Immigration lawyers

[tashyta 0]

Hi everyone! Haven't been here for couple weeks. Good to be here!

I finally had a consultation with the lawyer about my situation (K1 visa expired and I'm out of status for already 8 months). He didn't tell me anything new: I have 2 options (marry or leave), I have 3-year bar, blah-blah-blah... He wants to take my case and fill all necessary papers if we decide to get married (IF).

BUT, I am not really sure in him. You know, he speaks good about all possible problems, but just in case I would like to check him. Who knows how to do it? And also if anyone knows any good immigration lawyers, I would gladly accept your recomendations and advices:)! Plus he asks for his work $3000+$1000 which goes to the government or something like that. Is it expensive or not?

Thanks a lot!

Edited February 27, 2008 by tashyta

[tashyta 0]

Hi everyone! Haven't been here for couple weeks. Good to be here!

I finally had a consultation with the lawyer about my situation (K1 visa expired and I'm out of status for already 8 months). He didn't tell me anything new: I have 2 options (marry or leave), I have 3-year bar, blah-blah-blah... He wants to take my case and fill all necessary papers if we decide to get married (IF).

BUT, I am not really sure in him. You know, he speaks good about all possible problems, but just in case I would like to check him. Who knows how to do it? And also if anyone knows any good immigration lawyers, I would gladly accept your recomendations and advices:)! Plus he asks for his work $3000+$1000 which goes to the government or something like that. Is it expensive or not?

Thanks a lot!

By the way, I live in state Minnesota. Prefere next to Twin Cities.

Thanks!

[ChrisB0707 4]

Thats a little high. I would talk with a few others first. When we decided to hire a lawyer in Las Vegas I asked arround and spoke with other people that have used immigration lawyers in the area. We went with a guy that is very well known is Las Vegas and has an office in the same building at the immigration court and we only had to pay 1000.00 US dollars for a visa process. (Point is this guy is one of the best immigration lawyers in the state and only paid 1000.00)

[tuty 0]

For what i've learnt laweyers cause even more trouble...and you cannot trust them. The bottom line is that you end up doing most of the job....

I cannot tell you that your situation is an easy one...so I guess that after all you do need someone...but someone competent.

It sounds like a good advice to get married....why didnt you do then???

you need a lawyer you can trust...

[tashyta 0]

Thanks to all who answered to me!

But how to check whether it's a good one or not. Is there any official place I could check for such info?

[wifetobe 2]

Hi everyone! Haven't been here for couple weeks. Good to be here!

I finally had a consultation with the lawyer about my situation (K1 visa expired and I'm out of status for already 8 months). He didn't tell me anything new: I have 2 options (marry or leave), I have 3-year bar, blah-blah-blah... He wants to take my case and fill all necessary papers if we decide to get married (IF).

BUT, I am not really sure in him. You know, he speaks good about all possible problems, but just in case I would like to check him. Who knows how to do it? And also if anyone knows any good immigration lawyers, I would gladly accept your recomendations and advices:)! Plus he asks for his work $3000+$1000 which goes to the government or something like that. Is it expensive or not?

Thanks a lot!

By the way, I live in state Minnesota. Prefere next to Twin Cities.

Thanks!

Although you were given info on it being only a $1000, to me that sounds like a typical retainer fee alone, then you have AOS fees which can cost up to $3000 including medical, filing forms etc including the lawyer's work, they send all forms and chase for you. I really wished we didn't need our lawyer but for our circumstances we did the right thing. The best of luck in your selection and your journey

[BlakeandOlha 0]

Thanks to all who answered to me!

But how to check whether it's a good one or not. Is there any official place I could check for such info?

Consult with other attornies that handle immigration cases would be your best bet. Have you and your fiancee decided to marry yet? Without that, don't worry about the money side of it, you're looking then at deportation and a three, or in a short time, a 10 year ban on returning.

[MarkNAshley 0]

Unless you plan on marrying your fiancee, I wouldn't be concerned about looking into getting a lawyer. There is no point in spending the money if you aren't going to help change your situation.

If you do get married, your best plan of action is to research them online and try to find reviews of different lawyers in your area. I am not aware of any one site that reviews all immigration lawyers.

[DerekJ 0]

For what i've learnt laweyers cause even more trouble...and you cannot trust them. The bottom line is that you end up doing most of the job....

I cannot tell you that your situation is an easy one...so I guess that after all you do need someone...but someone competent.

It sounds like a good advice to get married....why didnt you do then???

you need a lawyer you can trust...

The OP should try the Commission on Immigration section of the American Bar Association located here: http://www.abanet.org/publicserv/immigration/home.html. It has links to a variety of resources and a provider directory.

To those bashing lawyers around here: Please be mindful that there are some bad ones but many more good and conscientious ones. It is against our code of ethics to take on cases in areas in which we are either not knowledgeable or cannot become knowledgeable within a reasonably short period of time taking into consideration the needs of the client. It is important for a client to shop around for the lawyer that best suits their needs.

Edited February 28, 2008 by DerekJ