
August 12, 2022—In the past two weeks, José Z. Canto, Esq. handled seven different cases in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland concerning custody and special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. All the cases were successfully litigated.
August 01, 2022—Our client was found “not guilty” this morning in a criminal trial in the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County (Towson). The charges included driving without a license and without insurance.
July 29, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, we obtained a divorce for our client.
July 26, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, The Canto Law Firm, LLC assisted a client from Guatemala in obtaining Special Immigrant Juvenile Status findings.
July 20, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, the firm obtained custody and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status orders for a minor child from El Salvador.
July 18, 2022—Appearing virtually, José Z. Canto, Esq. litigated a contested divorce trial in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland. The attorney obtained custody and the maximum amount of child support for the client and her children.
July 15, 2022—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, assisted a client from Prince George’s County in obtaining an uncontested divorce based upon mutual consent in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland.
July 12, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. counseled a client in obtaining custody of a minor child and special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS).
July 09, 2022—The Montgomery County Commission on Common Ownership Communities granted a motion for summary judgment in our client’s favor. In a 3-0 decision, the Commission agreed with the firm’s arguments that an association’s cease-and-desist letter (preventing the homeowner from building a composite deck with metal posts and wire balusters) was unlawful given the fact that the association did not timely deny the proposed deck within sixty (60) days of receipt of the architectural change application.
July 09, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. counseled a client in obtaining custody of a minor child and special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS).
June 28, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, the firm obtained a divorce for our client.
June 23, 2022—At the USCIS Field Office in Baltimore, the Service granted our clients’ Form I-730 to couple their immigration to their mother’s case. The mother had previously been granted asylum. With approved I-730s, the two children (both single and under 21) have an opportunity to adjust status to U.S. Permanent Residency.
June 14, 2022—Today our client, originally from El Salvador, became a U.S. Citizen at the USCIS Baltimore Field Office.
June 13, 2022—Today USCIS approved our client’s Form I-751 to remove conditions on her U.S. Permanent Residency card. The client now has a 10-year green card.
May 31, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained special findings of fact (Special Immigrant Juvenile Status) for three children from El Salvador, one whom is turning twenty-one (21) later this week.
May 26, 2022—In Baltimore Immigration Court, the Immigration Judge granted our client’s Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility under Section 212(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1182(h). The client, originally from Cameroon, was placed in deferred inspection after taking an international trip abroad. Upon being retained, Customs and Border Protection confiscated his green card because of a criminal guilty plea to a Medicaid Fraud charge. Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed our client in removal proceedings. José Z. Canto, Esq., successfully convinced the Immigration Judge that the client’s U.S. Citizen spouse and children would suffer extreme hardship should the client be removed to Cameroon.
May 03, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for one minor child from Guatemala.
May 01, 2022—Our client from Honduras received his U.S. Permanent Resident or green card today. The client received his green card through his U.S. Citizen daughter.
April 27, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for two minor children from Guatemala.
April 08, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted our client with his uncontested divorce hearing.
April 01, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for one minor child from El Salvador.
March 30, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for one minor child from Spain.
March 25, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for two minor children from Guatemala.
March 23, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for two minor children from Honduras.
March 16, 2022—In the newly opened Hyattsville Immigration Court, the Immigration Judge granted asylum to our client who suffered years of domestic violence at the hands of her abusive, controlling partner.
March 15, 2022—Our client from Ecuador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today based upon her marriage to a U.S. Citizen.
March 07, 2022—Our client from El Salvador, two days shy of his 21st birthday, received Special Immigrant Juvenile Status findings. The firm represented him in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, and filed his Form I-360 timely.
March 04, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client from Paraguay was granted an absolute divorce from his spouse.
March 02, 2022—In a double header of custody hearings in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, the firm obtained custody and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status orders for two minor children, one from Honduras and the other from Brazil. Both children are now on the path to U.S. Permanent Resident status.
February 28, 2022—In another banner month for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, the firm represented nine (9) children in custody proceedings in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. The children are from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico. The Magistrate also made special findings of fact that provide each minor child with the opportunity to file Form I-360s for Special Immigrant Juvenile visas. Two of the cases were emergency cases because the child in question was approaching a 21st birthday.
February 23, 2022—In the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, our client obtained an absolute divorce from her husband.
February 07, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Maryland, the firm negotiated a marital settlement agreement and assisted the client in obtaining an absolute divorce.
February 04, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, our clients–a mother and father–obtained legal guardianship of their son with developmental disabilities.
February 11, 2022—A green card arrived for our client form El Salvador. Our client received his green card through a petition from his 21-year-old, U.S. Citizen daughter.
January 31, 2022—In this month, the firm assisted four children obtain predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The children hail from Mexico (2) and Guatemala (2).
January 28, 2022—Today our client’s Complaint for Absolute Divorce was granted in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
January 26, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, the judge granted our Petition for Contempt (failure to pa child support) and issued a warrant for the opposing party’s arrest.
January 25, 2022—Today the firm settled a contested divorce proceeding pending in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
January 13, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, agreed with our arguments that the Exceptions or appeal filed by the opposing party should be denied.
January 12, 2022—In the District Court of Maryland for Howard County, the firm assisted a client resolve several traffic violations, including driving without a license. The client received no jail time and no fines.
December 14, 2021—A green card arrived today for our client from El Salvador. The client, who previously had Temporary Protected Status, received her U.S. Permanent Resident Card through a petition from her U.S. Citizen son.
November 30, 2021—In this month, three of our clients became U.S. Permanent Residents, one based upon marriage to a U.S. Citizen and two others as Special Immigrant Juveniles.
November 30, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, the Magistrate granted our client’s request for custody and for special immigrant juvenile status.
November 24, 2021—Our client, originally a Mexican Citizen, became a U.S. Citizen today at Baltimore USCIS.
November 21, 2021—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, assisted two clients–one from El Salvador and another from Nicaragua–both entered the United States as U.S. Permanent Residents.
November 20, 2021—Our client received guardianship of his son with disabilities in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland.
November 19, 2021—Our client, a French citizen, received her U.S. Permanent Residency today through her marriage to her U.S. Citizen spouse.
November 15, 2021—The Immigration Judge in Arlington, Virginia, granted our client’s Motion to Reopen and to Rescind Order of Removal.
November 01, 2021—The firm settled a civil contract dispute today in the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County.
October 31, 2021—In a banner month for green cards, our office received ten (10) green cards for our clients conferring U.S. Permanent Resident Status.
October 29, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Maryland, our client was granted an absolute divorce.
October 28, 2021—Our clients, a parents of a child with autism, were granted guardianship in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
October 26, 2021—Our client, originally from Morocco, became a U.S. Citizen.
October 20, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, the Magistrate granted our client’s request for custody and made special findings of fact qualifying the minor child for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
October 06, 2021—In Rockville, Maryland, a Magistrate of the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, granted our client’s request for sole physical and sole legal custody and made special findings of fact allowing the minor child to file a Form I-360 as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
October 01, 2021—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
September 30, 2021—The Canto Law Firm, LLC received a green card today for our client from El Salvador. He is now a U.S. Permanent Resident due to the Special Immigrant Juvenile visa .
September 21, 2021—The firm helped two brothers become U.S. Permanent Residents as Special Immigrant Juveniles.
September 20, 2021—Over the weekend, our young client from El Salvador received her green card, U.S. Permanent Residency, based upon her approved Form I-360 as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
September 18, 2021—A green card arrived today for our client, a young lady originally from El Salvador, who has an approved Form I-360 as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
September 17, 2021—Today a young man from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident through the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status program.
September 16, 2021—Our client from Nicaragua has been approved to become a U.S. Citizen. His oath ceremony is next week.
September 15, 2021—Our client, originally from the Dominican Republic, became a U.S. Citizen.
September 14, 2021—At Baltimore USCIS Field Office, our client from St. Lucia became a U.S. Citizen.
September 13, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, the Magistrate granted our complaint for sole physical and sole legal custody and made an award of child support. The firm previously helped the same mother obtain a final protective order against her abusive partner.
September 10, 2021—Two clients from El Salvador became U.S. Permanent Residents today based upon a Special Immigrant Juvenile visa. The green cards just arrived in the mail.
September 08, 2021—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client from El Salvador was placed under the custody of his mother and was found to be eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
August 24, 2021—In a double header of hearings, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained custody and predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile status for two minors in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
August 19, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted a client in reducing his child support obligation due to a lack of evidence of a work-related child care expense.
August 18, 2021—Today in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, our client received sole physical and sole legal custody of her minor child. The judge also made findings qualifying the minor child for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (“SIJS”).
August 16, 2021—Our client, originally from El Salvador, became a U.S. Citizen today at the Baltimore USCIS Field Office.
August 06, 2021—At USCIS Baltimore, our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Citizen.
August 04, 2021—José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted a lady obtain an absolute divorce today in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland.
August 04, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, the firm assisted our client raise a child support award from $500 per month to $1,300 per month.
July 28, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, our client obtained an absolute divorce.
July 28, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client was awarded sole physical and sole legal custody of a minor child from El Salvador. The Court also found the minor child to be eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
July 23, 2021—In a double header of divorce hearings, this firm obtained two divorces in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County and Montgomery County, respectively.
July 21, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, our client obtained her divorce.
July 20, 2021—The firm assisted a Takoma Park couple signed and execute their Will and Last Testament.
July 16, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client’s Complaint for Absolute Divorce was granted.
July 14, 2021—The firm settled a third-party custody dispute in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City today. Our client, a grandmother, was awarded weekly access to her three minor grandchildren.
July 12, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, our client’s Complaint for Absolute Divorce was granted. Opposing party was awarded no alimony or property.
July 08, 2021—In the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, our client–a minor child from Honduras–was placed under the custody of her aunt and uncle. The Court also made special findings of fact qualifying the minor child for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (“SIJS”).
July 07, 2021—A Baltimore Immigration Judge granted our client’s request for asylum. The client had received two death threats (text messages) from a Honduran drug cartel seeking revenge against the entire family for the past actions of an uncle and nephew. The particular social group was immediate family. The client, her husband, and two minor children are now on the path to U.S. permanent residency and now have safe harbor in the United States.
July 06, 2021—In a contested divorce action in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully defended our client against alimony and pension claims. The opposing party received no alimony or monetary award.
June 30, 2021—The Canto Law Firm, LLC ended the last week of June with three victories for children who qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Two children from Honduras and one from Guatemala received predicate orders to allow them to File I-360s. The former case was in the Circuit Court for Howard County and the latter in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County.
June 16, 2021—At the Baltimore USCIS Field Office, our client from Zambia became a U.S. Permanent Resident based upon his marriage to a U.S. Citizen spouse.
June 15, 2021—In Baltimore, Maryland, at the USCIS Field Office our client’s Form I-730 was approved. This petition was filed by our client’s spouse who was recently granted asylum.
June 14, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client from El Salvador received predicate orders allowing him to remain in the country as a special immigrant juvenile.
June 09, 2021—At the USCIS Field Office in Baltimore, our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident based upon her marriage to U.S. Citizen.
June 02, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client from Honduras received special findings of fact that allow him to file a Form I-360 as a special immigrant juvenile.
June 01, 2021—José Z. Canto, Esq. has been retained to serve as an expert witness in a divorce proceedings involving immigration issues.
May 21, 2021—Today in the Register of Wills for Montgomery County, the firm assisted a client open a small estate for litigation purposes.
May 19, 2021—At the Baltimore Immigration Court, José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully convinced an Immigration Judge to grant our client asylum based on her past persecution on account of her imputed political opinion (feminism) in Guatemala. The client had suffered domestic violence at the hands of her ex-partner. When she resisted demands to marry him, to move-in with him, and to become a full-time wife and mother, her ex-partner intensified the persecution culminating in a physical assault and a rape. When the client attempted to report these crimes to the authorities, nothing was done. Now the client has asylee status and will on day have a chance to become a U.S. Permanent Resident.
May 19, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, our client from Guatemala was placed under the sole physical and sole legal custody of a family friend putting her on the path towards a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status visa. The client is now eligible to obtain U.S. Permanent Residency or the green card.
May 18, 2021—The firm helped a lady avoid MVA points and a stiff penalty for a traffic ticket (excessive speed) in the District Court for Prince George’s County (Upper Marlboro).
May 18, 2021—In the District Court of Maryland for Howard County, the firm successfully defended a man facing charges of driving without a license. The client avoided all fines and jail time.
May 13, 2021—Rockville, Maryland. Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our clients obtained a guardianship order granting them decision-making authority for their disabled son.
May 12, 2021—The firm successfully negotiated a settlement regarding contempt issues arising from a Marital Settlement Agreement.
May 11, 2021—José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted a minor child from Mexico obtain predicate orders qualifying him for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (“SIJS”) in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
May 06, 2021—Today our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident. The client was previously ordered removed in Houston, Texas, but has held Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”) since 2001. With the TPS status, the firm helped the client vacate her order of removal due to defective service of process. Next, we helped her file a Form I-131 for advance parole to obtain lawful entry. Upon obtaining lawful entry, her U.S. Citizen son (over 21) sponsored her for the green card. Today the approval arrived.
May 05, 2021—Our client, a minor child from El Salvador, received predicate orders today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, allowing him to file a Form I-360 as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
May 04, 2021—Today our clients, three minor children from Colombia, received predicate orders in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, making special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Each child is now eligible for a visa and an opportunity to adjust status.
April 23, 2021—Baltimore, Maryland. Today our client, originally from El Salvador, became a U.S. Citizen.
April 21, 2021—In the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, the firm obtained a Judgment of Absolute Divorce for our client.
April 20, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, our firm assisted the client in increasing her child support award by $400.00.
April 20, 2021—In a tax appeal hearing before the Maryland Tax Court, the firm assisted the client in obtaining a reimbursement for overpaid taxes to the State of Maryland.
April 19, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our two clients from El Salvador were placed under the custody of their mother and received predicate orders allowing them to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. One of the children is turning twenty-one in May, but the firm was able to expedite the hearing to allow her to receive this immigration benefit in time.
April 16, 2021—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Citizen today at the Baltimore USCIS Field Office.
April 15, 2021—Our client from Peru became a U.S. Citizen today at the Baltimore USCIS Filed Office.
April 14, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client from El Salvador received predicate orders allowing her three minor child to file Form I-360s to become Special Immigrant Juveniles. They now have a defense from removal.
April 13, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland the Magistrate granted our client’s complaint for custody and made special findings of fact qualifying her four minor children as Special Immigrant Juveniles.
April 13, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, the judge granted our client’s Complaint for an Absolute Divorce.
April 08, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, our client received sole physical and sole legal custody of her minor child as well as a child support award.
April 07, 2021—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client from Mexico and another from El Salvador were both placed under the custody of their respective mothers. The Court further made special findings of fact qualifying each of them for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
April 06, 2021—Our client, originally from the Dominican Republic, became a U.S. Citizen today in Baltimore, Maryland. The firm assisted the client with preparing and filing her Form N-400.
April 05, 2021—Our client, originally from El Salvador, received approval for her Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or “DACA.” She now has a work permit and protection from removal.
April 01, 2021—Today in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, the firm obtained an absolute divorce for our client based on a 12 month separation.
March 31, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, our client–a 12 year-old boy from Honduras–was placed under the custody of his mother. The Court further made special findings of fact allowing him to apply for a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status visa.
March 30, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, our clients–two minor children from Guatemala–were placed under the custody of their father. The Court further made special findings of fact allowing them to apply for a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status visa.
March 30, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, our client–a minor child from Guatemala–was placed under the custody of his uncle. The Court further made special findings of fact allowing him to apply for a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status visa. The case involved a John Doe father, but the firm was able to investigate the case and find out the identity of the father and obtained his death certificate.
March 25, 2021—Today at the Baltimore USCIS Field Office, our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Citizen. The firm assisted the client with preparing and filing her Form N-400.
March 24, 2021—At mid-week, the firm has closed three custody/special immigrant juvenile cases in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County (2) and the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland (1). A total of three children are now on the path towards U.S. Permanent Residency.
March 19, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, our client was awarded sole physical and sole legal custody of her one minor daughter.
March 16, 2021—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, our client from Guatemala obtained sole physical and sole legal custody of her minor child. The Court also made special findings of fact permitting the minor child to file a Form I-360 to become a special immigrant juvenile.
March 05, 2021—Our client is now divorced in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. The firm assisted the client in negotiating and signing a Marital Settlement Agreement, giving her a divorce on the grounds of mutual consent.
February 26, 2021—The firm at week’s end assisted three minor children from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras respectively obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. All three cases were pending in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. One of the children’s cases was on an emergency basis because she is aging out in early March 2021. The firm nonetheless assisted her in obtaining the required predicate orders to file a Form I-360 before her twenty-first birthday.
February 16, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, our client obtained a divorce on the grounds of mutual consent.
February 11, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our firm helped two minor children (twins) from El Salvador obtain predicate orders qualifying them for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status before their twenty-first birthday next week. The Form I-360s are in mail today.
February 10, 2021—Today in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, our firm negotiated a settlement with the opposing side in a contested divorce proceeding involving alimony and property.
February 04, 2021—In the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, José Z. Canto, Esq. finished a two-day divorce trial. The client received a monetary award for his share of the marital home.
February 02, 2021—Today our office received a green card for one of our children who has been classified as a Special Immigrant Juvenile (Form I-360).
January 26, 2021—At the Baltimore USCIS Field Office, our client from Nicaragua received his approval to become to U.S. Citizen.
January 21, 2021—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, two children received predicate orders allowing them to file Forms I-360s as special immigrant juveniles. Both children are from Guatemala.
January 20, 2021—José Z. Canto, Esq. presented a divorce case today on the grounds of adultery. He helped our client obtain a divorce on those grounds in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland.
January 11, 2021—José Z. Canto, Esq. prepared a Will and Last Testament for a man in Silver Spring, Maryland.
January 11, 2021—The firm obtained a Judgment of Absolute Divorce for our client in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland.
January 06, 2021—The firm started 2021 with our first Special Immigrant Juvenile Status victory for our minor from Honduras in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. This young girl now has a defense to removal and a chance to remain in the United States.
December 31, 2020—The firm has had another banner month of success with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases. We obtained custody and SIJS orders for seven minor children in Maryland Circuit Courts. Now each child will have a chance to become U.S. Permanent Residents.
December 19, 2020—The firm helped a nurse from Harford County, Maryland close on her new home and obtain financing.
December 18, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland, the firm obtained a Judgment for Absolute Divorce for our client from Mexico.
December 16, 2020—The firm congratulates José Z. Canto, Esq. for being selected for the third year in a row to the SuperLawyers Rising Star list for immigration law.
December 01, 2020—At the Baltimore USCIS Field Office, our client, originally from Mexico, became a U.S. Citizen.
November 24, 2020—Today in the Circuit Court for Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a Virginia couple obtain a civil judgment for breach of contract.
November 18, 2020—The Board of Immigration Appeals reinstated our client’s asylum appeal after arguing that USPS’ failure to deliver a package by the appeal deadline justified good cause to reinstate.
November 16, 2020—Our client–a citizen and national of the Dominican Republic–received her green card approval today based upon her marriage to a U.S. Citizen.
November 10, 2020—Today the firm received a green card for our client from the Dominican Republic. The firm assisted the client in preparing her Form I-90.
