Frustrated trying to find/get a quote from an immigration lawyer

[caspiantiger 1]

Does anyone know of a good immigration lawyer in the Cleveland, OH area? We are getting really frustrated as we cannot even interview a lawyer to get a quote from them without paying $100 -$150 dollars for each lawyer we talk to. We don't want to waste our limited resources just trying to get a quote. One lady charged us $150 that was supposedly for no time limit and no question limit. We made a phone appointment for 2:00pm and she didn't end up calling us until well in the evening leaving us sitting home all afternoon waiting for her. Then she rushed us while asking questions about our case and would barely let us get a word in or ask any questions at all, she just kept saying it would cost $10,000 to do our case and to call her assistant at the office for an appointment to come in and arrange financing. Another lawyer we contacted wants $100 just to give us a quote on how much our case would be. Our case is not THAT complicated but we do have a couple of issues that are extenuating that we wanted to be sure we addressed correctly so we didn't make any kind of irreversible mistakes. Ten thousand dollars just seemed insane to us. We are educated people and can fill out the forms ourselves but we didn't want to make any errors during the process and needed some advice and possible coaching for the interview. So before we use up all our money trying to just FIND a lawyer, I was wondering if anyone could recommend somebody that would be worth paying the initial consultation fee to.

[Inky 1,111]

Lawyers can make mistakes too, miss spell things, forget to include papers that are important. They are always busy and never have time to let you know about your application or follow up with it etc.

Most people on VJ will advise you to do it yourself. Your more capable of filling up the forms correctly and have the time to do it so you don't miss something or miss spell something. Lawyers will always charge an arm and a leg! Some people on VJ have had a lawyer mess up their case so badly that they had to redo it all from the start and lost tons of money.

If you really do decide to go with a lawyer hope you are able to find one that is decent priced. I think you guys can do it yourself tho with the help of members on VJ.

[RichiJenny 14]

I dont know of a lawyer in Ohio - but theres a great lawyer in the UK - Steve heller - he used to work for the USCIS in London too. He charges just over a third of what you've been quoted, depending on if you need a waiver or not.

[mamamimi 8]

Lawyers can make mistakes too, miss spell things, forget to include papers that are important. They are always busy and never have time to let you know about your application or follow up with it etc.

Most people on VJ will advise you to do it yourself. Your more capable of filling up the forms correctly and have the time to do it so you don't miss something or miss spell something. Lawyers will always charge an arm and a leg! Some people on VJ have had a lawyer mess up their case so badly that they had to redo it all from the start and lost tons of money.

If you really do decide to go with a lawyer hope you are able to find one that is decent priced. I think you guys can do it yourself tho with the help of members on VJ.

I agree with Inky...I was so afraid to do it on my own, but with the help of everyone here I did it and got no RFE's and now my hubby is here with me!! Before you send anything to USCIS or NVC check it at least three time this way you can catch mistakes before you send anything...Good luck!

[RichiJenny 14]

If you google these immigration lawyers - laurel scott and theres also lizz cannon too - i believe the latter does free consultations and trained under laurel scott. i know that these 2 come highly recommended and are based in the us.

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

Our case is not THAT complicated but we do have a couple of issues that are extenuating that we wanted to be sure we addressed correctly so we didn't make any kind of irreversible mistakes.

Why not just tell VJ what those issues are and see if you can get enough assistance here to feel comfortable handling it yourself?

I honestly doubt there's a situation that someone on VJ hasn't seen before.

[RichiJenny 14]

basically if you have ANYTHING criminal or CIMT - you more than likely need a lawyer. If you have an overstay - its not vital to have a lawyer. Those are the most common things when people get lawyers really. If you've committed immigration fraud or misrepresentation - then a lawyer is also advised. Other than that, obstacles are definitely do-able without a lawyer.

