lawyer vs no lawyer

[SunnySanDiego 17]

My fiance is wanting to hire a lawyer to assist in the visa process. I was wondering what everyone's opinion was? Is it worth it?

Thank you

I personally do not think it necessary and did not use one. The only way I think it would be needed would be if your situation in complicated and there are issues with the immigration, red flags per se. I have seen comments from people on here that a lot of lawyers just basically tell you to fill out all the forms, gather evidence needed so they can submit the paper work. Guess what VJer's can do the same and not charge you a penny!

[Chicagoguy 2 27]

I did it myself on all three. K1, AOS,and ROC. Made small mistakes on K1 and ROC.. They sent them back and I corrected both. I don't think I even lost a week. Got my ROC in near record time.

[El Cachalote 12]

No lawyer!!! Use lawyer only when case is complex.

Save your money when possible!

Sincerely,

Magnus-Malik

[Tyeger87 10]

i echo everyone's sentiments before, unless there is something incredibly complicated about your case, use VJ. I went to see a lawyer once and was quoted $3000 and my firs thought was " I can read english, I can do this without paying someone that much" then of course I foudn VJ, its the greatest resource, if you have any questions u can ask them here if they have not already been answered by thousands of people. go for vj! the visa process and its fees are already expensive enough

[zinny 0]

Thank you everyone so much for your insight! I am going to try and convince him that we don't need a lawyer and to save that money. I will show him this site and how it outlines step by step what needs to be done. Thank you so much!

[James & Tara 0]

As long as you make sure you have checked over your forms a 100 times, I really don't see the need for a lawyer.

However I will add if you feel that your not competent to fill all the forms yourself without errors and you need more help then VJ can provide then I would consider it!

Edited February 5, 2012 by James & Tara

[andrea y arturo 14]

If you hire a lawyer (should you have a red flag issue that requires you to use one) make sure that the lawyer has experience in immigration cases and/or is board certified in this area. I know lawyers that "consult" VJ to figure out what to do. The information and advice provide on VJ is worth more than whaterver you pay your lawyer and you get answers faster than you would by hiring a lawyer.

[ely chaudhary 0]

My fiance is wanting to hire a lawyer to assist in the visa process. I was wondering what everyone's opinion was? Is it worth it?

Thank you

Good question! Hire a good legal assistant if you feel your case will require alot of explaination AND if you want to avoid completing forms and doing research to answer your questions.

[bigdog 376]

A consultant might be an alternative.

[pinoygwapo 1]

Immigration Lawyers are only NEEDED when you have some problems in the past, then, their professional service becomes significant in your applicant. Other than that, keep your money in your bank!

[GnBnL 50]

you'll do nothing but regret it IMO.

[Moomin 292]

There are hundreds and hundreds of VJ threads about this very subject.

In short, if your case has no red flags (overstays in the U.S., criminal offenses, major departures from the beneficiary's culture such as large age differences), you might be able to "do it yourself." Read the instructions accurately, interpret them literally, and answer everything completely & honestly.

If attention to detail is not your strong suit, or you lack time to devote to the process, a GOOD visa-assistance firm can be of value.

By the way, ignore any respondents (and there will be some or many) who flatly respond "You do not need a lawyer!" They don't know your circumstances or capabilities and therefore can't make that judgment.

Here. I'll re-post it for Tbone. It answered the basics of why you need or don't need a lawyer, a simple yes/no is insufficient(IMO) when not knowing more.

[zinny 0]

If I did not have any complications or "Red flags" I would not even consider a lawyer. Only reason we are thinking it would be better is because in 2009 I brought my now ex husband over on a CR1 visa. and we were divorced in 2011 (seems he went a little wild with the freedom of america ... ) anyway...I am just nervous they will think I am hustling men into the country or something loool. Or maybe I am making too big a deal of it?

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

There are hundreds and hundreds of VJ threads about this very subject.

In short, if your case has no red flags (overstays in the U.S., criminal offenses, major departures from the beneficiary's culture such as large age differences), you might be able to "do it yourself." Read the instructions accurately, interpret them literally, and answer everything completely & honestly.

If attention to detail is not your strong suit, or you lack time to devote to the process, a GOOD visa-assistance firm can be of value.

By the way, ignore any respondents (and there will be some or many) who flatly respond "You do not need a lawyer!" They don't know your circumstances or capabilities and therefore can't make that judgment.

"Visa assistance firms" - ie scammers - are not a good choice. No license and no recourse for the "client" if things go belly up.

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

If I did not have any complications or "Red flags" I would not even consider a lawyer. Only reason we are thinking it would be better is because in 2009 I brought my now ex husband over on a CR1 visa. and we were divorced in 2011 (seems he went a little wild with the freedom of america ... ) anyway...I am just nervous they will think I am hustling men into the country or something loool. Or maybe I am making too big a deal of it?

No you're not making a big deal out of it. Your past marriage will probably come up as an issue. Try to research the issue of past marriages to immigrants. You and your fiance are going to need to prepare for questions regarding the legitimacy of your relationship.