AOS: Attorney or not?

[eagles36fan 1]

Folks,

My fiance (at the time) came over on a K-1 visa. Since then, we have been married and are about to file the AOS paperwork.

Here is my question:

Should I keep my immigration attorney to get me through the rest of this process or is it fairly simple?

He did our K-1 paperwork for us without fault, and will now do the AOS, as well as accompany us for the interview when done. I am kind of of the opinion to just let him see this through until completion; however, my wife feels that it's just a waste of money. Does anyone have any thoughts about this?

Thank you!

Steve

[aussie_jason 195]

As long as you take your time, follow the guide here - http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1k3aos and read the instructions on each form then it is fairly straightforward and there is no need for an attorney.

Edit: No idea what happened to my original post

Edited January 27, 2014 by aussie_jason

[h13rma 35]

The guides on here are great, and plenty of people who have gone through it before to ask for help. Save the money abd do it yourself.

[Pitaya 2,577]

You will likely get a large number of responses, and since this is a DIY-site.... I suspect that a majority will say to dump the attorney and save the money. If your case is straight-forward, with no anomalies, you can certainly do the AOS process by yourself, many fellow VJ members have successfully done it.

In our own case, from the initial I-129F petition data collection, to the visa interview in Guangzhou, to the receipt of my wife's and stepson's 2-year conditional Green Cards, we have had no major issues, no RFEs, all done without the extra expense of an attorney. The VJ Guides are all that you need (though a wad o' cash, a dash of common sense and a modicum of patience are also beneficial).

You just need to follow the Guides, they are the cumulative effort of many folks that have successfully navigated through the immigration process without the extra expense of an attorney.

Good luck!

[izzylove11 19]

I haven't used an attorney for any of it. This part is easier than the K1 IMO. I really don't think you need an attorney. I used the sample forms here as a guide for filling my forms.

[SimonBelgium 49]

Getting all the paperwork done is the bulk of the work, and with the guides on here, you should be able to get everything sorted...

HOWEVER !

The lawyer knows a lot more about things than you do. Furthermore, a lawyer who is familiar with your case, and present at the interview, can help you answer questions and keep the interview on track.

If you have a special case, you should definitely consider bringing the lawyer. If your case is straightforward, and you have no problem figuring out the forms, you should be OK doing them yourself.

[aussie_jason 195]

The lawyer knows a lot more about things than you do. Furthermore, a lawyer who is familiar with your case, and present at the interview, can help you answer questions and keep the interview on track.

Wouldn't it be a red flag if your attorney had to intervene in the interview like that? I can just see it now... IO: What date is your wife's birthday? (attorney whispers in your ear) and then you answer.

[SimonBelgium 49]

Wouldn't it be a red flag if your attorney had to intervene in the interview like that? I can just see it now... IO: What date is your wife's birthday? (attorney whispers in your ear) and then you answer.

Of course.

It's with regards to HOW to answer questions, making sure the questions are understood, etc. In case of special petitions (Anything that deviates from the norm basically), where the petition could be in jeopardy, the lawyer can help you gather evidence in advance, help prepare answers, and so on. Of course the lawyer can not answer questions pertaining to evidence of bona fide relationship, like birthdays etc.

[Darnell 8,478]

to the OP

most of the raw data you need for filing AOS

is already on all of the paperwork submitted when you were chasing the K-1

so

if you can transcribe well, no need for the attorney.

[Daveykins 17]

Follow the guides and you will be fine. Search the forum for any questions that you have regarding filling out the forms. I found all the answers I ever needed and then some.

I never got an RFE for the K-1 filing nor for the AOS 2 yr green card filing.

[DavenRoxy 1,073]

I have never known anyone who paid for an attorney who later thought it was a good way to spend money. Most regret throwing the money away.

I say to it without a lawyer. As Darnell says, most of the info is already on your forms; copy/paste!

[garfield529 47]

The lawyer knows a lot more about things than you do. Furthermore, a lawyer who is familiar with your case, and present at the interview, can help you answer questions and keep the interview on track.

AOS is for most couple a direct and simple process. I would add that many lawyers are not as up to date on the constantly changing requirements, they don't have "skin" in the game, and will not be allowed to be present in the event of an interview. You will pay for a paralegal to transcribe your own work at a very handsome rate. We had the wrong copy of our marriage certificate (had the license instead) and we were allowed to run down to the courts building and bring it back the same day. So even in our case the simple problem was quickly resolved. You will be fine if you want to be fine, and can burn your money if you choose to do so. Best of luck!

[Maribel&Kyle 1]

Darnell...how much does it cost the AOS package ??? 600$ or 1000$ .... i have no idea

to the OP

most of the raw data you need for filing AOS

is already on all of the paperwork submitted when you were chasing the K-1

so

if you can transcribe well, no need for the attorney.

[Maribel&Kyle 1]

and yes i agree with most of the people here : NO NEED of a lawyer... unless your situation is too complicated...then maybe it is worthy...

[Darnell 8,478]

uh oh. bonus points for study uscis website !

[here's a link for you]

http://www.uscis.gov/i-485