November 03, 2020—Our client from India received her green card approval today based upon her marriage to a U.S. Citizen.
October 31, 2020—The firm ends October with four children now eligible for special immigrant juvenile visas. José Z. Canto, Esq. represented the four children in the Circuit Court for Montgomery, Maryland, and each obtained predicate orders qualifying each of them for a visa and in turn a green card.
October 30, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a Bethesda woman obtain an absolute divorce on the grounds of mutual consent.
October 22, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, the firm successfully defended a client against the opposing party’s request for a custody modification.
October 19, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, the Family Law Magistrate granted our client’s request for an absolute divorce on the grounds of a 12 month separation.
October 12, 2020—An Immigration Judge in Baltimore City, Maryland granted our client’s motion to re-calendar and to dismiss removal proceedings. This order will allow our client from El Salvador the opportunity to adjust status before USCIS based upon the sponsorship of her U.S. Citizen daughter. Of note, the client holds TPS status and has legal entry based upon advanced parole.
October 10, 2020—USCIS approved N-400s for two of our clients one from Mexico and the other from El Salvador. Both are now scheduled for naturalization ceremonies and will soon be U.S. Citizens.
October 09, 2020—José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted four minor children obtain predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (“SIJS”) this week in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County (3) and the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County (1).
October 08, 2020—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, we obtained sole legal custody for our client and a favorable child support award (plus arrears) after a day-long contested trial.
October 07, 2020—Our client from Zimbabwe received his Form I-130 approval today based upon his marriage to a U.S. Permanent Resident.
October 05, 2020—Please listen to our ads on El ZOL, 107.9FM, in the mornings during El Meneo with Patricia de Lima and Chepe. We are Latino and Proud too.
October 01, 2020—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, assisted two children from Central America obtain predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
September 29, 2020—José Z. Canto, Esq. and The Canto Law Firm, LLC, were invited by the Maryland Attorney General’s COVID-19 Task Force to participate in a dialogue with the Latino Community concerning wills, power of attorneys, and medical directives during the global pandemic.
September 22, 2020—José Z. Canto, Esq. counseled a Prince George’s County woman obtain a final protective order from her former partner who was threatening her with bodily harm.
September 16, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, the firm helped a minor child from El Salvador obtain predicate orders to allow him to pursue a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status visa and to one day become a U.S. Permanent Resident.
September 10, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted a grandmother obtain temporary custody of her three grandchildren on a temporary basis pending the final resolution of a contested custody case.
September 09, 2020—José Z. Canto, Esq. was in two courthouses today. In Rockville, Maryland, he helped his client modify a custody and visitation order in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County and then helped another client negotiate a child support agreement in lieu of a hearing in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County.
September 04, 2020—In one week the firm helped three minor children from Central America obtain predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. One of the children is turning twenty-one (21) in a few weeks and the firm helped him file an emergency motion to expedite his hearing. All three children will likely be U.S. Citizens in the near future.
August 31, 2020—The Canto Law Firm, LLC helped a father from Prince George’s County negotiate a favorable child support award payable to his child’s mother. Instead of an expensive trial in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, the man saved his time and money.
August 26, 2020—Rockville, Maryland. The firm helped a minor child from El Salvador obtain predicate orders in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. The minor child now an an opportunity to become a U.S. permanent resident with a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status visa.
August 17, 2020—Towson, Maryland. Today in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Maryland, our client from El Salvador received predicate orders to allow him to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (“SIJS”).
August 14, 2020—Baltimore, Maryland. Today at the Baltimore USCIS Field Office, our client from Guatemala became a United States Citizen.
August 12, 2020—Rockville, Maryland. The firm obtained predicate orders today for two children (one from El Salvador and the other from Honduras) seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County.
August 03, 2020—The firm celebrates the approval of a Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, for a physical therapist from mainland China. This approval puts this client on the path to U.S. Permanent Residency.
July 31, 2020—In the month of July, The Canto Law Firm, LLC, successfully obtained predicate orders for sixteen (16) minor children who qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. This means that sixteen children have a chance to become U.S. Permanent Residents and eventually U.S. Citizens. Although each child is from El Salvador, Guatemala, or Honduras, each is proud and excited to one day have legal status in this country.
July 30, 2020—Rockville, Maryland. The firm provided legal counsel to a woman seeking a divorce on the grounds of mutual consent. Today at the hearing, the Magistrate granted our complaint for absolute divorce.
July 28, 2020—The firm appeared virtually today in two different jurisdictions–Montgomery and Charles counties–to appear on behalf of two women seeking divorces on the ground of mutual consent.
July 24, 2020—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, the firm obtained a divorce for a wife on the grounds of mutual consent.
July 23, 2020—The firm congratulates attorney José Z. Canto, Esq. on his recent admission to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The firm has received requests to handle appeals from the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) from Immigration Judge decisions in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.
July 23, 2020—Today in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted his client in the negotiating of a child custody and child support agreement.
July 20, 2020—José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a Prince George’s County woman obtain sole physical and sole legal custody of her minor child.
July 16, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, the firm helped a lady obtain sole physical and sole legal custody of her minor children. The firm also helped the lady obtain a child support award.
July 13, 2020—San Antonio, Texas. The Immigration Judge granted our Motion to Reopen and to Rescind an Order of Removal. Our client, a DACA recipient, now has a chance to travel home and return with legal entry. She will then have a chance to become a U.S. Permanent Resident due to her marriage to U.S. Citizen.
July 10, 2020—Rockville, Maryland. In a double header of hearings, the firm represented two women in divorce hearings in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. The firm helped each client negotiate a martial settlement agreement allowing them to obtain a divorce on the grounds of mutual consent. Both were divorced within one month of filing. A divorce on the ground of mutual consent is the best, fastest, and cheapest option for all Marylanders seeking a divorce.
July 10, 2020—Baltimore, Maryland. Today our client from Guatemala, someone with an intellectual disability, became a United States citizen. Despite several obstacles, the firm guided her through the USCIS citizenship process. The firm believes that all people, regardless of disability, should have a chance to be a part of this country.
July 09, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, our firm helped a Rockville lady obtain an absolute divorce from her husband on the grounds of mutual consent. The agreement provides for the husband to pay rehabilitative alimony.
June 15, 2020—The firm proudly stands by the Black Lives Matter movement and continues to welcome clients from all races, nationalities, sexual orientations, immigration statuses, religions, or cultures. No matter who you are or what the government alleges you have done, know that you are welcome here and will be defended zealously.
June 02, 2020—The firm assisted a client negotiate down a debt with the Internal Revenue Service. At the end of the negotiations, the IRS agreed to suspend collection on the debt.
June 01, 2020—A lady from Guatemala retained the firm today to investigate delays in her N-400 filing. The firm discovered the error done by a “notario” and corrected it. The lady is now awaiting her oath ceremony to become a U.S. Citizen.
May 28, 2020—The firm assisted in the review and preparation of a prenuptial agreement today.
May 12, 2020—The firm assisted an employee negotiate and sign a severance agreement from his employer.
May 5, 2020—The firm is equipped with COVID-19 protective masks and used them today to help a Silver Spring woman sign and notarize her will and last testament as well as medical directive.
April 24, 2020—The firm congratulates José Z. Canto, Esq.on his admission to the bar of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
March 25, 2020—Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the firm proceeded today with a guardianship hearing in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland. The case concerned a disabled woman, a U.S. permanent resident, who needed a guardianship order to complete her citizenship process. The firm appeared via telephone pursuant to current guidelines to protect the public from the virus.
March 19, 2020—Our own José Z. Canto, Esq. appeared today as a presenter on the MVLS CLE program entitled “Getting Off on the Right Foot: Managing Client Expectations & Relationships.” To view the video, please click here.
March 13, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Charles County, the firm helped represent a father in a contested child support case. The firm was successful in convincing the Magistrate to consider payments to three other children from a previous relationship to help adjust the payments downward.
March 10, 2020—In Rockville, Maryland, today the firm obtained predicate orders for a minor child from El Salvador. The child, who just started kindergarten, will have the chance to become a U.S. Citizen before she turns eighteen (18).
March 9, 2020—In Rockville, Maryland, today, the firm assisted a home owner resolve several housing code citations. The firm’s negotiations with the Office of the County Attorney and the Housing Inspector helped dismiss all the citations.
March 6, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, the firm helped a mother from Honduras obtain sole physical and sole legal custody of her two minor children.
March 4, 2020—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, helped two minors from Guatemala obtain findings for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
March 3, 2020—Please visit José Z. Canto, Esq. this week at La Union Mall as he heads the Latino Outreach Clinic sponsored by Community Legal Services. He will be there March 4, 5, and 6.
February 26, 2020—José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted a Prince George’s county man obtain an absolute divorce today based on the grounds of mutual consent.
February 24, 2020—In a contested child support hearing in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, the firm helped a mother obtain a favorable child support award that beat the settlement offer the opposing side tendered.
February 14, 2020—The firm ends another successful week in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. The Canto Law Firm, LLC, has helped three minor children from El Salvador and one from Guatemala obtain predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Each now has a strong defense against removal in Baltimore Immigration Court.
February 6, 2020—Our client, a minor child from El Salvador, received predicate orders today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. The client now has an opportunity to adjust status and obtain a green card pursuant to a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status visa.
February 4, 2020—The firm congratulates attorney José Z. Canto, Esq. with another successful result in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. Our client received sole physical and sole legal custody of one minor child in a contested custody matter.
January 29, 2020—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, the firm obtained predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for a minor child from Guatemala.
January 28, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, attorney José Z. Canto, Esq., convinced a judge that his client did not dissipate a marital bank account and, therefore, should not have to pay a monetary award to the ex-spouse. The client was exposed to a potential monetary award of $22,500, but the firm protected him from a judgment of this amount. The firm also obtained a divorce for the client today.
January 17, 2020—José Z. Canto, Esq. returned to the office from Annapolis, Maryland, this afternoon with predicate order for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status issued by a judge in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Now our client, a minor child from El Salvador, has the chance at the American Dream.
January 15, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our managing attorney José Z. Canto convinced the family law magistrate to grant our complaint for custody and made special findings of fact to allow our client to pursue Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The client now has a defense to removal in Baltimore Immigration Court.
January 7, 2020—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, obtained an absolute divorce for our client today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
December 31, 2019—In Baltimore Immigration Court, the immigration judge granted our request for asylum for an entire family (9 people) from Guatemala. The family owned a cattle business and became a target of MS-13 for extortion. In an over two decade dispute, over five family members were murdered. The firm provided a robust application with over three affidavits, death certificates, and expert reports.
December 20, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC helped a lady from Guatemala obtain sole physical and sole legal custody of her daughter today in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City.
December 19, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. prepared the corporate filings and paperwork for a local business (“LLC”) specializing in online merchandise sales.
December 18, 2019—In a contested custody matter, José Z. Canto, Esq. helped preserve his client’s claim to sole physical and sole legal custody and obtained a favorable child support award retroactive to the date of initial filing.
December 18, 2019—The firm represented a lady from Mexico today with an uncontested divorce in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland. The firm prepared the client’s Marital Settlement Agreement that resolved all property issues arising from their marriage, including properties in Mexico.
December 17, 2019—In the District Court for Maryland (Rockville), José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully defended a man from El Salvador facing charges of driving without a license. If you are an undocumented immigrant facing criminal charges, please schedule a consultation with our firm.
December 16, 2019—Today at the USCIS Field Office in Baltimore, the firm helped a lady from Colombia become a U.S. Citizen. The firm assisted her previously with her green card application. The firm highly advises that you work with one attorney throughout the entire immigration process from arrival to citizenship.
December 13, 2019—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, the firm helped a lady from Mexico obtain sole legal and sole physical custody of her child.
December 13, 2019—The firm congratulates attorney José Z. Canto, Esq. on his recent admission to the bar for the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.
December 12, 2019—In Baltimore Immigration Court, the immigration judge granted our client’s petition for asylum. The client’s mother owned a clothing store in Guatemala and the Barrio 18 gang extorted her. When the mother could not make the payment, the gang threatened to kill her and her children. The client and her minor child are now asylees in the United States and are on a path to becoming U.S. permanent residents.
December 11, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. was in charge of the Langley Park Latino Clinic today and assisted over eighteen (18) residents with their legal questions. The legal clinic operates everyday at La Union Mall and is sponsored by Community Legal Services of Prince George’s County, Maryland.
December 10, 2019—Today a client of ours in New York City received her U.S. permanent resident or “green” card. The client arrived to the United States from South Korea with a K-1 fiancee visa. The firm guided both her and her spouse through the USCIS process and she is now a U.S. permanent resident.
December 4, 2019—In the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, the firm helped a lady from Panama obtain her divorce.
December 3, 2019—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, the firm helped a two-year old child obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status predicate orders. The firms encourages clients to pursue this relief for their minor children as soon as possible so they can grow up with the full benefits of U.S. Citizenship.
December 2, 2019—While the future of DACA is in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court, the firm strongly suggests that DACA children renew their status. The firm just received an approved I-821D in the mail today for a DACA recipient originally from Guatemala. His status is good now for another two years.
November 26, 2019—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq., helped two children from Central America obtain predicate orders and prepared their Forms I-360 on the same day. Both children will soon have legal status in this country and will one day become U.S. citizens.
November 20, 2019—In the Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland, the firm successfully represented a client in maintaining primary physical custody of her son and was able to help her obtain a reasonable child support award.
November 15, 2019—In Baltimore Immigration Court, the immigration judge granted our both of our client’s motions to reopen and to rescind an order of removal in absentia. Both clients were victims of notarial fraud and the purported “attorney” failed to inform the clients of their hearing dates. As a result , both clients were deported. The firm stepped in and helped one child apply for asylum and the other obtain a Special Immigrant Juvenile visa. With this relief in hand, the firm was able to reopen their cases, rescind their removal orders, and put them on the path to legal residency.
November 13, 2019—The Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (“MVLS”) engaged the firm to provide technical assistance with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status training materials for pro bono attorneys working with immigrant youth. José Z. Canto, Esq. reviewed powerpoint slides and related materials and offered his feedback.
November 12, 2019—A young man from Guatemala now has a defense against removal due to the work of the firm. The young man now qualifies for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status based upon abandonment and neglect by his biological father. The child is now able to remain in the United States with legal status.
November 12, 2019—In today’s mail, the firm received a green card for our client from Ecuador who applied for a green card based upon her marriage to a U.S. citizen. Despite a two year wait, the firm finally obtained her U.S. permanent residency for ten years. After three years, the client can then apply to become a U.S. citizen.
November 8, 2019—In Baltimore Immigration Court, the immigration judge granted our client’s request for cancellation of removal. The man from Mexico had been in the United States for over ten years and was a father of two U.S. citizen children. The man’s wife suffers from a disability and is not able to work or provide for the children. The firm helped the client prepare a comprehensive defense to removal and now the client is safe from removal and on a path towards a green card.
November 5, 2019—Also, today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, attorney José Z. Canto, Esq. accepted his commission to be a Notary Public for the County of Montgomery. The firm now offers notary services, $2.00 per notarization.
November 5, 2019—The firm handled a double-header of back-to-back custody cases today in Rockville, Maryland, at the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. José Z. Canto, Esq., obtained favorable outcomes for two families, both from El Salvador, who now have children that qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
November 4, 2019—In the Javits Federal Building in New York City, the firm helped a lady from Australia obtain her U.S. Permanent resident card or “green” card. The lady and her husband hired the firm to assist them with a K-1 fiancee visa. The firm prepared the form I-129F, communicated with the embassy, obtained her work authorization, prepared the I-485, and today attended her final interview. The lady’s green card was approved.
November 1, 2019—In Baltimore City, José Z. Canto, Esq. joined with Kids in Need of Defense (“KIND”) to present a clinic today on how to present a case before a judge that includes a request for custody and a request for special findings of fact for a Special Immigrant visa. KIND invited other pro bono attorneys to watch attorney José Z. Canto, Esq. present a live case before a Circuit Court judge. In addition, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained favorable outcome for his client who now qualifies for a Special Immigrant visa and is now on a path to U.S. permanent residency.
October 31, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. returned to the office after arguing exceptions in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland. Defending against the exceptions, José Z. Canto, Esq. argued that the Magistrate was correct in not including payments made to relatives in Guatemala as part of a Maryland child support calculation. The case was still remanded, however, to decide the issue of whether the opposing party was making child support payments to another child in Guatemala.
October 30, 2019—In Baltimore Immigration Court, the immigration judge granted our client’s request for asylum. A local gang called Calle 18 had persecuted the client, who was a single mother who owned her own business. The lady is now an asylee and she can now petition for her children. The family no longer has fear of removal to El Salvador and can now live peacefully here in the United States.
October 24, 2019—Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Today, in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, attorney José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a man force his ex-wife to sign pension related documents as part of his divorce. When his wife refused, the firm stepped in and filed a motion to compel and also a petition for contempt. On the day of the hearing, the wife finally signed the documents.
October 22, 2019—Today, in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, in Rockville, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. guided a lady from El Salvador through the custody process and helped her minor child obtain predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (“SIJS”). The minor child now has a chance to become a U.S. Permanent Resident.
October 16, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a mother change the birth certificate for her minor child at DC’s Vital Records Department. The mother’s name was spelled incorrectly on the birth certificate.
October 15, 2019—In the Circuit Court to Montgomery County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. helped two children, one from Guatemala and the other from Honduras, obtain predicate orders that support their application for a Special Immigrant Juvenile visa.
October 11, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, congratulates two of our children, both from El Salvador, who obtained predicate orders this week from the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. Both are now on the path to their green cards and legal permanent residency.
October 1, 2019—Attorney José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a minor child from Guatemala obtain a predicate orders and he filed the Form I-360 the same day to ensure she has the best possible priority date.
September 24, 2019—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, The Canto Law Firm, LLC, helped a young man obtain a predicate order that puts him in a good position for a visa and later U.S. permanent residency as a special immigrant.
September 17, 2019—Another victory today for José Z. Canto, Esq. in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. His young client from El Salvador received a pedicate order that allows her to apply for a green card as a special immigrant juvenile.
September 10, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, received news today that we have secured an H-1B visa for our client’s employee. The firm represented the employee during the H-1B visa season, successfully responded to a Request for Evidence, and obtained the approval for the Form I-129. The employee is now on a path towards a green card.
September 6, 2019—During the course of the past week, attorney José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted two Baltimore City mother obtain sole physical and sole legal custody of their respective children.
September 1, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a man from El Salvador reopen his immigration proceedings and helped him vacate an order of removal or deportation. The client now has a chance to present a defense against his removal from the United States.
August 16, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted a Prince George’s County woman today obtain sole physical and sole legal custody of her son.
August 9, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, helped a New York City man obtain a divorce on the grounds of mutual consent in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
August 7, 2019—Today in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully defended his client against a Motion to Modify Custody. No changes were made the client’s current custodial and visitation arrangements with his minor children.
July 26, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. returned from the Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland, today with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status predicate orders for his client. The client now has a chance to become a U.S. Permanent Resident.
July 25, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, is pleased to announce that a green card arrived in the mail today for our client from El Salvador. The client received a Special Immigrant Juvenile visa and then adjusted status to become a U.S. Permanent Resident.
July 17, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, helped a Montgomery County man obtain a divorce on the grounds of mutual consent. Client received his divorce in less than two months.
