US expat Colombia lawyer
Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. is a US law firm founded in 1997 that assists US expats living in Colombia with their US legal matters. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. For any Colombia-law aspects of a cross-border matter, the firm collaborates with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, who is admitted to practice law in Colombia and is not admitted in any US state bar; his role is limited to Colombia-law matters in coordination with the firm’s US-admitted attorneys. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.
What this cross-border practice area covers
US expats in Colombia often need a US-licensed lawyer to handle legal issues that remain governed by US law even while they live abroad. Common matters include maintaining US immigration status, renewing a US visa or green card, applying for US citizenship, and addressing any removal or inadmissibility concerns. US tax obligations—such as FBAR reporting, FATCA compliance, and the foreign earned income exclusion—also require attention from a US attorney familiar with the cross-border context. Family law issues like divorce, child custody, and support orders can become complex when one spouse resides in Colombia and the other in the United States, and US estate planning documents (wills, trusts, powers of attorney) often need to be updated to reflect international assets and beneficiaries.
For each of these US-law matters, the firm’s US-admitted attorneys provide counsel and representation. When a matter also involves Colombian law—for example, Colombian property division in a divorce, Colombian inheritance rules, or Colombian immigration procedures—the firm engages Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, who is admitted in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar. This division ensures that every aspect of a cross-border case is handled by an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
How Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel network handle these matters
When a US expat contacts the firm, a US-licensed attorney—typically Mr. Sris or another US-admitted Of Counsel—reviews the US-law dimensions of the situation. The attorney identifies which US statutes, regulations, or court procedures apply and develops a strategy for the US side of the case. If the matter also requires Colombian legal analysis, the firm brings in Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, who is admitted in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar. Mr. Duport Jaramillo advises on Colombian law and coordinates with the US attorney to ensure that the two legal systems are addressed consistently.
Throughout the engagement, the US attorney remains the lead for all US-law filings, correspondence with US agencies, and court appearances. The Colombia Of Counsel handles Colombia-law documents, local regulatory requirements, and any necessary interactions with Colombian authorities. No attorney in the firm or its Of Counsel network practices law in a jurisdiction where they are not admitted. This collaborative model allows the firm to serve US expats comprehensively while respecting the licensing boundaries of both countries.
About Mr. Sris and the sriscounsel Of Counsel network
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), the bill that became the 2019 revision to Va. Code § 20-107.3(g). Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience across US and foreign jurisdictions.
For Colombia matters, the firm works with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel · Colombia Practice. Mr. Duport Jaramillo is admitted to practice law in Colombia and is not admitted in any US state bar. His background includes service as Minister Counselor at the Embassy of Colombia to the European Union and as Executive President of the Pereira Chamber of Commerce. He provides Colombia-law counsel and serves as a liaison for international clients with the firm’s US-admitted attorneys. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia, is available by appointment only.
Frequently asked questions
What US legal issues do US expats in Colombia commonly face?
US expats in Colombia frequently need help with US immigration status, US tax compliance, cross-border family law, and US estate planning. Even while living abroad, a US citizen or green card holder must comply with US immigration laws—for example, maintaining permanent residence, renewing a green card, or applying for naturalization. US tax obligations, including FBAR and FATCA reporting, continue regardless of residence. Divorce, child custody, and support orders that cross the US-Colombia border require careful coordination between US and Colombian legal systems. A US-licensed attorney can handle the US side of these matters, while the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel addresses any Colombia-law components.
Do I need a US lawyer if I live in Colombia?
Yes, if your legal issue is governed by US law, you need a US-licensed lawyer even while residing in Colombia. US immigration, tax, and family law matters do not stop applying simply because you live abroad. A US attorney can represent you before USCIS, the IRS, or US courts, and can advise on how your overseas residence affects your US legal obligations. For any Colombia-law questions—such as Colombian visas, property transactions, or local family law—the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, Eric Duport Jaramillo, who is admitted in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar, provides the necessary Colombia-law guidance in coordination with the US attorney.
Can a US lawyer help with my Colombian visa or residency?
No, a US-licensed lawyer cannot provide legal advice on Colombian immigration law. Colombian visa and residency matters are governed by Colombian law and must be handled by a lawyer licensed in Colombia. The firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, Eric Duport Jaramillo, is admitted in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar; he can assist with Colombian immigration procedures. The US-admitted attorneys at the firm focus exclusively on US immigration matters, such as US visa applications, green card renewals, and naturalization, for US expats in Colombia.
How does the firm handle a cross-border divorce when one spouse is in Colombia?
The firm’s US-admitted attorney handles the US divorce proceeding, while the Colombia Of Counsel addresses any Colombia-law issues such as property division or Colombian marital regime rules. A divorce involving a US expat in Colombia may require filings in a US state court and, if Colombian assets or a Colombian marriage certificate are involved, coordination with Colombian legal requirements. The US attorney manages the US case—jurisdiction, grounds, child custody under US law—and the Colombia Of Counsel advises on Colombian law aspects. This dual-counsel approach ensures that both legal systems are respected and that no attorney practices outside their licensed jurisdiction.
What should I bring to a consultation about US expat legal matters?
Bring any relevant US documents—such as your passport, green card, prior US tax returns, marriage certificate, or existing US court orders—and be prepared to discuss your specific US legal concern. If your matter involves Colombian elements, also gather Colombian documents (e.g., Colombian marriage certificate, Colombian property deeds) for review by the Colombia Of Counsel. The initial consultation with a US-licensed attorney will focus on your US-law needs; if Colombia-law input is required, the firm will arrange a separate discussion with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, who is admitted in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar.
How do I contact the firm from Colombia?
You can reach Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. The firm’s US-admitted attorneys are available to discuss your US legal matter, and the firm can connect you with its Colombia Of Counsel for any Colombia-law questions. Consultations are by appointment only. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia, is available for scheduled meetings; please call to arrange a time.
For guidance on related cross-border matters, contact Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.