To Lawyer or not?

[nowthatimetu 0]

Hi All ,

Another question...is it better to use a lawyer or not...I am just overwhelmed and confused..anybody have advice on whether to go that route or not...Iam trying for DCF but K-1 is a possibility.

Thanks-Courtney

[CarolineM 0]

That's totally a personal choice. When I first started I knew I was getting a lawyer - when I found this site and did research...I totally changed my mind. I decided to save my money, and thus far, have not needed one - the vast majority of people here have been successful at navigating the system without one - if you have a unique case, maybe, but really, it's doable by yourself.

[babybunny 2]

yeah get a lawyer. you rather not take the time to read directions on the forms. DCF is for married persons. K-1 is for those wishing to marry in the USA.

[meauxna 15]

Only if the lawyer knows about DCF.

And experience of the Consulate of the country you're working with would be helpful.

btw, there is no harm in being overwhelmed by the process--not everyone is cut out to do their own case, no matter how many people who *don't* know you or your case come here and post about how easy it is.

The work is not hard, but requires a lot of patience, attention to detail and willingness to invest a lot of your own time.

You also have a long lead time and do not have to decide or file anything right now. Take a couple of weeks to get familiar with things and see how you feel about it then. Read every day though!

[kmineo 0]

I would not recommend the lawyer. It is a lot of work sorting through the papers but this site helps tons. A lawyer is going to charge you some huge fee, and you are going to have to do the difficult part regardless, which is getting a hold of all the documents he needs. The actually filling out of the forms is fairly easy and any difficulty i am sure some else on the form has had it before and there is a solution somewhere out there. That is my two cents, but do do what you feel comfortable with. First is to find out if your country does DCF and if you both have to be residents.

[Ameristralian 0]

Do you research on here, see if there are other south africans that have dcf'ed, and send them personal messages for help. I'll have a quick glance right now.

[pri 0]

if your case is not complicated and pretty upfront i would not go for the lawyer