July 15, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, helped a Texas woman obtain joint legal custody of her son as well as a visitation schedule. The firm helped her preserve her marital property and convinced the judge not to award child support arrears.
July 12, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a Prince George’s County man obtain a divorce on the grounds of mutual consent. The firm helped him obtain his divorce in less than two months.
July 9, 2019—Today, José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a lady from Prince George’s County, Maryland, receive sole physical and sole legal custody of her minor child.
June 26, 2019—Today in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, our client from Guatemala received predicate orders allowing her minor child to receive a Special Immigrant Juvenile visa.
June 15, 2019—Today in Ocean City, Maryland, the Chief Judge of the Maryland Court of Appeals, the Honorable Mary Ellen Barbera, presented José Z. Canto, Esq. with the Robert M. Bell Award. Each year, the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland presents this award to a lawyer who has make a significant contribution to pro bono work in the State of Maryland. The citation for the award reads as follows:
On average, José Canto has accepted more than 15 cases per year from MVLS, for the past six years. Nearly all of those cases have been family law matters, and 79 have been contested custody or divorce.
José accepts a large number of Spanish-speaking clients, filling a need for bi-lingual attorneys and significantly reducing the amount of time clients need to be placed with a lawyer. He has helped unaccompanied youth seek Special Immigrant Juvenile status through initial findings of abuse, abandonment or neglect in the Maryland family courts. With those findings, these youth, who frequently fled violence in their home country, are set on a path to citizenship.
José also serves as a mentor and support for MVLS staff and for other volunteers. His colleagues characterize him as kind and humble, and always ready to answer questions. This year, he also assisted MVLS with two family law trainings.
Photo Credit: C. Hamburger©Focophoto
June 11, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, successfully represented two youth–one from El Salvador and the other from Guatemala–in obtaining Special Immigrant Juvenile status orders from the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
June 10, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, settled a contested divorce and custody matter today in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland.
June 10, 2019—Three adults with developmental disabilities from Mexico received their U.S. Permanent Residence today under Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act. The Canto Law Firm, LLC, counseled the clients and guided them through the USCIS interview in Baltimore.
May 31, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq., was on the winning side of an argument about whether or not the opposing party should be compelled to sign forms to allow a minor child to apply for a U.S. passport. In Rockville, the judge sided with the firm’s arguments–based on the U.S. Constitution–and the father was compelled to sign all documentation to allow the minor to apply for a U.S. passport.
May 30, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq., helped a youth from El Salvador obtain approval for Special Immigrant Juvenile status in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
May 28, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq., settled a contested visitation matter today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
May 24, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, assisted a Prince George’s County wife obtain a divorce on the grounds of mutual consent today.
May 23, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, helped a Prince George’s County mother obtain sole legal and sole physical custody today in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
May 21, 2019—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, The Canto Law Firm, LLC, helped a youth from Guatemala obtain approval for Special Immigrant Juvenile status.
May 17, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, assisted a Baltimore City mother obtain a name change for her minor child. The firm obtained a name change order and helped the client change the child’s New Jersey birth certificate. Previously, the firm helped the client obtain sole physical and sole legal custody of the minor child as well.
May 17, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq., helped a Baltimore City mother settle a contested custody case. The firm forced the case to trial and during opening statements the case settled.
May 16, 2019—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, The Canto Law Firm, LLC, helped a youth from El Salvador obtain approval for Special Immigrant Juvenile status.
May 8, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, had a double-header of contempt hearings today, one in the Circuit Court for Charles County for failure to pay a mortgage as a part of a divorce judgment and the second in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County for failure to pay child support. In both cases, José Z. Canto, Esq., convinced the court to deny the petition for contempt filed by the opposing party. Neither party received any jail time, fines, or other penalties.
May 7, 2019—The firm helped a young girl from Honduras obtain special findings of fact that allow her to file a Petition for Special Immigrant Juvenile status. The child now has a defense against removal and a chance at legal permanent residency.
May 1, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq., helped a man obtain a child support modification in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, today.
April 30, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, had a record-breaking month for SIJS cases this April. The firm helped a total of eight (8) children obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (“SIJS”) predicate orders in three jurisdictions: Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, and the Circuit Court for Baltimore City.
April 12, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, helped a lady from Baltimore City obtain sole physical and sole legal custody of her child as well as child support.
April 8, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. received a green card in the mail today for a client. The client, originally from El Salvador, qualified for a green card based on his relationship to his U.S. Citizen daughter. Because the client maintained Temporary Protective Status (“TPS”) and traveled abroad on “advance parole” and gained legal entry into the United States, the client was able to adjust status and receive his green card, all within the United States.
April 5, 2019—The Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Service (“MVLS”) invited José Z. Canto, Esq. to serve as a panelist today during its Family Law Training in Baltimore City, Maryland. José presented on the following topics: “Preparing for Trial,” “Special Immigrant Juvenile Status,” “Attorney’s Fees,” “Setting Client Expectations,” and “Building a Law Practice.”
April 3, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a Prince George’s County lady defend against charges of contempt for failure to pay child support. The client followed the firm’s advice and avoided possible jail time and fines. The firm also helped the lady modify the child support and reduce it to help avoid going back to court for a failure to pay child support.
April 1, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. settled another case today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, for a client involved in a contested divorce case.
March 29, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. settled a case today in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, for a client involved in a contested divorce/custody dispute.
March 26, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, obtained Special Immigrant Juvenile Status predicate orders today for two young children from El Salvador. The firm obtained a predicate order in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County in the morning and then traveled to the Circuit Court for Montgomery County in the afternoon to do the same.
March 20, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a Puerto Rican lady today renew her U.S. Passport. The lady was born in the Dominican Republic to two U.S. Citizen parents. The client hired the firm to help her renew her 30 year-old passport and also to affect a name change. The firm accomplished both goals today in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
February 26, 2019—At Dulles International Airport today, José Z. Canto, Esq. provided counsel to a client who was subject to a deferred inspection interview because of past criminal convictions. Despite the serious criminal convictions, José Z. Canto, Esq. made the case that his client qualified for parole and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) agreed. The client was released from ICE custody the same day.
February 25, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully advocated for his client today who was requesting sole physical and sole legal custody of her minor child in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. José Z. Canto, Esq. also argued that the minor child qualified for special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The judge agreed and made the findings which place the child on a path towards a green card.
February 22, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, assisted a lady from Bolivia obtain her U.S. Permanent Residency and her “green card” arrived in the mail today. The client obtained her permanent residence status through her U.S. citizen daughter.
February 21, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. participated as a panelist today for a webinar entitled “Love and Regret: Hot Topics in Family Law” in conjunction with the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (“MVLS”). José Z. Canto, Esq. presented on recent changes in Maryland law, including standby guardianship proceedings as well as recent changes in the law surrounding grounds for divorce. For the video presentation, please click here.
February 7, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully settled two family law cases this week in the Circuit Courts for Montgomery and Prince George’s County, Maryland, saving his clients’ time and resources.
February 7, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained another favorable outcome today for his client from El Salvador who was seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (“SIJS”) in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. The client now has a chance to obtain a green card in the United States.
February 1, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, successfully represented a DC woman in a contested divorce action in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia. The case reached a favorable settlement after nearly a year of litigation.
February 1, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. spoke to Calvert Hall College High School students today in Towson, Maryland, about the immigration debate in the United States during Catholic Schools Week. For a video of his remarks, please click here.
January 24, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. attended a day-long training today on the Immigration Consequences of Criminal Conduct sponsored by the Maryland Office of the Public Defender.
January 22, 2019—Despite the government shutdown with all immigration courts being closed, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained predicate orders making Special Immigrant Juvenile Status findings today in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County for his two young clients from El Salvador. The predicate orders put the children on a path to a green card and, eventually, citizenship.
January 11, 2019—Today, José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully represented his client in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia in a peace order proceeding.
January 8, 2019—Attorney José Z. Canto started off the new year at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County returning with predicate orders allowing for his young client from El Salvador to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. As a result of today’s hearing, this client is on track to receive her green card before she turns 18.
January 1, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC is pleased to announce that attorney José Z. Canto, Esq. was selected as a 2019 Rising Star by SuperLawyers and a Top Maryland Attorney for 2019 in the Baltimore Magazine.
December 19, 2018—José Z. Canto, Esq. returned to Rockville today to help a lady from Honduras obtain third-party of custody of a her friend’s son who is living with her. The child was abandoned by his father and lived with his mother in El Salvador until he had several untoward encounters with MS-13. Upon his arrival to the United States, the child is performing well in school and is preparing to file his I-360 for a special immigrant juvenile visa.
December 18, 2018—José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully obtained a custody order for a mother from El Salvador today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. The judge also made findings that allow the minor child to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) because the child was abandoned by his father when he was in infant. These special findings put the minor child on the path towards a green card.
December 6, 2018—The Esperanza Center Immigration Legal Services of Catholic Charities honored The Canto Law Firm, LLC today for its recent success in representing pro bono clients in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County.
November 20, 2018—José Z. Canto, Esq. was honored today at the Baltimore City Bar Association’s Past Presidents Lunch for accepting pro bono cases for several city residents in 2018.
November 1, 2018—In Baltimore, Maryland, an Immigration Judge granted our client’s motion to reopen a closed immigration case. The client had failed to appear for a Master Calendar Hearing and the Immigration Judge signed an order of removal. Through the help of The Canto Law Firm, LLC, the case has been reopened and the client now can file a claim for asylum, withholding of removal, and relief under the Convention Against Torture (CAT).
October 25, 2018—Today in Rockville, Maryland, Attorney José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a Hyattsville man avoid a conviction for Driving Without a License. A conviction for this offense may have carried jail time and would have had adverse immigration consequences. The case was dismissed.
October 24, 2018—The Canto Law Firm, LLC successfully obtained predicate orders for a minor child and filed her I-360 for a visa number today under the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) program. The child was subjected to abuse at the hands of her caregivers and her brother was targeted by gangs after he witnessed a gang murder. Client is now on track to obtain legal status in the United States.
October 20, 2018—In Baltimore, Maryland, an Immigration Judge granted our client’s motion to reopen a closed immigration case. The client had failed to appear for a Master Calendar Hearing and the Immigration Judge signed an order of removal. Through the help of The Canto Law Firm, LLC, the case has been reopened and the client now has the chance to obtain a green card here pursuant to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS).
October 5, 2018—In Houston, Texas, an Immigration Judge granted our client’s motion to reopen a closed immigration case where the Immigration Judge deported our client back to El Salvador. The client had missed a previous immigration date and the judge called for her immediate removal. The client retained our firm and, through an extensive motion with several supporting affidavits and exhibits, the firm managed to reopen the case and rescind the order of removal. The client qualifies for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) so the firm has also put her on the path towards a green card.
October 1, 2018—José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a Silver Spring family negotiate a settlement outside of court in a case involving a high credit card bill. The settlement will help the family protect their credit and avoid a judgment against them.
September 24, 2018—The Canto Law Firm, LLC today filed an appellant’s brief on behalf of our client for a case that is pending before the Maryland Court of Special Appeals. The appeal concerns the circuit court’s role in interpreting federal statutes and Maryland caselaw in making Special Immigrant Juvenile Status determinations.
September 19, 2018—The firm successfully defended our client against contempt proceedings, filed by the opposing party, for alleged denial of visitation in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County.
September 17, 2018—José Z. Canto, Esq. argued two custody cases today in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County for a family from El Salvador and Honduras. Both cases asked the court to make findings to qualify the minor children for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The judge granted our motions and now the children have relief against deportation.
September 11, 2018—The Canto Law Firm, LLC presented a case today for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for a Salvadoran youth who was abandoned by his biological father. The Circuit Court for Montgomery County granted our client’s request and now the client is able to file his I-360 for a visa number and eventually a green card.
August 23, 2018—José Z. Canto, Esq. returned to the office today with predicate order allowing for his client to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The client will turn 21 in a few days so this required the firm to file an emergency motion, which the Circuit Court for Montgomery County granted.
August 1, 2018—The Canto Law Firm, LLC is proud to announce that José Z. Canto has been selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars, the respected national ranking of top attorneys under 40 years of age based on peer recognition and professional achievement. Published by Thomson Reuters, Super Lawyers recognizes only the top 5 percent of all Maryland attorneys who embody excellence in the practice of lawyer.
July 12, 2018—The Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, granted our client’s emergency motion for immediate custody and made Special Immigrant Juvenile Status findings because the minor child will be turning twenty-one years at the end of the month. The age of eighteen (18) and twenty-one (21) have tremendous implications for immigration law and some benefits expire upon becoming of age. In this case, the Minor Child’s family had been terrorized by MS-13. The gang had targeted the Minor Child’s grandfather, uncle (who they murdered) and herself.
June 21, 2018—Three clients from Colombia, Chile, and Brazil are now U.S. Citizens thanks to The Canto Law Firm, LLC. José Z. Canto, Esq. helped each client prepare their N-400 and attended their USCIS interview in Baltimore.
June 6, 2018—Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) honored José Z. Canto, Esq. with its pro bono achievement award. Attorney Canto has accepted over 30 pro bono placements with the organization in the past two years.
May 12, 2018—Attorney Canto was a radio guest on Law Talk with Ethel Mitchell on 1045 AM this morning. Attorney Canto spoke about recent developments in immigration law and policy. To listen to a recording of the radio program, please click here.
April 20, 2018—The Canto Law Firm helped a Prince George’s County lady obtain sole physical and sole legal custody of her three minor children today in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County.
April 19, 2018—The Canto Law Firm provided pro bono representation to a mother and father in Montgomery County, Maryland, who needed to obtain guardianship of their disabled adult child. The firm prepared a flawless petition, including all the necessary medical evidence.
April 18, 2018—The Circuit Court for Baltimore City granted our client’s complaint for custody and motion for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The minor child’s biological father was killed by gangs in El Salvador and he was fearful that he might meet the same fate. Thanks to the efforts of the firm, the child has the chance to continue living here in the United States.
April 9, 2018—The firm successfully represented a Montgomery County father who was accused of sexually abusing his child. José Z. Canto, Esq. helped the man avoid a final protective order and to evade any criminal charges arising from these allegations.
April 6, 2018—José Z. Canto, Esq. appeared before the Maryland Court of Special Appeals today in Annapolis for oral arguments on a case involving issues of income miscalculation for indefinite alimony purposes.
April 2, 2018—José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted a Montgomery County family a custody modification case involving complex jurisdictional issues arising from the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. The Montgomery County Circuit Court granted our client’s motion to modify the custody.
March 29, 2018—While the Orioles started their opening day against the Twins, José Z. Canto, Esq. was across town in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City helping a young lady from El Salvador obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status findings. The minor child testified that her father abandoned her at birth to pursue his role as a Calle 18 gang member. Because of this affiliation, the minor and her family were at risk of being kidnapped, killed, or tortured by the rival MS-13 gang. José Z. Canto, Esq. advocated that she should not return to El Salvador, but rather continue her studies here in Charm City.
March 28, 2018—A young lady from El Salvador now has a defense to deportation thanks to José Z. Canto, Esq.’s fight for her Special Immigrant Juvenile Status findings. A judge from the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Maryland found that the father abandoned the minor child at infancy and also found that it was not in the minor child’s best interest to return to El Salvador because her mother–a small business owner–was targeted by MS-13.
March 23, 2018—Today in Silver Spring, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully negotiated a plea deal that allowed his client to avoid a criminal record for shoplifting in exchange for 24 hours of community service and an immediate engagement of her record.
March 22, 2018—The Circuit Court for Montgomery County granted our client’s request for sole physical and sole legal custody of her minor child and also made factual findings that will allow her to obtain a green card as a special immigrant juvenile.
March 2, 2018—In a civil case pending before the Maryland Court of Special Appeals, José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully dismissed it for the Appellant’s failure to comply with the Maryland Rule of Civil Procedure.
March 1, 2018—The Circuit Court for Montgomery County today appointed our clients as guardians of their disabled son. A guardianship allows them to make legal and financial decisions for their son to help him reach his goals.
February 22, 2018—The Circuit Court for Montgomery County granted our client’s request to be guardian over her younger brother today. The judge also made findings that will allow the minor child to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). The minor child now faces a brighter future here in Montgomery County than if he would return to El Salvador.
February 20, 2018—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, successfully represented a Rockville lady obtain an absolute divorce from her husband. The husband’s whereabouts were unknown for several years. The firm counseled her in filing a motion for alternative service, which allowed her to proceed with her divorce even though she could not serve her husband the summons and complaint directly.
January 25, 2018—José Z. Canto, Esq. returned to Rockville this week to help a U.S. citizen from El Salvador obtain guardianship of her nephew. The nephew, also from El Salvador, was neglected by his parents because they forced him to work strenuous and dangerous agricultural jobs instead of attending school. The young man is now a straight A student at a Montgomery County high school and now on his path towards a green card.
January 12, 2018—The past week, The Canto Law Firm, LLC assisted two children obtain predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. The firm had to act quickly as one of the two children would have turned twenty-one and would have aged out of this immigration benefit. By hiring The Canto Law Firm, all the papers were submitted properly to USCIS so her green card hopes are not in jeopardy.
January 5, 2018—José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a woman from Mexico obtain sole physical and sole legal custody of her daughters in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland.
December 30, 2017—The Canto Law Firm, LLC helped five children from El Salvador obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) predicate orders in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The children testified that they would be forced to work back home and would not be able to go to college. The firm helped them apply for their green card which will open a path to citizenship for each of them. Once they are citizens, they can benefit from financial aid packages offered by U.S. universities and colleges.
October 20, 2017—IN THE NEWS. José Z. Canto, Esq. was quoted today in the Washington Post in an article about the State’s Attorney’s recent dismissal of the criminal charges against Henry Sanchez and Jose Montano’s asylum case. To read the full article, click here.
September 30, 2017—The Canto Law Firm, LLC closed six cases this month for six children seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) findings in Circuit Courts in Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and Montgomery County. All six children are now on the path to citizenship and have defenses to deportation.
August 31, 2017—José Z. Canto, Esq. resolved three custody cases for three Central American mothers in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland. Each client was awarded sole physical and sole legal custody even though the fathers could not be located. Obtaining a custody order may help these mothers defend against deportation in the future.
August 8, 2017—José Z. Canto, Esq. spent the day in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to help three youth obtain predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). The judges from both courts granted our children relief and now they have a defense to deportation.
August 4, 2017—IN THE NEWS. José Z. Canto, Esq. was quoted today in the Washington Post in an article about Jose Montano’s guilty plea. To read the full article, click here.
July 26, 2017—A young lady from El Salvador now has a chance for a green card thanks to the efforts of José Z. Canto, Esq. The lady was robbed and raped by MS-13 gang members from her home country and fled to the United States to seek protection. A Circuit Court judge for Prince George’s County granted her request for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
July 25, 2017—A judge from the Office of Administrative Hearings decided to take “no action” against our client’s license. Our client was facing DUI/DWI charges as well as a refusal to take a breathalyzer. The MVA argued that the client’s license should be suspended for 270 days. However, at the hearing, José Z. Canto, Esq. pinpointed flaws in the MVA’s evidence that led the judge to dismiss the case. No license suspension for our client.
July 12, 2017—A Baltimore City Circuit Court judge granted our client’s motion for summary judgment ending a protracted contract and tort dispute between a landlord and a tenant in Baltimore City, Maryland. The judge awarded our client a judgment of $50,000.00 including attorney’s fees for numerous breaches of a lease agreement.
