HELP Need to File i751 with divorce - Lawyer Recommendation?

[wowzer 0]

Thanks Again for your responses.

I live in NYC and the divorce courts here are backlogged. It is very touch and go if the divorce will go through before GC expires. If it does it will be down to the wire.

If not, I am aware of a recent memo from USCIS for this situation:

http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments...tion_3apr09.pdf

I have filled out the divorce papers and they are ready to go (i did not need a lawyer KNOCK ON WOOD). I am now debating what is the most strategic thing for me to do. My wife right now HATES MY GUTS. And i am not even sure if she will co-operate with the divorce.

AGAIN I am wondering if anyone on here can recommend a good immigration lawyer here in NYC?

"I feel stupid and terrified. My whole life is here and i don't want to lose it."

This sais it all. I've been there, done that. I was scared as hell. I had a very revengeful American spouse who called the USCIS and ICE more then 1 year ago and tried desperately to have me deported. Didn't happen.... You are innocent until proven guilty.

So, just take a deep breath and try to think straight. First, I think you should get a divorce decree. Ask her to file for it but cooperate in this process so it will go fast. From the moment the divorce papers are filed, it takes approx. 1 month in which the other party can file a response to the complaint. If this doesn't happen then is uncontested divorce (you could ask the local family court how long does it usually take because each court is more or less busy ... and then you will have a better idea how much time do you really have).

In any case, you have to file the I-751 in the 90 days window, otherwise things might get complicated.

Immigration wise, the evidences of bonafide marriage that you mentioned are enough - especially the affidavits from friends/relatives and from your wife! (I interviewed a bunch of immigr. lawyers that told me this. I didn't hired any of them because I truly believe is a lot of money wasted ... as long as I could do the paperwork myself, I rather spend the thousands of dollars on something else. To feel more secure, look up for organizations that help immigrants for a flat rate or small fee - as Catholic Charities - but stay away from lawyers and retainers as it will ruin you!).

“A bad lawyer can let a case drag out for several years.

A good lawyer can make it last even longer “