Unhappy about lawyer's services

[Marilyn. 340]

I was very unhappy with our lawyers services... total waste of money... I had to keep emailing him with mistakes he had made... like when he partially filled out the DS-230... it was full of mistakes... I had to fill out a brand new one... or when he insisted that NVC only wanted photocopies and not original documents and got us a RFE.... even after we got the RFE he was still pretty adamant that they only wanted photocopies...

if you are going to use a lawyer I would suggest doing a tonne of research and find the best lawyer who has full knowledge of the system.....

Edited March 29, 2008 by MarilynP

[Reba 2]

Go the lawyer's office personally, get your file from them, and fire them. In writing! If you keep phoning them they may charge you for the time spent on the phone.

The forms are really easy to fill out, and only you will take the time needed to ensure they're filled in correctly. Its your lives at stake, to a lawyer, you're just another file and a pay cheque.

[JillA 2]

Sorry to hear about your troubles. My fiancee and I couldn't afford a lawyer so we bought the "Do-It-Yourself" Immigration kit online and it has really assisted. It gives you step by step instructions and details about what to expect. It was the best $50 ever spent, and the process so far has not been too bad. I would suggest speaking calmly to the lawyer and asking for at least a partial refund, you are a customer and you are unhappy with their services. It's only fair, you can do this on your own.

[Team J and B 2]

We have a lawyer for the K1. It will be 10 months from the day we sent out our paperwork to getting our interview on March 31st. Of course, who knows why it takes that long for us. Could be the lawyer? Could be our background checks? Could be the adjudicator was on a long vacation? Could be anything. But anyway, we paid over $3k for their services. The main thing was they assembled the one inch thick paperwork for the I-129F. All nicely photocopied and hole punched, etc.

Assembling all the paperwork for the interview was all OUR own work. Getting in touch with USCIS and the consulate was all OUR own work. With the help from this forum, I can easily say we won't be requiring the services of our lawyer for the AOS and beyond.

We, like many, did not know this forum existed till after our lawyer was hired and paid in full.

[MissStacey 1]

I have heard so many horror stories about Lawyers and how they hinder a case more than help. I was so happy to find VJ and not have to use a Lawyer- although Mel did pay to have a consult with one who was supposedly "the best" and he was just an idiot- waste of time and money.

Generally we tell people to use a lawyer if their case is complicated- but in all honesty- if most lawyers can't seem to handle a simple straight forward case, how will they handle a complicated one?

[MrsCat 6]

My father-in-law tried to convince us to hire a lawyer for our application. I figured, how hard can it be to fill out a few forms and pay some money. I am still of that opinion. Our case isn't complicated at all. I was actually insulted that he even suggested it.

I think a lawyer is useful in case where there are factors making the application more likely to be refused, where there has already been a refusal, or where there are language barriers. Other than that, there are so many resources available for people to do it on their own. Its more cost effective and can be more timely.

Sorry to hear that you are not happy with the services of your lawyer. If you think you can handle the rest of the application on your own, you can certainly cancel your lawyer's services. If he has missed things, and caused unreasonable delays on your file, then discuss those with him directly. A lot of times, lawyers have no idea what is going on with files, most things are handled by their assistants and paralegals. If the services have been really bad, you can always register a complaint with a provincial Law Society or US Bar Association. Depends if the lawyer is in Canada or US.

[melusine 5]

yes, take care of it on your own yomtl.

And fire thoses lawyer !

Note on he topic, i also got the 50$ do it yourself kit for the start. Right after we sent the I129 forms, i found vj wich answered even more of my questions.

i do not plan to get the do it yourself kit for the aos etc....

I think i'm old enough to know my name, my birthdate and any old marriage and divorce lol

[Flames9_RN 359]

There is such a wealth of info on VJ!! many don't really use VJ to its full advantage. There are examples of already filled out forms, reviews of consulates, etc etc. Dont forget the "links" at the top of the pages ( ie example forms, processing times, embassy info, etc) and the stickies at the top of each forum!! There are step by step maps showing one what to do!! One just needs to sit back with a case of beer/wine and go over the site,its pretty much all here. The search feature is a bit lacking, but one just has to rearrange how they ask the question to get better results!! Best of luck

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

There is such a wealth of info on VJ!! many don't really use VJ to its full advantage. There are examples of already filled out forms, reviews of consulates, etc etc. Dont forget the "links" at the top of the pages ( ie example forms, processing times, embassy info, etc) and the stickies at the top of each forum!! There are step by step maps showing one what to do!! One just needs to sit back with a case of beer/wine and go over the site,its pretty much all here. The search feature is a bit lacking, but one just has to rearrange how they ask the question to get better results!! Best of luck

After you fill out the forms of course! On second thought..... Lawyers by and large do not justify their cost. They are not living the experience, you are. As Mom says, it's not their stomach ache." If you have a very messy case that requires appearance before an immigration judge, then hire one. For 99.95% of all cases you will find the answers on the web and especially on this site. There are many filled out forms for your perusal and caring and helpful folks who want to see you accomplish your mission objective.