July 3, 2017—Three children from El Salvador are one step closer to green cards thanks to the efforts of José Z. Canto, Esq. A judge for the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland granted our clients’ request for custody as well as for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Tomorrow, all three children will celebrate the Fourth of July for the first time with the prospect of legal status within reach.
June 28, 2017—In a divorce action in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, The Canto Law Firm, LLC assisted a client in obtaining a substantial monetary award as well as a reimbursement for attorney’s fees and costs. The opposing party had dissipated marital assets from joint banking accounts. The client was also awarded custody of her minor child and the maximum amount of child support.
June 12, 2017—José Z. Canto, Esq. convinced an immigration judge today that bond for his client should be reduced from $25,000 to $7,500 despite a DUI conviction. The firm argued that the client was a low flight risk given his strong ties to the community. Despite a criminal conviction, one can still obtain a reasonable bond.
June 7, 2017—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, obtained predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status today for a young girl from Honduras who was fleeing gang violence in her neighborhood. The young girl’s aunt retained the firm to file a guardianship petition in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland and to file a motion for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Both the petition and motion were granted.
May 26, 2017—Today, José Z. Canto, Esq. helped two children from El Salvador, one from Honduras, and two from Guatemala obtain predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland. These five children are now eligible for apply for U.S. Permanent Resident status in the United States.
May 16, 2017—The Canto Law Firm, LLC helped two young Guatemalans obtain DACA status in the United States today. DACA or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals provides some children protection from deportation and offers them a work permit.
May 8, 2017—IN THE NEWS. José Z. Canto, Esq. was quoted today in the Washington Post in an article about the dropping of rape charges against his client, Jose Montano, and his continued detention in ICE custody. To read the full article, click here.
May 8, 2017—José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted a U.S. Permanent Resident from Cameroon in his release from Custom and Border Protection (CBP) custody at Washington Dulles airport. The client was released or “paroled” today after José Z. Canto, Esq argued that urgent humanitarian reasons required that he be returned to his family.
April 5, 2017—José Z. Canto, Esq. participated as a panelist today at the Pro Bono Coordinating Counsel meeting held in Silver Spring, Maryland. Mr. Canto spoke on best practices for case placement and supervision of pro bono cases among provider agencies in Maryland.
April 4, 2017—The firm celebrated a victory today in the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County on behalf of a carpet installer who was not paid for several carpet installation projects. José Z. Canto, Esq., argued that the client should be awarded her unpaid wages, treble damages, and attorney’s fees and costs pursuant to Maryland’s Wage Payment and Collection Act. The judge agreed.
March 30, 2017—José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully obtained an Order Appointing Guardian of a Disabled Person today in the Montgomery County Circuit Court.
February 13, 2017—IN THE NEWS. José Z. Canto, Esq. was quoted today in an article concerning Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and pro bono work in Maryland. To read the full article, click here.
November 23, 2016—It has been a banner-month for SIJS findings at The Canto Law Firm. The firm went 6 for 6 today in obtaining predicate custody orders to allow six minor children in Prince George’s County, Maryland, to petition USCIS for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
November 14, 2016—Today in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, the firm went 5 for 5 in obtaining predicate custody orders to allow five minor children to petition USCIS for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
November 9, 2016—The Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland granted our client’s Complaint for Child Support and found that the opposing party had voluntarily impoverished himself. The judge imputed income in determining the child support.
November 4, 2016—The Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Maryland granted, in part, our client’s Exceptions of the Magistrate’s Findings and Recommendations. The Magistrate incorrectly calculated the work-related child care expense and did not award retroactive child support to the date of the client’s initial pleading. The end result was an optimal child support award.
September 9, 2016—The Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland granted our client’s petition for guardianship of her nephew and granted our motion for findings to allow the nephew to qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). The nephew lived in a gang-controlled area of El Salvador and could not attend school as a result. As a result of the Court’s findings, the Minor will one day receive U.S. Permanent Resident Status, a “green card,” and can continue to excel in Baltimore City Public Schools.
August 18, 2016—The Circuit Court of Prince George’s County, Maryland granted our client’s complaint for sole legal and physical custody for her daughter and made findings that will allow her daughter to qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). The daughter was sexually assaulted by a local gang member and fled to the United States to be with her mother. The child is excelling and is applying for a green card.
August 9, 2016—José Z. Canto, Esq. attended a day-long training session at the Developmental Disabilities headquarters in Laurel, Maryland, for Support Brokers who assist individuals under the Self-Directed Services waiver program.
June 27, 2016—The Anne Arundel County Bar Association recognized José Z. Canto, Esq. today as a finalist for the President’s Pro Bono Award.
April 13, 2016—The Circuit Court for Prince George’s County granted our client’s complaint for sole legal and physical custody of her daughter and made findings that allow the daughter to qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). The child came to the United States fleeing Mara gang violence in her home country of El Salvador. As a result of these findings, the daughter can now apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for U.S. Permanent Resident status so that she can remain living with her mother in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
April 6, 2016—The firm prevailed in a contested custody case in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. The Court denied the opposing party’s request for shared physical custody and awarded sole physical custody to our client.
March 31, 2016—José Z. Canto, Esq. counseled and represented a Colombian citizen in her I-130 Petition for U.S. Permanent Resident Status through her marriage to a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico. The United States Immigration and Nationality Services granted her I-130 Petition and awarded her U.S. Permanent Resident Status.
February 4, 2016—The Circuit Court for Baltimore City granted our Motion to Strike Plaintiff’s Complaint when the opposing party failed to comply with the requirements of Maryland Rule 2-303.
January 13, 2016—The firm successfully represented a Baltimore City woman obtain sole legal and physical custody of her two children despite the opposing party’s request for the same and his desire to relocate the children to his home in the Caribbean.
December 15, 2015—José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a Baltimore City woman obtain sole legal and physical custody of her two minor children. The Circuit Court for Baltimore City found the father to be an unfit parent because of past sexual abuse of two children and denied father’s request for access.
October 5, 2015—The firm assisted a Baltimore County woman obtain a Final Protective Order on behalf of her minor children in the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County (Catonsville) when one of the children reported being touched inappropriately by the father during visitation. The father appealed the decision to the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, but the mother still prevailed.
September 25, 2015—The firm celebrated an en banc victory last Friday in an appeal before a three judge panel of the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland. In a 3-0 decision, the en banc panel agreed with our client’s arguments that the trial court’s decision to transfer a custody case from Maryland to California was in contravention of several provisions of Maryland’s Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.
August 26, 2015—The firm successfully represented a U.S. postal mail carrier in workers compensation proceedings before the U.S. Department of Labor. The letter carrier, who suffered numerous spinal ailments as a result of over 20 years of carrying mail, initially was denied any workers compensation. After retaining our firm, we filed for reconsideration to appeal this decision and assisted the letter carrier in obtaining the medical evidence needed. After submitting a written brief and additional medical evidence, the firm successfully helped the letter carrier reverse the decision and receive workers compensation.
July 30, 2015—In a 4-3 decision, the County Board of Appeals of Anne Arundel County granted our client’s request for a conditional variance to perfect dwelling additions (shed and covered porch) with fewer setbacks than required for property owners in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Throughout a two days hearing, the Petitioners presented a case for a variance based upon one of the residents needing a shed to store handicap equipment and a covered porch to allow the resident ease of access to the equipment and to keep it operable and dry. The majority found that the “Petitioners have presented persuasive testimony to meet the criteria set forth in Anne Arundel County Code 3-1-207 to obtain the requested variance.”
July 17, 2015—During a child support trial in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully impeached an opposing party who offered doctored W-2s and paystubs from his employer into evidence. Our firm, however, obtained the authentic W-2s and paystubs through a subpoena to the party’s employer and entered that into evidence. In part because of this fraud upon the court, our client received the maximum amount of child support, plus arrears, and an award of attorney’s fees in excess of $5,000.00.
July 9, 2015—After a contested hearing, the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County granted our Motion for Discovery Sanctions against an opposing party for his failure to answer interrogatories and produce documents in discovery. The opposing party was also prohibited from defending against our client’s claims at the merits trial.
July 8, 2015—The firm successfully represented a Prince George’s County father in obtaining joint physical and legal custody of his minor child. The Mother had previously denied visitation to the Father for over a year, but as a result of the court process, the Father was able to change the status quo and regain his parental rights as a Father.
May 21, 2015—The Circuit Court for Prince George’s County granted our exceptions of a child support hearing before a Family Law Magistrate. Our client appealed the Magistrate’s findings of fact and recommendations because he underestimated the opposing party’s income and ordered a downward deviation of the Maryland child support guidelines. At the exceptions hearing, the judge agreed with our client’s arguments and ordered that the child support be re-calculated and vacated the downward deviation. This ruling doubled the client’s child support award.
April 15, 2015—The Circuit Court for Baltimore City granted our motion to dismiss a complaint for modification of custody, child support, and alimony that was filed less than one year after the parties executed a Marital Settlement Agreement. The Court found that there was no material change of circumstance.
March 20, 2015—The firm obtained a custody modification for a mother in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County after the minor child reported being physically abused by his father.
March 19, 2015—José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a Glen Burnie woman reclaim her Section 8 voucher after it had been terminated by the local housing authority.
February 14, 2015—The firm assisted a Cecil county woman open a small estate (for litigation purposes) to facilitate payment of a asbestos settlement owed to her deceased husband.
January 21, 2015—José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully represented a property owner in complex title insurance claim to correct a defective deed to a home in Baltimore County, Maryland. The firm reached a favorable settlement for the homeowner for the value of the lost land due to the title defect, all paid for by the title insurance company. The deed was also corrected.
January 7, 2015—The firm reached a settlement for our client, an individual lender, in a lawsuit pending in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, involving a breach of an oral contract loan to a commercial crabbing business.
October 15, 2014—IN THE NEWS. The Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) awarded José Z. Canto the 2014 Partnership Award today at its annual Celebrate Pro Bono ceremony at the University of Maryland Law School. The Partnership Award is given annually to individuals that have uniquely contributed to the mission of MVLS. Mr. Canto was recognized for his efforts to increase access to justice for Spanish-speaking individuals. For coverage of the award in the Daily Record, Maryland’s flagship legal and business daily, click here for the full article.
August 5, 2014—José Z. Canto represented a Glen Burnie resident in a handgun permit appeal before the Handgun Permit Review Board. Client requested a handgun permit that would allow him to carry his firearm at all times while employed at his private plumbing business. Client received the permit requested.
August 1, 2014—IN THE NEWS. The firm’s recent success in representing a mother in a highly contested custody and child support case in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City was profiled in the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) August newsletter. Click here for the full article.
July 17, 2014—After several months of negotiations with an insurance carrier, the firm filed a motor tort lawsuit in the Circuit Court for Harford County, Maryland on behalf of a Pennsylvania woman involved in a serious automobile accident. Promptly after filing the complaint and conducting discovery, the insurance carrier agreed to settle for the client’s requested amount.
July 14, 2014—IN THE NEWS. José Z. Canto was awarded the 2014 Volunteer Partnership Award from the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS). Mr. Canto closed nineteen (19) contested custody cases in FY 2014, eight (8) of which involved more than 20 hours of legal work. For FY2014, Mr. Canto clocked 420 hours of volunteer service hours as part of the MVLS panel.
July 10, 2014—The firm successfully defended a landlord in a security deposit action initiated by a former tenant in the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County (Glen Burnie). Tenant’s suit requested the return of the security deposit, treble damages, and attorney’s fees. After a year of litigation, landlord prevailed and defeated tenant’s three count complaint.
June 12, 2014—The Circuit Court for Baltimore City granted our Motion to Rescind a Marital Settlement Agreement for a former military wife who was pressured to sign a grossly one-sided agreement that waived her rights to alimony, pension rights, and a monetary award.
May 15, 2014—After being denied compensation for a posttraumatic stress injury sustained on the job, our firm successfully represented a federal employee at an oral hearing before the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor reversed its decision. As a result, the employee was paid her full salary for the time missed from work due to her injury.
February 28, 2014—The Circuit Court for Prince George’s County granted our request for supervised visitation against minor child’s father who had attempted to stab the minor child by piercing the child’s baby carriage with a Swiss army knife.
December 17, 2013—The firm successfully represented a handicap, Section 8 tenant in rescinding a residential lease when the landlord refused to make the rental home handicap accessible. The firm filed discrimination complaints under the American Disabilities Act (ADA) with federal and state agencies.
February 05, 2024—José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a client negotiate a plea deal with the State’s Attorney. Client accepted a Probation Before Judgment for several serious traffic offenses.
February 02, 2024—The firm ends the week with four successfully completed Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
January 25, 2024—José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained Special Immigrant Juvenile Status findings for a child in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. In this case, the family could not locate the biological father so the case required a Motion for Alternative Service.
January 24, 2024—In a second day of a double-header of hearings, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained Special Immigrant Juvenile Status findings for two children in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
January 23, 2024—In a double-header of hearings, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained Special Immigrant Juvenile Status findings for two children in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
January 22, 2024—José Z. Canto, Esq. appeared at the Baltimore County Circuit Court as well as the Superior Court for the District of Columbia today. In both cases, he successfully obtained custody orders for his clients and predicate orders for the children who qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
January 18, 2024—Our client became a U.S. Citizen today at the USCIS Baltimore Field Office.
January 12, 2024—Three clients now have a chance to apply for the Special Immigrant Juvenile status program after the firm successfully obtained predicate orders this week in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
December 22, 2023—The firm settled a contested divorce case today involving marital property, alimony, and custody.
December 15, 2023—In the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, the Magistrate Judge granted our client third-party custody of her niece. The Magistrate Judge also made special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
December 15, 2023—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, our client was awarded sole physical and sole legal custody of one minor child. A child support award was also granted.
December 11, 2023—Today our client from Mexico became U.S. Permanent Resident. Although the client had unlawful entry and presence, she qualified for Parole-in-Place because of her U.S. Citizen husband who served in the Army. Parole-in-Place is an important benefit for military servicemembers.
December 08, 2023—Two green cards arrived today for two clients, originally from El Salvador, based upon their approved asylum status. Both clients were in immigration proceedings and won a defensive asylum case. They are now U.S. Permanent Residents.
November 30, 2023—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today based on an approved Form I-360, Special Immigrant Juvenile visa.
November 20, 2023—Our client from Morocco became a U.S. Permanent Resident today based upon an approved Form I-130 filed by her adoptive U.S. Citizen mother.
November 10, 2023—Today our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident based on an approved Form I-360, Special Immigrant Juvenile visa.
July 19, 2023—Our client from Guatemala received her U.S. Permanent Residency. The firm previously represented the client in her asylum proceedings in Baltimore Immigration Court, where she was granted asylum after a contested hearing.
July 14, 2023—Today our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident based upon his approved asylum petition before the Immigration Court.
July 12, 2023—Our client from Germany received her green card today based upon her marriage to a U.S. Citizen spouse.
July 11, 2023—Today our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident. Client has held TPS Status for over 20 years. Through a marriage to a U.S. Citizen spouse, he now holds a green card.
July 10, 2023—Our client from El Salvador received his green card today through the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status program.
June 30, 2023—During the past month, The Canto Law Firm, LLC, helped eight children receive predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
June 23, 2023—Our client from Honduras became a U.S. Permanent Resident based upon his marriage to his U.S. Citizen spouse.
June 21, 2023—Today our client from Baltimore City received a Judgment of Absolute Divorce in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland.
June 15, 2023—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, helped a Prince George’s County father modify a custody order in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, to allow him to enjoy overnight visitation for the first time in years.
May 29, 2023—Our client from Honduras received her U.S. Permanent Resident card today. Client held TPS status, travelled to Honduras on advance parole, and received a green card through a U.S. Citizen Child.
May 23, 2023—Today our client from Honduras became a U.S. Permanent Resident based upon his U.S. Citizen son (over the age of 21).
May 22, 2023—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today based upon his approved Special Immigrant Juvenile Status visa.
April 29, 2023—Our two clients from El Salvador became U.S. Permanent Residents today at USCIS Baltimore Field Office.
April 21, 2023—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today at USCIS Baltimore Field Office.
April 19, 2023—Our client from Colombia became a U.S. Permanent Resident today at USCIS Baltimore Field Office.
April 18, 2023—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today at USCIS Baltimore Field Office.
April 17, 2023—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today at USCIS Baltimore Field Office.
April 14, 2023—José Z. Canto, Esq. opened a newly printed green card for his client from El Salvador. The client is now is a U.S. Permanent Resident after becoming a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
April 13, 2023— Our client from the Dominican Republic became a U.S. Citizen today at the U.S. District Court for Maryland (Greenbelt).
April 07, 2023—Today our client from Honduras became a U.S. Permanent Resident. The client won her asylum case at EOIR Baltimore in 2021.
April 05, 2023—Today our client from Colombia became a U.S. Citizen at the USCIS Baltimore Field Office.
March 31, 2023—In this month of March, the firm litigated eight custody cases involving Special Immigrant Juveniles and obtained predicate orders for each of the clients.
March 29, 2023—Our client from Honduras became a U.S. Permanent Resident today based upon an approved asylum application before Baltimore EOIR.
March 25, 2023—In the District Court of Maryland (Annapolis), José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained a favorable plea bargain with the prosecutor despite several serious traffic offenses. The client only paid a fine of $100.00.
March 24, 2023—In the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, the firm successfully defended against a motion for modification of legal custody filed by the opposing party.
March 23, 2023—In the Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland, the firm helped defend a youth and his father facing charges in the juvenile court.
March 17, 2023—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, the firm obtained an absolute divorce for the client.
March 06, 2023—Our client, a citizen of Honduras, received her U.S. Permanent Resident card today based upon a marriage to a U.S. Citizen.
February 28, 2023—In this month of February, the firm litigated seven custody cases involving Special Immigrant Juveniles and obtained predicate orders for each of the clients.
February 17, 2023—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client received an absolute divorce.
February 13, 2023—Our client from Peru became a U.S. Citizen today at USCIS Field Office (Baltimore).
February 10, 2023—Two of our clients from Chile received their U.S. Permanent Resident cards today based upon a Form I-130 filed by their U.S. Citizen daughter.
February 06, 2023—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today after receiving approval as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
February 10, 2023—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client received an absolute divorce.
February 03, 2023—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client received an absolute divorce and was granted sole physical and sole legal custody of a minor child.
January 26, 2023—Today our client from El Salvador received his U.S. Permanent Resident card based upon an approved asylum petition before USCIS. Also, another client from El Salvador, received a new green card today based upon USCIS’ approval of her Form I-90.
January 25, 2023—USCIS approved our client’s Form I-90 today. The client, originally from El Salvador, now has ten more years with her green card. USCIS also approved a Form I-90 for our client from Ecuador today.
January 23, 2023—Our client, a U.S. Citizen, is now reunited with her three Mexican-born children. All three children entered the United States this month and received their green cards and social security cards in the mail today.
January 17, 2023—Our client, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, received her U.S. Permanent Resident card today based upon her marriage to a U.S. Citizen. On today’s date, another client, a citizen of Honduras, received his U.S. Permanent Resident card day as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
January 08, 2023—Today our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Citizen at the Baltimore USCIS Field Office.
