Ilona Bray

Ilona Bray

J.D. · University of Washington School of Law

Ilona Bray, J.D. is an award-winning author and legal editor at Nolo, specializing in real estate, immigration law and nonprofit fundraising. 

Educational background. Ilona received her law degree and a Master's degree in East Asian (Chinese) Studies from the University of Washington. She is a member of the Washington State Bar. Her undergraduate degree is from Bryn Mawr College, where she majored in philosophy. She actually viewed law school as an extension of her philosophy studies, with its focus on ethics, fundamental rights, and how people can get along in society—of particular concern to her as the daughter of a WWII refugee. 

Working background. Ilona has practiced law in corporate and nonprofit settings as well as in solo practice, where she represented immigrant clients seeking asylum, family-based visas, and more. She has also volunteered extensively, including a six-month fellowship at Northwest Immigrant Rights Project in Seattle and a six-month internship at Amnesty International in London. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers' Association (AILA), the National Association of Real Estate Editors (NAREE), and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). 

Working at Nolo. Ilona started at Nolo in 2000 as a legal editor. Since then, she has not only continued to edit other writers' books and online articles, but also has taken an active role in planning and authoring new Nolo books. Many of these have become consistent Nolo bestsellers and award-winners, among them Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits, Nolo's Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home, and Selling Your House.  Ilona particularly enjoys interviewing people and weaving their stories into her books. She also won the 2012 "Best Blog" award from the National Association of Real Estate Editors (NAREE). 

Spare time. (What spare time?) Ilona enjoys swimming, gardening (though she's still looking for a vegetable the squirrels won't eat every last morsel of), cooking gluten- and sugar-free meals, and writing children's books.

Articles By Ilona Bray

Homeowner's Rights to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in California
California gives homeowners broad rights to build accessory dwelling units on single-family properties.
Immigration Law Updates in 2024
Here's what's happening in the year 2024 with respect to U.S. immigration law.
California Real Estate Law: Homes in High-Fire Hazard Areas Must Have Ember Resistant Zone
California law requires homeowners in high fire-hazard areas to use intense fuel-reduction measures between 5 and 30 feet around their structure, and to create an ember-resistant zone within 5 feet of it.
Green Card Qualification: Who Is Eligible for U.S. Lawful Permanent Residence
Overview article of categories of immigrants, including family members, workers, and more, who may qualify for a U.S. green card.
U.S. Citizenship by Birth or Through Parents
If you were born on U.S. soil, were born to U.S. citizen parents, or became a naturalized U.S. citizen and have been living in the United States, you clearly have U.S. citizenship.
Filling Out Form I-539 to Extend Nonimmigrant Status
If you are in the U.S. as a temporary visitor, you might be able to apply for an extension of your stay.
Filling Out Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act
In order to petition for and sponsor an immigrant to become a U.S. permanent resident (receive a green card), the U.S. sponsor must contract with the U.S. government to provide that person with support.
Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Get line-by-line instructions to complete USCIS Form I-485, application to register permanent residence or adjust status.
Filling Out, Submitting Form I-130 for Unmarried, Minor Child of U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
If you are either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, you may be able to petition for your foreign-born children or stepchildren to immigrate to the U.S.
Filling Out USCIS Form I-90 to Renew or Replace Green Card
If your green card (the card showing that you are a U.S. lawful permanent resident) is about to expire or you have lost it, or if it has been stolen or destroyed, you'll need to apply for a new one.