[caspiantiger 1]

Ok, here are the circumstances, please give your opinion if you think we are better off hiring a lawyer. About 16 or so years ago my husband got into a scuffle outside a bar and shoved a guy (in the UK where he lives). The police came and arrested the people who were fighting and he got charged with common assault. There was no blood or anything. He was fined 500 pounds but no jail time or probation. It has since been stepped down off his record. In the UK, if something on your criminal history has been stepped down, he said you're not required to disclose it. He has come to the US to visit me numerous times and didn't mention it because he thought he didn't have to based on his country's laws. This last time he visited we eloped. He had planned to go back and apply for the Visa but we thought we could just try for the change in status rather than have him go back. So the extenuating circumstances are showing that he did not have the intent to get married and stay here when he came for his last visit, and also that he didn't intentionally withhold info about his assault charge on the visitor waiver. His 90 days is up on or about January 3rd, 2011. We have copies of the plane ticket showing a return flight scheduled, as well as all of our plane tickets establishing a pattern of visiting each other every 2 - 3 months for about 2 weeks at a time for the last 2 years. Does it sound like something we can handle on our own, or should we continue to seek legal counsel?

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

You really don't have to prove lack of intent. If he honestly answered any questions upon entry and wasn't grilled in secondary then there is nothing for USCIS to use to prove Material Misrepresentation (i.e. he planned to AOS after entering).

Your biggest problem may be that he entered on the Visa Waiver Program and will be in overstay after Monday. There are recent changes in how USCIS is handling VWP Overstayers filing for AOS.

Where do you guys live?

Check out the UK forum for info about the criminal charges in his past.

Edited December 29, 2010 by Bob 4 Anna

[RichiJenny 14]

Ok, so maybe you should consult a lawyer. If he has visited the US on the VWP and ticked NO on the i-94w to being arrested for a crime involving moral turpitude - yet he actually was (i think Im right in saying). that actually is material misrepresentation. You will need an i601 waiver to get finally approved. Im pretty sure that info is correct, but I would, without question ask your questions here -

http://immigrate2us.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?80-I-601-Western-Europe-North-Africa

This site is steered towards people needing waivers.

People have overturned Misrep, but it is hard to do. Definitely go the lawyer route. In fact, Im not totally sure that he can remain in the US. Try to find out the answer to that ASAP - as adding an overstay on the VWP doesnt do your case much good.

Basically what Im saying is that he shouldnt really have been using the VWP - he would have needed a tourist visa.

But, go join immigrate2us.net and ask on there. You will get a thicker line of help there than you would on any forum, including this one, when it comes to waiver advice.

[caspiantiger 1]

Where do you guys live?

We live in a suburb of Cleveland, OH.

[RichiJenny 14]

You really don't have to prove lack of intent. If he honestly answered any questions upon entry and wasn't grilled in secondary then there is nothing for USCIS to use to prove Material Misrepresentation (i.e. he planned to AOS after entering).

I know the USCIS both in the US and also at consulates are taking a dim view of VWP and the AOS rules now.

Your biggest problem may be that he entered on the Visa Waiver Program and will be in overstay after Monday. There are recent changes in how USCIS is handling VWP Overstayers filing for AOS.

This is where the problems may well arise.

Where do you guys live?

Check out the UK forum for info about the criminal charges in his past.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Some of the worlds best immigration lawyers charge less then what you quoted for a case that appeals to them. They pass on the ones that don't. Because they are drawn to the ideal of law not the dollars to be made. I can drive down any main street in low income neighborhood and see at last 3 immigration attorney offices per block. Do they know what they are doing ( besides lining their pockets ) possibly. Are they worth the money , doubtfully. Search for ones that are experts in your type of case ( if you have issues )

Pay for a consult with one of the best and use their fees as a guide to if you are getting your money's worth

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

We live in a suburb of Cleveland, OH.

That places you in The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, you need to find out if the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals has agreed that they don't have jurisdiction of VWP Overstayers due to the Waiver of rights they signed.

[Ben and Jill 37]

Alex Halow is a wonderful immigration attorney. He's based in Georgia....but it doesn't matter his location as he can assist anywhere. His number is 706-850-7838. His website is: www.k1fianceevisas.com. He is extremely knowledgeable and helpful with both the fiancee visa and spouse visa, and will be able to tell you upfront exactly what he charges for what. I think he is fabulous. Call him....it wouldn't hurt.