December 31, 2022—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, concludes the month of December with seven successful Form I-360 filings for children from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
December 13, 2022—Today our client from Nicaragua became a U.S. Citizen.
December 12, 2022—Today our client from Peru became a U.S. Citizen.
December 09, 2022—The Canto Law Firm, LLC received today a green card for our client from El Salvador. The client earned his green card after a successful asylum grant before the USCIS Asylum Office.
December 07, 2022—Our client from Guatemala received her green card today. The client earned her green card after a successful asylum grant at Baltimore Immigration Court.
December 06, 2022—Today our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
December 05, 2022—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident based upon a successful asylum case in the Baltimore Immigration Court in 2019.
November 28, 2022—Our client from Honduras became a U.S. Permanent Resident today as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
November 27, 2022—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
November 18, 2022—Today our client from Colombia became a U.S. Permanent Resident as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
November 17, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. participated in oral arguments this morning in a record appeal arising from a District Court civil action.
November 15, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained special findings of fact allowing a young man from Honduras to remain the United States through the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The young man’s parents forced him to drop out of school at age 10 to begin work in agriculture. The young man was also targeted by drug cartels. The young man now has a promising future in the United States where he is studying and wishes to become an architect.
November 14, 2022—Today our client from Guatemala received her U.S. Permanent Resident Card. The firm previously represented the client in her removal proceedings and helped her obtain a grant of asylum based upon her membership in a particular social group (family).
November 09, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client from Nicaragua received predicate orders to allow him to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The government of Nicaragua persecuted the client because he participated in protests against the government. The client’s mother also abandoned and neglected him.
November 08, 2022—Today our client from Colombia received her green card as a Special Immigrant Juvenile. José Z. Canto, Esq. represented the client at all stages of the case, including advocating for the client at the custody hearing, filing the Form I-360, and submitting the Form I-485 for the green card.
November 07, 2022—The Canto Law Firm, LLC received two green cards today for two clients who are now U.S. Permanent Residents. The firm assisted a lady from Ecuador and her daughter obtain U.S. Permanent Residents as a result of a Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative filed by the U.S. Citizen husband/stepfather.
November 02, 2022—Today USCIS approved our client’s Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Our client, a U.S. Citizen, filed a Form I-130 for his spouse from Guatemala.
November 01, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client from Colombia successfully obtained special findings of fact allowing him to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
October 27, 2022—At the Hyattsville Immigration Court, the Immigration Judge granted our client’s application for asylum. The client was a preacher in El Salvador with an urban ministry focus. The client, among other important work, helped children turn away from the MS-13 gang. Because of this work, the client became a target of MS-13 and suffered past persecution, including an attempted murder. The Immigration Judge granted asylum based upon our client’s imputed political opinion of anti-gang or anti-MS-13. The client’s husband also received asylum as a derivative beneficiary.
October 27, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, our clients–two brothers–from El Salvador were placed under the custody of their great aunt. The Magistrate also made special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. One of the brothers is turning twenty-one (21) in three weeks. The Canto Law Firm, LLC, successful scheduled the hearing on an emergency basis.
October 25, 2022—This evening at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore City, Maryland, the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (“MVLS”) presented José Z. Canto, Esq. with its Ten Year Pro Bono Achievement Award. The award honors an attorney who has accepted at least one pro bono case per year for a decade. The Chief Judge for the Maryland Court of Appeals, the Honorable Matthew J. Fader, presented the award. Photo Credit: William Petruzzo, Petruzzo Photography, LLC
October 25, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted a client obtain shared physical and joint legal custody on a temporary basis for her two children.
October 25, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Maryland, our client was found “not guilty” in a juvenile criminal matter for driving without a license.
October 24, 2022—José Z. Canto, Esq. counseled a U.S. Citizen with her immigration petitions to obtain U.S. Citizenship for her three minor children. The minor children were born in Mexico and lived the early part of their lives there. They are now U.S. Citizens and reside with our client, their mother, in Maryland.
October 19, 2022—José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted a 20-year old boy from El Salvador obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status a week before his 21st birthday in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. The case involved a motion for an emergency hearing.
October 17, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted two children from Mexico obtain special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
October 14, 2022—The Canto Law Firm, LLC assisted a 20-year old girl from El Salvador obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status just two weeks shy of her 21st birthday in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. The case involved a motion for an expedited hearing.
October 11, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, The Canto Law Firm, convinced a judge to grant our client sole physical and sole legal custody of two minor children.
October 07, 2022—Today at the Baltimore Immigration Court, the Immigration Judge granted our client’s motion to vacate order of removal and to dismiss proceedings. The client, who was deported several years ago, now has a pending U visa and is now safe from deportation to Guatemala.
October 03, 2022—The Canto Law Firm, LLC received a U.S. Permanent Resident card today for our client from El Salvador. She received this green card after USCIS approved our Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, filed by client’s U.S. Citizen daughter.
September 30, 2022—Our client is now on the path to becoming a U.S. Permanent Resident after the firm obtained special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
September 27, 2022—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today. He received his green card as a Special Immigrant Juvenile. He now has a path to become a U.S. Citizen in five years.
September 26, 2022—This morning in the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County (Rockville), José Z. Canto, Esq. helped our client obtain a dismissal of several criminal charges relating to driving without a license, driving with expired tags, and driving without auto insurance.
September 21, 2022—Our father-daughter couple received their U.S. Permanent Resident or green cards today in the mail. The father-daughter couple won a defensive asylum case at Baltimore Immigration Court.
September 20, 2022—Our client from Honduras became a U.S. Permanent Resident today. He received his green card as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
September 19, 2022—Prior to the start of a contested divorce and custody trial, the firm settled a case for our client on favorable terms in a Marital Settlement Agreement in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
September 14, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client obtained his absolute divorce based on a twelve month separation.
September 09, 2022—In the past week, the firm obtained divorces in two separate cases for both of our clients based upon mutual consent in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
September 07, 2022—Today in the Baltimore Immigration Court, the Immigration Judge granted our client’s Joint Motion to Reopen and Unopposed Motion to Dismiss Proceedings without Prejudice. The firm helped the client vacate her order of deportation so that she can now pursue a U visa after being a victim of a qualifying crime in the United States.
September 06, 2022—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today. She received her green card because she qualified for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
September 01, 2022—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, is happy to report that our client and her daughter, both from Guatemala, received their U.S. Permanent Resident cards today. They both received this status after the client won a defensive asylum case at Baltimore Immigration Court.
August 30, 2022—In a double header of hearings, the firm obtained custody and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status findings for children from El Salvador and Guatemala.
August 23, 2022—In the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County (Rockville), our client was found “not guilty” for driving without a license. Later the same day, José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted another client obtain custody and special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
August 12, 2022—In the past two weeks, José Z. Canto, Esq. handled seven different cases in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland concerning custody and special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. All the cases were successfully litigated.
August 01, 2022—Our client was found “not guilty” this morning in a criminal trial in the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County (Towson). The charges included driving without a license and without insurance.
July 29, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, we obtained a divorce for our client.
July 26, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, The Canto Law Firm, LLC assisted a client from Guatemala in obtaining Special Immigrant Juvenile Status findings.
July 20, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, the firm obtained custody and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status orders for a minor child from El Salvador.
July 18, 2022—Appearing virtually, José Z. Canto, Esq. litigated a contested divorce trial in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland. The attorney obtained custody and the maximum amount of child support for the client and her children.
July 15, 2022—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, assisted a client from Prince George’s County in obtaining an uncontested divorce based upon mutual consent in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland.
July 12, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. counseled a client in obtaining custody of a minor child and special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS).
July 09, 2022—The Montgomery County Commission on Common Ownership Communities granted a motion for summary judgment in our client’s favor. In a 3-0 decision, the Commission agreed with the firm’s arguments that an association’s cease-and-desist letter (preventing the homeowner from building a composite deck with metal posts and wire balusters) was unlawful given the fact that the association did not timely deny the proposed deck within sixty (60) days of receipt of the architectural change application.
July 09, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. counseled a client in obtaining custody of a minor child and special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS).
June 28, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, the firm obtained a divorce for our client.
June 23, 2022—At the USCIS Field Office in Baltimore, the Service granted our clients’ Form I-730 to couple their immigration to their mother’s case. The mother had previously been granted asylum. With approved I-730s, the two children (both single and under 21) have an opportunity to adjust status to U.S. Permanent Residency.
June 14, 2022—Today our client, originally from El Salvador, became a U.S. Citizen at the USCIS Baltimore Field Office.
June 13, 2022—Today USCIS approved our client’s Form I-751 to remove conditions on her U.S. Permanent Residency card. The client now has a 10-year green card.
May 31, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained special findings of fact (Special Immigrant Juvenile Status) for three children from El Salvador, one whom is turning twenty-one (21) later this week.
May 26, 2022—In Baltimore Immigration Court, the Immigration Judge granted our client’s Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility under Section 212(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1182(h). The client, originally from Cameroon, was placed in deferred inspection after taking an international trip abroad. Upon being retained, Customs and Border Protection confiscated his green card because of a criminal guilty plea to a Medicaid Fraud charge. Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed our client in removal proceedings. José Z. Canto, Esq., successfully convinced the Immigration Judge that the client’s U.S. Citizen spouse and children would suffer extreme hardship should the client be removed to Cameroon.
May 03, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for one minor child from Guatemala.
May 01, 2022—Our client from Honduras received his U.S. Permanent Resident or green card today. The client received his green card through his U.S. Citizen daughter.
April 27, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for two minor children from Guatemala.
April 08, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted our client with his uncontested divorce hearing.
April 01, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for one minor child from El Salvador.
March 30, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for one minor child from Spain.
March 25, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for two minor children from Guatemala.
March 23, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for two minor children from Honduras.
March 16, 2022—In the newly opened Hyattsville Immigration Court, the Immigration Judge granted asylum to our client who suffered years of domestic violence at the hands of her abusive, controlling partner.
March 15, 2022—Our client from Ecuador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today based upon her marriage to a U.S. Citizen.
March 07, 2022—Our client from El Salvador, two days shy of his 21st birthday, received Special Immigrant Juvenile Status findings. The firm represented him in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, and filed his Form I-360 timely.
March 04, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client from Paraguay was granted an absolute divorce from his spouse.
March 02, 2022—In a double header of custody hearings in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, the firm obtained custody and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status orders for two minor children, one from Honduras and the other from Brazil. Both children are now on the path to U.S. Permanent Resident status.
February 28, 2022—In another banner month for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, the firm represented nine (9) children in custody proceedings in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. The children are from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico. The Magistrate also made special findings of fact that provide each minor child with the opportunity to file Form I-360s for Special Immigrant Juvenile visas. Two of the cases were emergency cases because the child in question was approaching a 21st birthday.
February 23, 2022—In the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, our client obtained an absolute divorce from her husband.
February 07, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Maryland, the firm negotiated a marital settlement agreement and assisted the client in obtaining an absolute divorce.
February 04, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, our clients–a mother and father–obtained legal guardianship of their son with developmental disabilities.
February 11, 2022—A green card arrived for our client form El Salvador. Our client received his green card through a petition from his 21-year-old, U.S. Citizen daughter.
January 31, 2022—In this month, the firm assisted four children obtain predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The children hail from Mexico (2) and Guatemala (2).
January 28, 2022—Today our client’s Complaint for Absolute Divorce was granted in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
January 26, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, the judge granted our Petition for Contempt (failure to pa child support) and issued a warrant for the opposing party’s arrest.
January 25, 2022—Today the firm settled a contested divorce proceeding pending in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
January 13, 2022—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, agreed with our arguments that the Exceptions or appeal filed by the opposing party should be denied.
January 12, 2022—In the District Court of Maryland for Howard County, the firm assisted a client resolve several traffic violations, including driving without a license. The client received no jail time and no fines.
December 14, 2021—A green card arrived today for our client from El Salvador. The client, who previously had Temporary Protected Status, received her U.S. Permanent Resident Card through a petition from her U.S. Citizen son.
November 30, 2021—In this month, three of our clients became U.S. Permanent Residents, one based upon marriage to a U.S. Citizen and two others as Special Immigrant Juveniles.
November 30, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, the Magistrate granted our client’s request for custody and for special immigrant juvenile status.
November 24, 2021—Our client, originally a Mexican Citizen, became a U.S. Citizen today at Baltimore USCIS.
November 21, 2021—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, assisted two clients–one from El Salvador and another from Nicaragua–both entered the United States as U.S. Permanent Residents.
November 20, 2021—Our client received guardianship of his son with disabilities in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland.
November 19, 2021—Our client, a French citizen, received her U.S. Permanent Residency today through her marriage to her U.S. Citizen spouse.
November 15, 2021—The Immigration Judge in Arlington, Virginia, granted our client’s Motion to Reopen and to Rescind Order of Removal.
November 01, 2021—The firm settled a civil contract dispute today in the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County.
October 31, 2021—In a banner month for green cards, our office received ten (10) green cards for our clients conferring U.S. Permanent Resident Status.
October 29, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Maryland, our client was granted an absolute divorce.
October 28, 2021—Our clients, a parents of a child with autism, were granted guardianship in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
October 26, 2021—Our client, originally from Morocco, became a U.S. Citizen.
October 20, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, the Magistrate granted our client’s request for custody and made special findings of fact qualifying the minor child for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
October 06, 2021—In Rockville, Maryland, a Magistrate of the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, granted our client’s request for sole physical and sole legal custody and made special findings of fact allowing the minor child to file a Form I-360 as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
October 01, 2021—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident today as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
September 30, 2021—The Canto Law Firm, LLC received a green card today for our client from El Salvador. He is now a U.S. Permanent Resident due to the Special Immigrant Juvenile visa .
September 21, 2021—The firm helped two brothers become U.S. Permanent Residents as Special Immigrant Juveniles.
September 20, 2021—Over the weekend, our young client from El Salvador received her green card, U.S. Permanent Residency, based upon her approved Form I-360 as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
September 18, 2021—A green card arrived today for our client, a young lady originally from El Salvador, who has an approved Form I-360 as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
September 17, 2021—Today a young man from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident through the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status program.
September 16, 2021—Our client from Nicaragua has been approved to become a U.S. Citizen. His oath ceremony is next week.
September 15, 2021—Our client, originally from the Dominican Republic, became a U.S. Citizen.
September 14, 2021—At Baltimore USCIS Field Office, our client from St. Lucia became a U.S. Citizen.
September 13, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, the Magistrate granted our complaint for sole physical and sole legal custody and made an award of child support. The firm previously helped the same mother obtain a final protective order against her abusive partner.
September 10, 2021—Two clients from El Salvador became U.S. Permanent Residents today based upon a Special Immigrant Juvenile visa. The green cards just arrived in the mail.
September 08, 2021—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client from El Salvador was placed under the custody of his mother and was found to be eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
August 24, 2021—In a double header of hearings, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained custody and predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile status for two minors in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
August 19, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted a client in reducing his child support obligation due to a lack of evidence of a work-related child care expense.
August 18, 2021—Today in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, our client received sole physical and sole legal custody of her minor child. The judge also made findings qualifying the minor child for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (“SIJS”).
August 16, 2021—Our client, originally from El Salvador, became a U.S. Citizen today at the Baltimore USCIS Field Office.
August 06, 2021—At USCIS Baltimore, our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Citizen.
August 04, 2021—José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted a lady obtain an absolute divorce today in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland.
August 04, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, the firm assisted our client raise a child support award from $500 per month to $1,300 per month.
July 28, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, our client obtained an absolute divorce.
July 28, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client was awarded sole physical and sole legal custody of a minor child from El Salvador. The Court also found the minor child to be eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
July 23, 2021—In a double header of divorce hearings, this firm obtained two divorces in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County and Montgomery County, respectively.
July 21, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, our client obtained her divorce.
July 20, 2021—The firm assisted a Takoma Park couple signed and execute their Will and Last Testament.
July 16, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client’s Complaint for Absolute Divorce was granted.
July 14, 2021—The firm settled a third-party custody dispute in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City today. Our client, a grandmother, was awarded weekly access to her three minor grandchildren.
July 12, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, our client’s Complaint for Absolute Divorce was granted. Opposing party was awarded no alimony or property.
July 08, 2021—In the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, our client–a minor child from Honduras–was placed under the custody of her aunt and uncle. The Court also made special findings of fact qualifying the minor child for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (“SIJS”).
July 07, 2021—A Baltimore Immigration Judge granted our client’s request for asylum. The client had received two death threats (text messages) from a Honduran drug cartel seeking revenge against the entire family for the past actions of an uncle and nephew. The particular social group was immediate family. The client, her husband, and two minor children are now on the path to U.S. permanent residency and now have safe harbor in the United States.
July 06, 2021—In a contested divorce action in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully defended our client against alimony and pension claims. The opposing party received no alimony or monetary award.
June 30, 2021—The Canto Law Firm, LLC ended the last week of June with three victories for children who qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Two children from Honduras and one from Guatemala received predicate orders to allow them to File I-360s. The former case was in the Circuit Court for Howard County and the latter in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County.
June 16, 2021—At the Baltimore USCIS Field Office, our client from Zambia became a U.S. Permanent Resident based upon his marriage to a U.S. Citizen spouse.
June 15, 2021—In Baltimore, Maryland, at the USCIS Field Office our client’s Form I-730 was approved. This petition was filed by our client’s spouse who was recently granted asylum.
June 14, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client from El Salvador received predicate orders allowing him to remain in the country as a special immigrant juvenile.
June 09, 2021—At the USCIS Field Office in Baltimore, our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident based upon her marriage to U.S. Citizen.
June 02, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client from Honduras received special findings of fact that allow him to file a Form I-360 as a special immigrant juvenile.
June 01, 2021—José Z. Canto, Esq. has been retained to serve as an expert witness in a divorce proceedings involving immigration issues.
May 21, 2021—Today in the Register of Wills for Montgomery County, the firm assisted a client open a small estate for litigation purposes.
May 19, 2021—At the Baltimore Immigration Court, José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully convinced an Immigration Judge to grant our client asylum based on her past persecution on account of her imputed political opinion (feminism) in Guatemala. The client had suffered domestic violence at the hands of her ex-partner. When she resisted demands to marry him, to move-in with him, and to become a full-time wife and mother, her ex-partner intensified the persecution culminating in a physical assault and a rape. When the client attempted to report these crimes to the authorities, nothing was done. Now the client has asylee status and will on day have a chance to become a U.S. Permanent Resident.
May 19, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, our client from Guatemala was placed under the sole physical and sole legal custody of a family friend putting her on the path towards a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status visa. The client is now eligible to obtain U.S. Permanent Residency or the green card.
May 18, 2021—The firm helped a lady avoid MVA points and a stiff penalty for a traffic ticket (excessive speed) in the District Court for Prince George’s County (Upper Marlboro).
May 18, 2021—In the District Court of Maryland for Howard County, the firm successfully defended a man facing charges of driving without a license. The client avoided all fines and jail time.
May 13, 2021—Rockville, Maryland. Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our clients obtained a guardianship order granting them decision-making authority for their disabled son.
May 12, 2021—The firm successfully negotiated a settlement regarding contempt issues arising from a Marital Settlement Agreement.
May 11, 2021—José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted a minor child from Mexico obtain predicate orders qualifying him for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (“SIJS”) in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
May 06, 2021—Today our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Permanent Resident. The client was previously ordered removed in Houston, Texas, but has held Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”) since 2001. With the TPS status, the firm helped the client vacate her order of removal due to defective service of process. Next, we helped her file a Form I-131 for advance parole to obtain lawful entry. Upon obtaining lawful entry, her U.S. Citizen son (over 21) sponsored her for the green card. Today the approval arrived.
May 05, 2021—Our client, a minor child from El Salvador, received predicate orders today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, allowing him to file a Form I-360 as a Special Immigrant Juvenile.
May 04, 2021—Today our clients, three minor children from Colombia, received predicate orders in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, making special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Each child is now eligible for a visa and an opportunity to adjust status.
April 23, 2021—Baltimore, Maryland. Today our client, originally from El Salvador, became a U.S. Citizen.
April 21, 2021—In the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, the firm obtained a Judgment of Absolute Divorce for our client.
April 20, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, our firm assisted the client in increasing her child support award by $400.00.
April 20, 2021—In a tax appeal hearing before the Maryland Tax Court, the firm assisted the client in obtaining a reimbursement for overpaid taxes to the State of Maryland.
April 19, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our two clients from El Salvador were placed under the custody of their mother and received predicate orders allowing them to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. One of the children is turning twenty-one in May, but the firm was able to expedite the hearing to allow her to receive this immigration benefit in time.
April 16, 2021—Our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Citizen today at the Baltimore USCIS Field Office.
April 15, 2021—Our client from Peru became a U.S. Citizen today at the Baltimore USCIS Filed Office.
April 14, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client from El Salvador received predicate orders allowing her three minor child to file Form I-360s to become Special Immigrant Juveniles. They now have a defense from removal.
April 13, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland the Magistrate granted our client’s complaint for custody and made special findings of fact qualifying her four minor children as Special Immigrant Juveniles.
April 13, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, the judge granted our client’s Complaint for an Absolute Divorce.
April 08, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, our client received sole physical and sole legal custody of her minor child as well as a child support award.
April 07, 2021—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our client from Mexico and another from El Salvador were both placed under the custody of their respective mothers. The Court further made special findings of fact qualifying each of them for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
April 06, 2021—Our client, originally from the Dominican Republic, became a U.S. Citizen today in Baltimore, Maryland. The firm assisted the client with preparing and filing her Form N-400.
April 05, 2021—Our client, originally from El Salvador, received approval for her Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or “DACA.” She now has a work permit and protection from removal.
April 01, 2021—Today in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, the firm obtained an absolute divorce for our client based on a 12 month separation.
March 31, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, our client–a 12 year-old boy from Honduras–was placed under the custody of his mother. The Court further made special findings of fact allowing him to apply for a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status visa.
March 30, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, our clients–two minor children from Guatemala–were placed under the custody of their father. The Court further made special findings of fact allowing them to apply for a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status visa.
March 30, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, our client–a minor child from Guatemala–was placed under the custody of his uncle. The Court further made special findings of fact allowing him to apply for a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status visa. The case involved a John Doe father, but the firm was able to investigate the case and find out the identity of the father and obtained his death certificate.
March 25, 2021—Today at the Baltimore USCIS Field Office, our client from El Salvador became a U.S. Citizen. The firm assisted the client with preparing and filing her Form N-400.
March 24, 2021—At mid-week, the firm has closed three custody/special immigrant juvenile cases in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County (2) and the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland (1). A total of three children are now on the path towards U.S. Permanent Residency.
March 19, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, our client was awarded sole physical and sole legal custody of her one minor daughter.
March 16, 2021—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, our client from Guatemala obtained sole physical and sole legal custody of her minor child. The Court also made special findings of fact permitting the minor child to file a Form I-360 to become a special immigrant juvenile.
March 05, 2021—Our client is now divorced in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. The firm assisted the client in negotiating and signing a Marital Settlement Agreement, giving her a divorce on the grounds of mutual consent.
February 26, 2021—The firm at week’s end assisted three minor children from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras respectively obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. All three cases were pending in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. One of the children’s cases was on an emergency basis because she is aging out in early March 2021. The firm nonetheless assisted her in obtaining the required predicate orders to file a Form I-360 before her twenty-first birthday.
February 16, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, our client obtained a divorce on the grounds of mutual consent.
February 11, 2021—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our firm helped two minor children (twins) from El Salvador obtain predicate orders qualifying them for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status before their twenty-first birthday next week. The Form I-360s are in mail today.
February 10, 2021—Today in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, our firm negotiated a settlement with the opposing side in a contested divorce proceeding involving alimony and property.
February 04, 2021—In the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, José Z. Canto, Esq. finished a two-day divorce trial. The client received a monetary award for his share of the marital home.
February 02, 2021—Today our office received a green card for one of our children who has been classified as a Special Immigrant Juvenile (Form I-360).
January 26, 2021—At the Baltimore USCIS Field Office, our client from Nicaragua received his approval to become to U.S. Citizen.
January 21, 2021—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, two children received predicate orders allowing them to file Forms I-360s as special immigrant juveniles. Both children are from Guatemala.
January 20, 2021—José Z. Canto, Esq. presented a divorce case today on the grounds of adultery. He helped our client obtain a divorce on those grounds in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland.
January 11, 2021—José Z. Canto, Esq. prepared a Will and Last Testament for a man in Silver Spring, Maryland.
January 11, 2021—The firm obtained a Judgment of Absolute Divorce for our client in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland.
January 06, 2021—The firm started 2021 with our first Special Immigrant Juvenile Status victory for our minor from Honduras in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. This young girl now has a defense to removal and a chance to remain in the United States.
December 31, 2020—The firm has had another banner month of success with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases. We obtained custody and SIJS orders for seven minor children in Maryland Circuit Courts. Now each child will have a chance to become U.S. Permanent Residents.
December 19, 2020—The firm helped a nurse from Harford County, Maryland close on her new home and obtain financing.
December 18, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland, the firm obtained a Judgment for Absolute Divorce for our client from Mexico.
December 16, 2020—The firm congratulates José Z. Canto, Esq. for being selected for the third year in a row to the SuperLawyers Rising Star list for immigration law.
December 01, 2020—At the Baltimore USCIS Field Office, our client, originally from Mexico, became a U.S. Citizen.
November 24, 2020—Today in the Circuit Court for Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a Virginia couple obtain a civil judgment for breach of contract.
November 18, 2020—The Board of Immigration Appeals reinstated our client’s asylum appeal after arguing that USPS’ failure to deliver a package by the appeal deadline justified good cause to reinstate.
November 16, 2020—Our client–a citizen and national of the Dominican Republic–received her green card approval today based upon her marriage to a U.S. Citizen.
November 10, 2020—Today the firm received a green card for our client from the Dominican Republic. The firm assisted the client in preparing her Form I-90.
November 03, 2020—Our client from India received her green card approval today based upon her marriage to a U.S. Citizen.
October 31, 2020—The firm ends October with four children now eligible for special immigrant juvenile visas. José Z. Canto, Esq. represented the four children in the Circuit Court for Montgomery, Maryland, and each obtained predicate orders qualifying each of them for a visa and in turn a green card.
October 30, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a Bethesda woman obtain an absolute divorce on the grounds of mutual consent.
October 22, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, the firm successfully defended a client against the opposing party’s request for a custody modification.
October 19, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, the Family Law Magistrate granted our client’s request for an absolute divorce on the grounds of a 12 month separation.
October 12, 2020—An Immigration Judge in Baltimore City, Maryland granted our client’s motion to re-calendar and to dismiss removal proceedings. This order will allow our client from El Salvador the opportunity to adjust status before USCIS based upon the sponsorship of her U.S. Citizen daughter. Of note, the client holds TPS status and has legal entry based upon advanced parole.
October 10, 2020—USCIS approved N-400s for two of our clients one from Mexico and the other from El Salvador. Both are now scheduled for naturalization ceremonies and will soon be U.S. Citizens.
October 09, 2020—José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted four minor children obtain predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (“SIJS”) this week in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County (3) and the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County (1).
October 08, 2020—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, we obtained sole legal custody for our client and a favorable child support award (plus arrears) after a day-long contested trial.
October 07, 2020—Our client from Zimbabwe received his Form I-130 approval today based upon his marriage to a U.S. Permanent Resident.
October 05, 2020—Please listen to our ads on El ZOL, 107.9FM, in the mornings during El Meneo with Patricia de Lima and Chepe. We are Latino and Proud too.
October 01, 2020—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, assisted two children from Central America obtain predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
September 29, 2020—José Z. Canto, Esq. and The Canto Law Firm, LLC, were invited by the Maryland Attorney General’s COVID-19 Task Force to participate in a dialogue with the Latino Community concerning wills, power of attorneys, and medical directives during the global pandemic.
September 22, 2020—José Z. Canto, Esq. counseled a Prince George’s County woman obtain a final protective order from her former partner who was threatening her with bodily harm.
September 16, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, the firm helped a minor child from El Salvador obtain predicate orders to allow him to pursue a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status visa and to one day become a U.S. Permanent Resident.
September 10, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted a grandmother obtain temporary custody of her three grandchildren on a temporary basis pending the final resolution of a contested custody case.
September 09, 2020—José Z. Canto, Esq. was in two courthouses today. In Rockville, Maryland, he helped his client modify a custody and visitation order in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County and then helped another client negotiate a child support agreement in lieu of a hearing in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County.
September 04, 2020—In one week the firm helped three minor children from Central America obtain predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. One of the children is turning twenty-one (21) in a few weeks and the firm helped him file an emergency motion to expedite his hearing. All three children will likely be U.S. Citizens in the near future.
August 31, 2020—The Canto Law Firm, LLC helped a father from Prince George’s County negotiate a favorable child support award payable to his child’s mother. Instead of an expensive trial in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, the man saved his time and money.
August 26, 2020—Rockville, Maryland. The firm helped a minor child from El Salvador obtain predicate orders in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. The minor child now an an opportunity to become a U.S. permanent resident with a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status visa.
August 17, 2020—Towson, Maryland. Today in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Maryland, our client from El Salvador received predicate orders to allow him to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (“SIJS”).
August 14, 2020—Baltimore, Maryland. Today at the Baltimore USCIS Field Office, our client from Guatemala became a United States Citizen.
August 12, 2020—Rockville, Maryland. The firm obtained predicate orders today for two children (one from El Salvador and the other from Honduras) seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County.
August 03, 2020—The firm celebrates the approval of a Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, for a physical therapist from mainland China. This approval puts this client on the path to U.S. Permanent Residency.
July 31, 2020—In the month of July, The Canto Law Firm, LLC, successfully obtained predicate orders for sixteen (16) minor children who qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. This means that sixteen children have a chance to become U.S. Permanent Residents and eventually U.S. Citizens. Although each child is from El Salvador, Guatemala, or Honduras, each is proud and excited to one day have legal status in this country.
July 30, 2020—Rockville, Maryland. The firm provided legal counsel to a woman seeking a divorce on the grounds of mutual consent. Today at the hearing, the Magistrate granted our complaint for absolute divorce.
July 28, 2020—The firm appeared virtually today in two different jurisdictions–Montgomery and Charles counties–to appear on behalf of two women seeking divorces on the ground of mutual consent.
July 24, 2020—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, the firm obtained a divorce for a wife on the grounds of mutual consent.
July 23, 2020—The firm congratulates attorney José Z. Canto, Esq. on his recent admission to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The firm has received requests to handle appeals from the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) from Immigration Judge decisions in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.
July 23, 2020—Today in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted his client in the negotiating of a child custody and child support agreement.
July 20, 2020—José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a Prince George’s County woman obtain sole physical and sole legal custody of her minor child.
July 16, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, the firm helped a lady obtain sole physical and sole legal custody of her minor children. The firm also helped the lady obtain a child support award.
July 13, 2020—San Antonio, Texas. The Immigration Judge granted our Motion to Reopen and to Rescind an Order of Removal. Our client, a DACA recipient, now has a chance to travel home and return with legal entry. She will then have a chance to become a U.S. Permanent Resident due to her marriage to U.S. Citizen.
July 10, 2020—Rockville, Maryland. In a double header of hearings, the firm represented two women in divorce hearings in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. The firm helped each client negotiate a martial settlement agreement allowing them to obtain a divorce on the grounds of mutual consent. Both were divorced within one month of filing. A divorce on the ground of mutual consent is the best, fastest, and cheapest option for all Marylanders seeking a divorce.
July 10, 2020—Baltimore, Maryland. Today our client from Guatemala, someone with an intellectual disability, became a United States citizen. Despite several obstacles, the firm guided her through the USCIS citizenship process. The firm believes that all people, regardless of disability, should have a chance to be a part of this country.
July 09, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, our firm helped a Rockville lady obtain an absolute divorce from her husband on the grounds of mutual consent. The agreement provides for the husband to pay rehabilitative alimony.
June 15, 2020—The firm proudly stands by the Black Lives Matter movement and continues to welcome clients from all races, nationalities, sexual orientations, immigration statuses, religions, or cultures. No matter who you are or what the government alleges you have done, know that you are welcome here and will be defended zealously.
June 02, 2020—The firm assisted a client negotiate down a debt with the Internal Revenue Service. At the end of the negotiations, the IRS agreed to suspend collection on the debt.
June 01, 2020—A lady from Guatemala retained the firm today to investigate delays in her N-400 filing. The firm discovered the error done by a “notario” and corrected it. The lady is now awaiting her oath ceremony to become a U.S. Citizen.
May 28, 2020—The firm assisted in the review and preparation of a prenuptial agreement today.
May 12, 2020—The firm assisted an employee negotiate and sign a severance agreement from his employer.
May 5, 2020—The firm is equipped with COVID-19 protective masks and used them today to help a Silver Spring woman sign and notarize her will and last testament as well as medical directive.
April 24, 2020—The firm congratulates José Z. Canto, Esq.on his admission to the bar of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
March 25, 2020—Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the firm proceeded today with a guardianship hearing in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland. The case concerned a disabled woman, a U.S. permanent resident, who needed a guardianship order to complete her citizenship process. The firm appeared via telephone pursuant to current guidelines to protect the public from the virus.
March 19, 2020—Our own José Z. Canto, Esq. appeared today as a presenter on the MVLS CLE program entitled “Getting Off on the Right Foot: Managing Client Expectations & Relationships.” To view the video, please click here.
March 13, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Charles County, the firm helped represent a father in a contested child support case. The firm was successful in convincing the Magistrate to consider payments to three other children from a previous relationship to help adjust the payments downward.
March 10, 2020—In Rockville, Maryland, today the firm obtained predicate orders for a minor child from El Salvador. The child, who just started kindergarten, will have the chance to become a U.S. Citizen before she turns eighteen (18).
March 9, 2020—In Rockville, Maryland, today, the firm assisted a home owner resolve several housing code citations. The firm’s negotiations with the Office of the County Attorney and the Housing Inspector helped dismiss all the citations.
March 6, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, the firm helped a mother from Honduras obtain sole physical and sole legal custody of her two minor children.
March 4, 2020—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, helped two minors from Guatemala obtain findings for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
March 3, 2020—Please visit José Z. Canto, Esq. this week at La Union Mall as he heads the Latino Outreach Clinic sponsored by Community Legal Services. He will be there March 4, 5, and 6.
February 26, 2020—José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted a Prince George’s county man obtain an absolute divorce today based on the grounds of mutual consent.
February 24, 2020—In a contested child support hearing in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, the firm helped a mother obtain a favorable child support award that beat the settlement offer the opposing side tendered.
February 14, 2020—The firm ends another successful week in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. The Canto Law Firm, LLC, has helped three minor children from El Salvador and one from Guatemala obtain predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Each now has a strong defense against removal in Baltimore Immigration Court.
February 6, 2020—Our client, a minor child from El Salvador, received predicate orders today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. The client now has an opportunity to adjust status and obtain a green card pursuant to a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status visa.
February 4, 2020—The firm congratulates attorney José Z. Canto, Esq. with another successful result in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. Our client received sole physical and sole legal custody of one minor child in a contested custody matter.
January 29, 2020—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, the firm obtained predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for a minor child from Guatemala.
January 28, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, attorney José Z. Canto, Esq., convinced a judge that his client did not dissipate a marital bank account and, therefore, should not have to pay a monetary award to the ex-spouse. The client was exposed to a potential monetary award of $22,500, but the firm protected him from a judgment of this amount. The firm also obtained a divorce for the client today.
January 17, 2020—José Z. Canto, Esq. returned to the office from Annapolis, Maryland, this afternoon with predicate order for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status issued by a judge in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Now our client, a minor child from El Salvador, has the chance at the American Dream.
January 15, 2020—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, our managing attorney José Z. Canto convinced the family law magistrate to grant our complaint for custody and made special findings of fact to allow our client to pursue Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The client now has a defense to removal in Baltimore Immigration Court.
January 7, 2020—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, obtained an absolute divorce for our client today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
December 31, 2019—In Baltimore Immigration Court, the immigration judge granted our request for asylum for an entire family (9 people) from Guatemala. The family owned a cattle business and became a target of MS-13 for extortion. In an over two decade dispute, over five family members were murdered. The firm provided a robust application with over three affidavits, death certificates, and expert reports.
December 20, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC helped a lady from Guatemala obtain sole physical and sole legal custody of her daughter today in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City.
December 19, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. prepared the corporate filings and paperwork for a local business (“LLC”) specializing in online merchandise sales.
December 18, 2019—In a contested custody matter, José Z. Canto, Esq. helped preserve his client’s claim to sole physical and sole legal custody and obtained a favorable child support award retroactive to the date of initial filing.
December 18, 2019—The firm represented a lady from Mexico today with an uncontested divorce in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland. The firm prepared the client’s Marital Settlement Agreement that resolved all property issues arising from their marriage, including properties in Mexico.
December 17, 2019—In the District Court for Maryland (Rockville), José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully defended a man from El Salvador facing charges of driving without a license. If you are an undocumented immigrant facing criminal charges, please schedule a consultation with our firm.
December 16, 2019—Today at the USCIS Field Office in Baltimore, the firm helped a lady from Colombia become a U.S. Citizen. The firm assisted her previously with her green card application. The firm highly advises that you work with one attorney throughout the entire immigration process from arrival to citizenship.
December 13, 2019—In the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, the firm helped a lady from Mexico obtain sole legal and sole physical custody of her child.
December 13, 2019—The firm congratulates attorney José Z. Canto, Esq. on his recent admission to the bar for the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.
December 12, 2019—In Baltimore Immigration Court, the immigration judge granted our client’s petition for asylum. The client’s mother owned a clothing store in Guatemala and the Barrio 18 gang extorted her. When the mother could not make the payment, the gang threatened to kill her and her children. The client and her minor child are now asylees in the United States and are on a path to becoming U.S. permanent residents.
December 11, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. was in charge of the Langley Park Latino Clinic today and assisted over eighteen (18) residents with their legal questions. The legal clinic operates everyday at La Union Mall and is sponsored by Community Legal Services of Prince George’s County, Maryland.
December 10, 2019—Today a client of ours in New York City received her U.S. permanent resident or “green” card. The client arrived to the United States from South Korea with a K-1 fiancee visa. The firm guided both her and her spouse through the USCIS process and she is now a U.S. permanent resident.
December 4, 2019—In the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, the firm helped a lady from Panama obtain her divorce.
December 3, 2019—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, the firm helped a two-year old child obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status predicate orders. The firms encourages clients to pursue this relief for their minor children as soon as possible so they can grow up with the full benefits of U.S. Citizenship.
December 2, 2019—While the future of DACA is in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court, the firm strongly suggests that DACA children renew their status. The firm just received an approved I-821D in the mail today for a DACA recipient originally from Guatemala. His status is good now for another two years.
November 26, 2019—In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq., helped two children from Central America obtain predicate orders and prepared their Forms I-360 on the same day. Both children will soon have legal status in this country and will one day become U.S. citizens.
November 20, 2019—In the Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland, the firm successfully represented a client in maintaining primary physical custody of her son and was able to help her obtain a reasonable child support award.
November 15, 2019—In Baltimore Immigration Court, the immigration judge granted our both of our client’s motions to reopen and to rescind an order of removal in absentia. Both clients were victims of notarial fraud and the purported “attorney” failed to inform the clients of their hearing dates. As a result , both clients were deported. The firm stepped in and helped one child apply for asylum and the other obtain a Special Immigrant Juvenile visa. With this relief in hand, the firm was able to reopen their cases, rescind their removal orders, and put them on the path to legal residency.
November 13, 2019—The Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (“MVLS”) engaged the firm to provide technical assistance with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status training materials for pro bono attorneys working with immigrant youth. José Z. Canto, Esq. reviewed powerpoint slides and related materials and offered his feedback.
November 12, 2019—A young man from Guatemala now has a defense against removal due to the work of the firm. The young man now qualifies for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status based upon abandonment and neglect by his biological father. The child is now able to remain in the United States with legal status.
November 12, 2019—In today’s mail, the firm received a green card for our client from Ecuador who applied for a green card based upon her marriage to a U.S. citizen. Despite a two year wait, the firm finally obtained her U.S. permanent residency for ten years. After three years, the client can then apply to become a U.S. citizen.
November 8, 2019—In Baltimore Immigration Court, the immigration judge granted our client’s request for cancellation of removal. The man from Mexico had been in the United States for over ten years and was a father of two U.S. citizen children. The man’s wife suffers from a disability and is not able to work or provide for the children. The firm helped the client prepare a comprehensive defense to removal and now the client is safe from removal and on a path towards a green card.
November 5, 2019—Also, today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, attorney José Z. Canto, Esq. accepted his commission to be a Notary Public for the County of Montgomery. The firm now offers notary services, $2.00 per notarization.
November 5, 2019—The firm handled a double-header of back-to-back custody cases today in Rockville, Maryland, at the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. José Z. Canto, Esq., obtained favorable outcomes for two families, both from El Salvador, who now have children that qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
November 4, 2019—In the Javits Federal Building in New York City, the firm helped a lady from Australia obtain her U.S. Permanent resident card or “green” card. The lady and her husband hired the firm to assist them with a K-1 fiancee visa. The firm prepared the form I-129F, communicated with the embassy, obtained her work authorization, prepared the I-485, and today attended her final interview. The lady’s green card was approved.
November 1, 2019—In Baltimore City, José Z. Canto, Esq. joined with Kids in Need of Defense (“KIND”) to present a clinic today on how to present a case before a judge that includes a request for custody and a request for special findings of fact for a Special Immigrant visa. KIND invited other pro bono attorneys to watch attorney José Z. Canto, Esq. present a live case before a Circuit Court judge. In addition, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained favorable outcome for his client who now qualifies for a Special Immigrant visa and is now on a path to U.S. permanent residency.
October 31, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. returned to the office after arguing exceptions in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland. Defending against the exceptions, José Z. Canto, Esq. argued that the Magistrate was correct in not including payments made to relatives in Guatemala as part of a Maryland child support calculation. The case was still remanded, however, to decide the issue of whether the opposing party was making child support payments to another child in Guatemala.
October 30, 2019—In Baltimore Immigration Court, the immigration judge granted our client’s request for asylum. A local gang called Calle 18 had persecuted the client, who was a single mother who owned her own business. The lady is now an asylee and she can now petition for her children. The family no longer has fear of removal to El Salvador and can now live peacefully here in the United States.
October 24, 2019—Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Today, in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, attorney José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a man force his ex-wife to sign pension related documents as part of his divorce. When his wife refused, the firm stepped in and filed a motion to compel and also a petition for contempt. On the day of the hearing, the wife finally signed the documents.
October 22, 2019—Today, in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, in Rockville, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. guided a lady from El Salvador through the custody process and helped her minor child obtain predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (“SIJS”). The minor child now has a chance to become a U.S. Permanent Resident.
October 16, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a mother change the birth certificate for her minor child at DC’s Vital Records Department. The mother’s name was spelled incorrectly on the birth certificate.
October 15, 2019—In the Circuit Court to Montgomery County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. helped two children, one from Guatemala and the other from Honduras, obtain predicate orders that support their application for a Special Immigrant Juvenile visa.
October 11, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, congratulates two of our children, both from El Salvador, who obtained predicate orders this week from the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. Both are now on the path to their green cards and legal permanent residency.
October 1, 2019—Attorney José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a minor child from Guatemala obtain a predicate orders and he filed the Form I-360 the same day to ensure she has the best possible priority date.
September 24, 2019—In the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, The Canto Law Firm, LLC, helped a young man obtain a predicate order that puts him in a good position for a visa and later U.S. permanent residency as a special immigrant.
September 17, 2019—Another victory today for José Z. Canto, Esq. in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. His young client from El Salvador received a pedicate order that allows her to apply for a green card as a special immigrant juvenile.
September 10, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, received news today that we have secured an H-1B visa for our client’s employee. The firm represented the employee during the H-1B visa season, successfully responded to a Request for Evidence, and obtained the approval for the Form I-129. The employee is now on a path towards a green card.
September 6, 2019—During the course of the past week, attorney José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted two Baltimore City mother obtain sole physical and sole legal custody of their respective children.
September 1, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a man from El Salvador reopen his immigration proceedings and helped him vacate an order of removal or deportation. The client now has a chance to present a defense against his removal from the United States.
August 16, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted a Prince George’s County woman today obtain sole physical and sole legal custody of her son.
August 9, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, helped a New York City man obtain a divorce on the grounds of mutual consent in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
August 7, 2019—Today in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully defended his client against a Motion to Modify Custody. No changes were made the client’s current custodial and visitation arrangements with his minor children.
July 26, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. returned from the Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland, today with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status predicate orders for his client. The client now has a chance to become a U.S. Permanent Resident.
July 25, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, is pleased to announce that a green card arrived in the mail today for our client from El Salvador. The client received a Special Immigrant Juvenile visa and then adjusted status to become a U.S. Permanent Resident.
July 17, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, helped a Montgomery County man obtain a divorce on the grounds of mutual consent. Client received his divorce in less than two months.
July 15, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, helped a Texas woman obtain joint legal custody of her son as well as a visitation schedule. The firm helped her preserve her marital property and convinced the judge not to award child support arrears.
July 12, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a Prince George’s County man obtain a divorce on the grounds of mutual consent. The firm helped him obtain his divorce in less than two months.
July 9, 2019—Today, José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a lady from Prince George’s County, Maryland, receive sole physical and sole legal custody of her minor child.
June 26, 2019—Today in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, our client from Guatemala received predicate orders allowing her minor child to receive a Special Immigrant Juvenile visa.
June 15, 2019—Today in Ocean City, Maryland, the Chief Judge of the Maryland Court of Appeals, the Honorable Mary Ellen Barbera, presented José Z. Canto, Esq. with the Robert M. Bell Award. Each year, the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland presents this award to a lawyer who has make a significant contribution to pro bono work in the State of Maryland. The citation for the award reads as follows:
On average, José Canto has accepted more than 15 cases per year from MVLS, for the past six years. Nearly all of those cases have been family law matters, and 79 have been contested custody or divorce.
José accepts a large number of Spanish-speaking clients, filling a need for bi-lingual attorneys and significantly reducing the amount of time clients need to be placed with a lawyer. He has helped unaccompanied youth seek Special Immigrant Juvenile status through initial findings of abuse, abandonment or neglect in the Maryland family courts. With those findings, these youth, who frequently fled violence in their home country, are set on a path to citizenship.
José also serves as a mentor and support for MVLS staff and for other volunteers. His colleagues characterize him as kind and humble, and always ready to answer questions. This year, he also assisted MVLS with two family law trainings.
Photo Credit: C. Hamburger©Focophoto
June 11, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, successfully represented two youth–one from El Salvador and the other from Guatemala–in obtaining Special Immigrant Juvenile status orders from the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
June 10, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, settled a contested divorce and custody matter today in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland.
June 10, 2019—Three adults with developmental disabilities from Mexico received their U.S. Permanent Residence today under Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act. The Canto Law Firm, LLC, counseled the clients and guided them through the USCIS interview in Baltimore.
May 31, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq., was on the winning side of an argument about whether or not the opposing party should be compelled to sign forms to allow a minor child to apply for a U.S. passport. In Rockville, the judge sided with the firm’s arguments–based on the U.S. Constitution–and the father was compelled to sign all documentation to allow the minor to apply for a U.S. passport.
May 30, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq., helped a youth from El Salvador obtain approval for Special Immigrant Juvenile status in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
May 28, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq., settled a contested visitation matter today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
May 24, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, assisted a Prince George’s County wife obtain a divorce on the grounds of mutual consent today.
May 23, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, helped a Prince George’s County mother obtain sole legal and sole physical custody today in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
May 21, 2019—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, The Canto Law Firm, LLC, helped a youth from Guatemala obtain approval for Special Immigrant Juvenile status.
May 17, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, assisted a Baltimore City mother obtain a name change for her minor child. The firm obtained a name change order and helped the client change the child’s New Jersey birth certificate. Previously, the firm helped the client obtain sole physical and sole legal custody of the minor child as well.
May 17, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq., helped a Baltimore City mother settle a contested custody case. The firm forced the case to trial and during opening statements the case settled.
May 16, 2019—Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, The Canto Law Firm, LLC, helped a youth from El Salvador obtain approval for Special Immigrant Juvenile status.
May 8, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, had a double-header of contempt hearings today, one in the Circuit Court for Charles County for failure to pay a mortgage as a part of a divorce judgment and the second in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County for failure to pay child support. In both cases, José Z. Canto, Esq., convinced the court to deny the petition for contempt filed by the opposing party. Neither party received any jail time, fines, or other penalties.
May 7, 2019—The firm helped a young girl from Honduras obtain special findings of fact that allow her to file a Petition for Special Immigrant Juvenile status. The child now has a defense against removal and a chance at legal permanent residency.
May 1, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq., helped a man obtain a child support modification in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, today.
April 30, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, had a record-breaking month for SIJS cases this April. The firm helped a total of eight (8) children obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (“SIJS”) predicate orders in three jurisdictions: Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, and the Circuit Court for Baltimore City.
April 12, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, helped a lady from Baltimore City obtain sole physical and sole legal custody of her child as well as child support.
April 8, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. received a green card in the mail today for a client. The client, originally from El Salvador, qualified for a green card based on his relationship to his U.S. Citizen daughter. Because the client maintained Temporary Protective Status (“TPS”) and traveled abroad on “advance parole” and gained legal entry into the United States, the client was able to adjust status and receive his green card, all within the United States.
April 5, 2019—The Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Service (“MVLS”) invited José Z. Canto, Esq. to serve as a panelist today during its Family Law Training in Baltimore City, Maryland. José presented on the following topics: “Preparing for Trial,” “Special Immigrant Juvenile Status,” “Attorney’s Fees,” “Setting Client Expectations,” and “Building a Law Practice.”
April 3, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a Prince George’s County lady defend against charges of contempt for failure to pay child support. The client followed the firm’s advice and avoided possible jail time and fines. The firm also helped the lady modify the child support and reduce it to help avoid going back to court for a failure to pay child support.
April 1, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. settled another case today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, for a client involved in a contested divorce case.
March 29, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. settled a case today in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, for a client involved in a contested divorce/custody dispute.
March 26, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, obtained Special Immigrant Juvenile Status predicate orders today for two young children from El Salvador. The firm obtained a predicate order in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County in the morning and then traveled to the Circuit Court for Montgomery County in the afternoon to do the same.
March 20, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a Puerto Rican lady today renew her U.S. Passport. The lady was born in the Dominican Republic to two U.S. Citizen parents. The client hired the firm to help her renew her 30 year-old passport and also to affect a name change. The firm accomplished both goals today in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
February 26, 2019—At Dulles International Airport today, José Z. Canto, Esq. provided counsel to a client who was subject to a deferred inspection interview because of past criminal convictions. Despite the serious criminal convictions, José Z. Canto, Esq. made the case that his client qualified for parole and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) agreed. The client was released from ICE custody the same day.
February 25, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully advocated for his client today who was requesting sole physical and sole legal custody of her minor child in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. José Z. Canto, Esq. also argued that the minor child qualified for special findings of fact for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The judge agreed and made the findings which place the child on a path towards a green card.
February 22, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, assisted a lady from Bolivia obtain her U.S. Permanent Residency and her “green card” arrived in the mail today. The client obtained her permanent residence status through her U.S. citizen daughter.
February 21, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. participated as a panelist today for a webinar entitled “Love and Regret: Hot Topics in Family Law” in conjunction with the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (“MVLS”). José Z. Canto, Esq. presented on recent changes in Maryland law, including standby guardianship proceedings as well as recent changes in the law surrounding grounds for divorce. For the video presentation, please click here.
February 7, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully settled two family law cases this week in the Circuit Courts for Montgomery and Prince George’s County, Maryland, saving his clients’ time and resources.
February 7, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained another favorable outcome today for his client from El Salvador who was seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (“SIJS”) in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. The client now has a chance to obtain a green card in the United States.
February 1, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, successfully represented a DC woman in a contested divorce action in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia. The case reached a favorable settlement after nearly a year of litigation.
February 1, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. spoke to Calvert Hall College High School students today in Towson, Maryland, about the immigration debate in the United States during Catholic Schools Week. For a video of his remarks, please click here.
January 24, 2019—José Z. Canto, Esq. attended a day-long training today on the Immigration Consequences of Criminal Conduct sponsored by the Maryland Office of the Public Defender.
January 22, 2019—Despite the government shutdown with all immigration courts being closed, José Z. Canto, Esq. obtained predicate orders making Special Immigrant Juvenile Status findings today in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County for his two young clients from El Salvador. The predicate orders put the children on a path to a green card and, eventually, citizenship.
January 11, 2019—Today, José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully represented his client in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia in a peace order proceeding.
January 8, 2019—Attorney José Z. Canto started off the new year at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County returning with predicate orders allowing for his young client from El Salvador to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. As a result of today’s hearing, this client is on track to receive her green card before she turns 18.
January 1, 2019—The Canto Law Firm, LLC is pleased to announce that attorney José Z. Canto, Esq. was selected as a 2019 Rising Star by SuperLawyers and a Top Maryland Attorney for 2019 in the Baltimore Magazine.
December 19, 2018—José Z. Canto, Esq. returned to Rockville today to help a lady from Honduras obtain third-party of custody of a her friend’s son who is living with her. The child was abandoned by his father and lived with his mother in El Salvador until he had several untoward encounters with MS-13. Upon his arrival to the United States, the child is performing well in school and is preparing to file his I-360 for a special immigrant juvenile visa.
December 18, 2018—José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully obtained a custody order for a mother from El Salvador today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. The judge also made findings that allow the minor child to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) because the child was abandoned by his father when he was in infant. These special findings put the minor child on the path towards a green card.
December 6, 2018—The Esperanza Center Immigration Legal Services of Catholic Charities honored The Canto Law Firm, LLC today for its recent success in representing pro bono clients in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County.
November 20, 2018—José Z. Canto, Esq. was honored today at the Baltimore City Bar Association’s Past Presidents Lunch for accepting pro bono cases for several city residents in 2018.
November 1, 2018—In Baltimore, Maryland, an Immigration Judge granted our client’s motion to reopen a closed immigration case. The client had failed to appear for a Master Calendar Hearing and the Immigration Judge signed an order of removal. Through the help of The Canto Law Firm, LLC, the case has been reopened and the client now can file a claim for asylum, withholding of removal, and relief under the Convention Against Torture (CAT).
October 25, 2018—Today in Rockville, Maryland, Attorney José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a Hyattsville man avoid a conviction for Driving Without a License. A conviction for this offense may have carried jail time and would have had adverse immigration consequences. The case was dismissed.
October 24, 2018—The Canto Law Firm, LLC successfully obtained predicate orders for a minor child and filed her I-360 for a visa number today under the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) program. The child was subjected to abuse at the hands of her caregivers and her brother was targeted by gangs after he witnessed a gang murder. Client is now on track to obtain legal status in the United States.
October 20, 2018—In Baltimore, Maryland, an Immigration Judge granted our client’s motion to reopen a closed immigration case. The client had failed to appear for a Master Calendar Hearing and the Immigration Judge signed an order of removal. Through the help of The Canto Law Firm, LLC, the case has been reopened and the client now has the chance to obtain a green card here pursuant to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS).
October 5, 2018—In Houston, Texas, an Immigration Judge granted our client’s motion to reopen a closed immigration case where the Immigration Judge deported our client back to El Salvador. The client had missed a previous immigration date and the judge called for her immediate removal. The client retained our firm and, through an extensive motion with several supporting affidavits and exhibits, the firm managed to reopen the case and rescind the order of removal. The client qualifies for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) so the firm has also put her on the path towards a green card.
October 1, 2018—José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a Silver Spring family negotiate a settlement outside of court in a case involving a high credit card bill. The settlement will help the family protect their credit and avoid a judgment against them.
September 24, 2018—The Canto Law Firm, LLC today filed an appellant’s brief on behalf of our client for a case that is pending before the Maryland Court of Special Appeals. The appeal concerns the circuit court’s role in interpreting federal statutes and Maryland caselaw in making Special Immigrant Juvenile Status determinations.
September 19, 2018—The firm successfully defended our client against contempt proceedings, filed by the opposing party, for alleged denial of visitation in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County.
September 17, 2018—José Z. Canto, Esq. argued two custody cases today in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County for a family from El Salvador and Honduras. Both cases asked the court to make findings to qualify the minor children for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The judge granted our motions and now the children have relief against deportation.
September 11, 2018—The Canto Law Firm, LLC presented a case today for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for a Salvadoran youth who was abandoned by his biological father. The Circuit Court for Montgomery County granted our client’s request and now the client is able to file his I-360 for a visa number and eventually a green card.
August 23, 2018—José Z. Canto, Esq. returned to the office today with predicate order allowing for his client to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The client will turn 21 in a few days so this required the firm to file an emergency motion, which the Circuit Court for Montgomery County granted.
August 1, 2018—The Canto Law Firm, LLC is proud to announce that José Z. Canto has been selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars, the respected national ranking of top attorneys under 40 years of age based on peer recognition and professional achievement. Published by Thomson Reuters, Super Lawyers recognizes only the top 5 percent of all Maryland attorneys who embody excellence in the practice of lawyer.
July 12, 2018—The Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, granted our client’s emergency motion for immediate custody and made Special Immigrant Juvenile Status findings because the minor child will be turning twenty-one years at the end of the month. The age of eighteen (18) and twenty-one (21) have tremendous implications for immigration law and some benefits expire upon becoming of age. In this case, the Minor Child’s family had been terrorized by MS-13. The gang had targeted the Minor Child’s grandfather, uncle (who they murdered) and herself.
June 21, 2018—Three clients from Colombia, Chile, and Brazil are now U.S. Citizens thanks to The Canto Law Firm, LLC. José Z. Canto, Esq. helped each client prepare their N-400 and attended their USCIS interview in Baltimore.
June 6, 2018—Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) honored José Z. Canto, Esq. with its pro bono achievement award. Attorney Canto has accepted over 30 pro bono placements with the organization in the past two years.
May 12, 2018—Attorney Canto was a radio guest on Law Talk with Ethel Mitchell on 1045 AM this morning. Attorney Canto spoke about recent developments in immigration law and policy. To listen to a recording of the radio program, please click here.
April 20, 2018—The Canto Law Firm helped a Prince George’s County lady obtain sole physical and sole legal custody of her three minor children today in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County.
April 19, 2018—The Canto Law Firm provided pro bono representation to a mother and father in Montgomery County, Maryland, who needed to obtain guardianship of their disabled adult child. The firm prepared a flawless petition, including all the necessary medical evidence.
April 18, 2018—The Circuit Court for Baltimore City granted our client’s complaint for custody and motion for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The minor child’s biological father was killed by gangs in El Salvador and he was fearful that he might meet the same fate. Thanks to the efforts of the firm, the child has the chance to continue living here in the United States.
April 9, 2018—The firm successfully represented a Montgomery County father who was accused of sexually abusing his child. José Z. Canto, Esq. helped the man avoid a final protective order and to evade any criminal charges arising from these allegations.
April 6, 2018—José Z. Canto, Esq. appeared before the Maryland Court of Special Appeals today in Annapolis for oral arguments on a case involving issues of income miscalculation for indefinite alimony purposes.
April 2, 2018—José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted a Montgomery County family a custody modification case involving complex jurisdictional issues arising from the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. The Montgomery County Circuit Court granted our client’s motion to modify the custody.
March 29, 2018—While the Orioles started their opening day against the Twins, José Z. Canto, Esq. was across town in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City helping a young lady from El Salvador obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status findings. The minor child testified that her father abandoned her at birth to pursue his role as a Calle 18 gang member. Because of this affiliation, the minor and her family were at risk of being kidnapped, killed, or tortured by the rival MS-13 gang. José Z. Canto, Esq. advocated that she should not return to El Salvador, but rather continue her studies here in Charm City.
March 28, 2018—A young lady from El Salvador now has a defense to deportation thanks to José Z. Canto, Esq.’s fight for her Special Immigrant Juvenile Status findings. A judge from the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Maryland found that the father abandoned the minor child at infancy and also found that it was not in the minor child’s best interest to return to El Salvador because her mother–a small business owner–was targeted by MS-13.
March 23, 2018—Today in Silver Spring, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully negotiated a plea deal that allowed his client to avoid a criminal record for shoplifting in exchange for 24 hours of community service and an immediate engagement of her record.
March 22, 2018—The Circuit Court for Montgomery County granted our client’s request for sole physical and sole legal custody of her minor child and also made factual findings that will allow her to obtain a green card as a special immigrant juvenile.
March 2, 2018—In a civil case pending before the Maryland Court of Special Appeals, José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully dismissed it for the Appellant’s failure to comply with the Maryland Rule of Civil Procedure.
March 1, 2018—The Circuit Court for Montgomery County today appointed our clients as guardians of their disabled son. A guardianship allows them to make legal and financial decisions for their son to help him reach his goals.
February 22, 2018—The Circuit Court for Montgomery County granted our client’s request to be guardian over her younger brother today. The judge also made findings that will allow the minor child to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). The minor child now faces a brighter future here in Montgomery County than if he would return to El Salvador.
February 20, 2018—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, successfully represented a Rockville lady obtain an absolute divorce from her husband. The husband’s whereabouts were unknown for several years. The firm counseled her in filing a motion for alternative service, which allowed her to proceed with her divorce even though she could not serve her husband the summons and complaint directly.
January 25, 2018—José Z. Canto, Esq. returned to Rockville this week to help a U.S. citizen from El Salvador obtain guardianship of her nephew. The nephew, also from El Salvador, was neglected by his parents because they forced him to work strenuous and dangerous agricultural jobs instead of attending school. The young man is now a straight A student at a Montgomery County high school and now on his path towards a green card.
January 12, 2018—The past week, The Canto Law Firm, LLC assisted two children obtain predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. The firm had to act quickly as one of the two children would have turned twenty-one and would have aged out of this immigration benefit. By hiring The Canto Law Firm, all the papers were submitted properly to USCIS so her green card hopes are not in jeopardy.
January 5, 2018—José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a woman from Mexico obtain sole physical and sole legal custody of her daughters in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland.
December 30, 2017—The Canto Law Firm, LLC helped five children from El Salvador obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) predicate orders in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The children testified that they would be forced to work back home and would not be able to go to college. The firm helped them apply for their green card which will open a path to citizenship for each of them. Once they are citizens, they can benefit from financial aid packages offered by U.S. universities and colleges.
October 20, 2017—IN THE NEWS. José Z. Canto, Esq. was quoted today in the Washington Post in an article about the State’s Attorney’s recent dismissal of the criminal charges against Henry Sanchez and Jose Montano’s asylum case. To read the full article, click here.
September 30, 2017—The Canto Law Firm, LLC closed six cases this month for six children seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) findings in Circuit Courts in Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and Montgomery County. All six children are now on the path to citizenship and have defenses to deportation.
August 31, 2017—José Z. Canto, Esq. resolved three custody cases for three Central American mothers in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland. Each client was awarded sole physical and sole legal custody even though the fathers could not be located. Obtaining a custody order may help these mothers defend against deportation in the future.
August 8, 2017—José Z. Canto, Esq. spent the day in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to help three youth obtain predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). The judges from both courts granted our children relief and now they have a defense to deportation.
August 4, 2017—IN THE NEWS. José Z. Canto, Esq. was quoted today in the Washington Post in an article about Jose Montano’s guilty plea. To read the full article, click here.
July 26, 2017—A young lady from El Salvador now has a chance for a green card thanks to the efforts of José Z. Canto, Esq. The lady was robbed and raped by MS-13 gang members from her home country and fled to the United States to seek protection. A Circuit Court judge for Prince George’s County granted her request for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
July 25, 2017—A judge from the Office of Administrative Hearings decided to take “no action” against our client’s license. Our client was facing DUI/DWI charges as well as a refusal to take a breathalyzer. The MVA argued that the client’s license should be suspended for 270 days. However, at the hearing, José Z. Canto, Esq. pinpointed flaws in the MVA’s evidence that led the judge to dismiss the case. No license suspension for our client.
July 12, 2017—A Baltimore City Circuit Court judge granted our client’s motion for summary judgment ending a protracted contract and tort dispute between a landlord and a tenant in Baltimore City, Maryland. The judge awarded our client a judgment of $50,000.00 including attorney’s fees for numerous breaches of a lease agreement.
July 3, 2017—Three children from El Salvador are one step closer to green cards thanks to the efforts of José Z. Canto, Esq. A judge for the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland granted our clients’ request for custody as well as for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Tomorrow, all three children will celebrate the Fourth of July for the first time with the prospect of legal status within reach.
June 28, 2017—In a divorce action in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, The Canto Law Firm, LLC assisted a client in obtaining a substantial monetary award as well as a reimbursement for attorney’s fees and costs. The opposing party had dissipated marital assets from joint banking accounts. The client was also awarded custody of her minor child and the maximum amount of child support.
June 12, 2017—José Z. Canto, Esq. convinced an immigration judge today that bond for his client should be reduced from $25,000 to $7,500 despite a DUI conviction. The firm argued that the client was a low flight risk given his strong ties to the community. Despite a criminal conviction, one can still obtain a reasonable bond.
June 7, 2017—The Canto Law Firm, LLC, obtained predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status today for a young girl from Honduras who was fleeing gang violence in her neighborhood. The young girl’s aunt retained the firm to file a guardianship petition in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland and to file a motion for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Both the petition and motion were granted.
May 26, 2017—Today, José Z. Canto, Esq. helped two children from El Salvador, one from Honduras, and two from Guatemala obtain predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland. These five children are now eligible for apply for U.S. Permanent Resident status in the United States.
May 16, 2017—The Canto Law Firm, LLC helped two young Guatemalans obtain DACA status in the United States today. DACA or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals provides some children protection from deportation and offers them a work permit.
May 8, 2017—IN THE NEWS. José Z. Canto, Esq. was quoted today in the Washington Post in an article about the dropping of rape charges against his client, Jose Montano, and his continued detention in ICE custody. To read the full article, click here.
May 8, 2017—José Z. Canto, Esq. assisted a U.S. Permanent Resident from Cameroon in his release from Custom and Border Protection (CBP) custody at Washington Dulles airport. The client was released or “paroled” today after José Z. Canto, Esq argued that urgent humanitarian reasons required that he be returned to his family.
April 5, 2017—José Z. Canto, Esq. participated as a panelist today at the Pro Bono Coordinating Counsel meeting held in Silver Spring, Maryland. Mr. Canto spoke on best practices for case placement and supervision of pro bono cases among provider agencies in Maryland.
April 4, 2017—The firm celebrated a victory today in the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County on behalf of a carpet installer who was not paid for several carpet installation projects. José Z. Canto, Esq., argued that the client should be awarded her unpaid wages, treble damages, and attorney’s fees and costs pursuant to Maryland’s Wage Payment and Collection Act. The judge agreed.
March 30, 2017—José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully obtained an Order Appointing Guardian of a Disabled Person today in the Montgomery County Circuit Court.
February 13, 2017—IN THE NEWS. José Z. Canto, Esq. was quoted today in an article concerning Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and pro bono work in Maryland. To read the full article, click here.
November 23, 2016—It has been a banner-month for SIJS findings at The Canto Law Firm. The firm went 6 for 6 today in obtaining predicate custody orders to allow six minor children in Prince George’s County, Maryland, to petition USCIS for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
November 14, 2016—Today in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, the firm went 5 for 5 in obtaining predicate custody orders to allow five minor children to petition USCIS for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
November 9, 2016—The Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland granted our client’s Complaint for Child Support and found that the opposing party had voluntarily impoverished himself. The judge imputed income in determining the child support.
November 4, 2016—The Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Maryland granted, in part, our client’s Exceptions of the Magistrate’s Findings and Recommendations. The Magistrate incorrectly calculated the work-related child care expense and did not award retroactive child support to the date of the client’s initial pleading. The end result was an optimal child support award.
September 9, 2016—The Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland granted our client’s petition for guardianship of her nephew and granted our motion for findings to allow the nephew to qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). The nephew lived in a gang-controlled area of El Salvador and could not attend school as a result. As a result of the Court’s findings, the Minor will one day receive U.S. Permanent Resident Status, a “green card,” and can continue to excel in Baltimore City Public Schools.
August 18, 2016—The Circuit Court of Prince George’s County, Maryland granted our client’s complaint for sole legal and physical custody for her daughter and made findings that will allow her daughter to qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). The daughter was sexually assaulted by a local gang member and fled to the United States to be with her mother. The child is excelling and is applying for a green card.
August 9, 2016—José Z. Canto, Esq. attended a day-long training session at the Developmental Disabilities headquarters in Laurel, Maryland, for Support Brokers who assist individuals under the Self-Directed Services waiver program.
June 27, 2016—The Anne Arundel County Bar Association recognized José Z. Canto, Esq. today as a finalist for the President’s Pro Bono Award.
April 13, 2016—The Circuit Court for Prince George’s County granted our client’s complaint for sole legal and physical custody of her daughter and made findings that allow the daughter to qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). The child came to the United States fleeing Mara gang violence in her home country of El Salvador. As a result of these findings, the daughter can now apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for U.S. Permanent Resident status so that she can remain living with her mother in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
April 6, 2016—The firm prevailed in a contested custody case in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. The Court denied the opposing party’s request for shared physical custody and awarded sole physical custody to our client.
March 31, 2016—José Z. Canto, Esq. counseled and represented a Colombian citizen in her I-130 Petition for U.S. Permanent Resident Status through her marriage to a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico. The United States Immigration and Nationality Services granted her I-130 Petition and awarded her U.S. Permanent Resident Status.
February 4, 2016—The Circuit Court for Baltimore City granted our Motion to Strike Plaintiff’s Complaint when the opposing party failed to comply with the requirements of Maryland Rule 2-303.
January 13, 2016—The firm successfully represented a Baltimore City woman obtain sole legal and physical custody of her two children despite the opposing party’s request for the same and his desire to relocate the children to his home in the Caribbean.
December 15, 2015—José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a Baltimore City woman obtain sole legal and physical custody of her two minor children. The Circuit Court for Baltimore City found the father to be an unfit parent because of past sexual abuse of two children and denied father’s request for access.
October 5, 2015—The firm assisted a Baltimore County woman obtain a Final Protective Order on behalf of her minor children in the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County (Catonsville) when one of the children reported being touched inappropriately by the father during visitation. The father appealed the decision to the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, but the mother still prevailed.
September 25, 2015—The firm celebrated an en banc victory last Friday in an appeal before a three judge panel of the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland. In a 3-0 decision, the en banc panel agreed with our client’s arguments that the trial court’s decision to transfer a custody case from Maryland to California was in contravention of several provisions of Maryland’s Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.
August 26, 2015—The firm successfully represented a U.S. postal mail carrier in workers compensation proceedings before the U.S. Department of Labor. The letter carrier, who suffered numerous spinal ailments as a result of over 20 years of carrying mail, initially was denied any workers compensation. After retaining our firm, we filed for reconsideration to appeal this decision and assisted the letter carrier in obtaining the medical evidence needed. After submitting a written brief and additional medical evidence, the firm successfully helped the letter carrier reverse the decision and receive workers compensation.
July 30, 2015—In a 4-3 decision, the County Board of Appeals of Anne Arundel County granted our client’s request for a conditional variance to perfect dwelling additions (shed and covered porch) with fewer setbacks than required for property owners in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Throughout a two days hearing, the Petitioners presented a case for a variance based upon one of the residents needing a shed to store handicap equipment and a covered porch to allow the resident ease of access to the equipment and to keep it operable and dry. The majority found that the “Petitioners have presented persuasive testimony to meet the criteria set forth in Anne Arundel County Code 3-1-207 to obtain the requested variance.”
July 17, 2015—During a child support trial in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully impeached an opposing party who offered doctored W-2s and paystubs from his employer into evidence. Our firm, however, obtained the authentic W-2s and paystubs through a subpoena to the party’s employer and entered that into evidence. In part because of this fraud upon the court, our client received the maximum amount of child support, plus arrears, and an award of attorney’s fees in excess of $5,000.00.
July 9, 2015—After a contested hearing, the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County granted our Motion for Discovery Sanctions against an opposing party for his failure to answer interrogatories and produce documents in discovery. The opposing party was also prohibited from defending against our client’s claims at the merits trial.
July 8, 2015—The firm successfully represented a Prince George’s County father in obtaining joint physical and legal custody of his minor child. The Mother had previously denied visitation to the Father for over a year, but as a result of the court process, the Father was able to change the status quo and regain his parental rights as a Father.
May 21, 2015—The Circuit Court for Prince George’s County granted our exceptions of a child support hearing before a Family Law Magistrate. Our client appealed the Magistrate’s findings of fact and recommendations because he underestimated the opposing party’s income and ordered a downward deviation of the Maryland child support guidelines. At the exceptions hearing, the judge agreed with our client’s arguments and ordered that the child support be re-calculated and vacated the downward deviation. This ruling doubled the client’s child support award.
April 15, 2015—The Circuit Court for Baltimore City granted our motion to dismiss a complaint for modification of custody, child support, and alimony that was filed less than one year after the parties executed a Marital Settlement Agreement. The Court found that there was no material change of circumstance.
March 20, 2015—The firm obtained a custody modification for a mother in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County after the minor child reported being physically abused by his father.
March 19, 2015—José Z. Canto, Esq. helped a Glen Burnie woman reclaim her Section 8 voucher after it had been terminated by the local housing authority.
February 14, 2015—The firm assisted a Cecil county woman open a small estate (for litigation purposes) to facilitate payment of a asbestos settlement owed to her deceased husband.
January 21, 2015—José Z. Canto, Esq. successfully represented a property owner in complex title insurance claim to correct a defective deed to a home in Baltimore County, Maryland. The firm reached a favorable settlement for the homeowner for the value of the lost land due to the title defect, all paid for by the title insurance company. The deed was also corrected.
January 7, 2015—The firm reached a settlement for our client, an individual lender, in a lawsuit pending in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, involving a breach of an oral contract loan to a commercial crabbing business.
October 15, 2014—IN THE NEWS. The Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) awarded José Z. Canto the 2014 Partnership Award today at its annual Celebrate Pro Bono ceremony at the University of Maryland Law School. The Partnership Award is given annually to individuals that have uniquely contributed to the mission of MVLS. Mr. Canto was recognized for his efforts to increase access to justice for Spanish-speaking individuals. For coverage of the award in the Daily Record, Maryland’s flagship legal and business daily, click here for the full article.
August 5, 2014—José Z. Canto represented a Glen Burnie resident in a handgun permit appeal before the Handgun Permit Review Board. Client requested a handgun permit that would allow him to carry his firearm at all times while employed at his private plumbing business. Client received the permit requested.
August 1, 2014—IN THE NEWS. The firm’s recent success in representing a mother in a highly contested custody and child support case in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City was profiled in the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) August newsletter. Click here for the full article.
July 17, 2014—After several months of negotiations with an insurance carrier, the firm filed a motor tort lawsuit in the Circuit Court for Harford County, Maryland on behalf of a Pennsylvania woman involved in a serious automobile accident. Promptly after filing the complaint and conducting discovery, the insurance carrier agreed to settle for the client’s requested amount.
July 14, 2014—IN THE NEWS. José Z. Canto was awarded the 2014 Volunteer Partnership Award from the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS). Mr. Canto closed nineteen (19) contested custody cases in FY 2014, eight (8) of which involved more than 20 hours of legal work. For FY2014, Mr. Canto clocked 420 hours of volunteer service hours as part of the MVLS panel.
July 10, 2014—The firm successfully defended a landlord in a security deposit action initiated by a former tenant in the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County (Glen Burnie). Tenant’s suit requested the return of the security deposit, treble damages, and attorney’s fees. After a year of litigation, landlord prevailed and defeated tenant’s three count complaint.
June 12, 2014—The Circuit Court for Baltimore City granted our Motion to Rescind a Marital Settlement Agreement for a former military wife who was pressured to sign a grossly one-sided agreement that waived her rights to alimony, pension rights, and a monetary award.
May 15, 2014—After being denied compensation for a posttraumatic stress injury sustained on the job, our firm successfully represented a federal employee at an oral hearing before the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor reversed its decision. As a result, the employee was paid her full salary for the time missed from work due to her injury.
February 28, 2014—The Circuit Court for Prince George’s County granted our request for supervised visitation against minor child’s father who had attempted to stab the minor child by piercing the child’s baby carriage with a Swiss army knife.
December 17, 2013—The firm successfully represented a handicap, Section 8 tenant in rescinding a residential lease when the landlord refused to make the rental home handicap accessible. The firm filed discrimination complaints under the American Disabilities Act (ADA) with federal and state agencies.