Is a Lawyer needed?

[lovable_louie 0]

Hey I was just curious is anybody using a lawyer for the K1 Visa? Has anybody not used a Lawyer and still had succuss? Just curious.

Thanks, Louie

[gimygirl 0]

most people who frequent this website do not use a lawyer.

a lawyer is recommended if you have any issues out of the ordinary that would require someone with more knowledge of immigration laws (such as if your fiance(e) had any arrests, overstays in the US, etc).

most run of the mill couples, can do it themselves without incurring the extra expense.

[Kajikit 65]

If you looked on the old forum there were several polls about who used a lawyer for their visa... and about 75% of people who responded did it all themselves. And most of them were successful. It's not like a court case where you need a professional legal representative or somebody who knows the law book backwards - you just fill out the forms carefully and in the right order and send them in and wait around a lot. Anybody of average intelligence and with the ability to read English should be able to do it for themselves just as well as a laywer.

Edited January 31, 2006 by Kajikit

[ladybutterfly 0]

You dont need a lawyer, you have found this invaluable site!!! Any questions you need to ask, ask us, you will always get a reply! Save your money for your wedding ...

[nordicwolf 0]

dont use a lawyer unless there are some unusual circumstances in your case..

[ddurkin 0]

I agree- no need for a lawyer at all if you've got a straightforward case. Just make sure you READ all the directions for all of the forms a good two or three times. Highlight things. Read them again. Follow the guides on here, ask any questions (even if it seems like there should be an obvious answer), and you will do just fine

[Jasman0717 9]

I elected to do it myself and Claudeth would have been here in just under four months if we would have remembered to get her police clearance translated. I can't see using an attorney just to fill out some forms.

[I'm Gone 60]

Haven't used a lawyer for the filing of any immigration forms and haven't had a problem yet. I always say if you file your own state and federal taxes, you can file all the immigration forms yourself.

If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, or don't feel like taking the time read up on what you need to do and have the money to blow, get a lawyer.

The only time I would say it makes sense to at least talk to a lawyer is if the case involves something out of the ordinary, i.e. previous visa overstay.

[Jaylen Brit 0]

I agree with everyone's comments (we aren't using a lawyer as I come from a low fraud country AND we have no 'special circumstances' or 'complex issues') and would add only that having a lawyer will not 'speed up the process' at all - it will take the same amount of time with or without a lawyer. Any lawyer promising you a 'faster than normal' route to your K1 should be avoided as they have no preferrential treatment in the eyes of USCIS

Edited January 31, 2006 by Jaylen Brit

[john_and_marlene 162]

I saw a post recently (before they all went away) where someone that hadn't used an attorney said that if they had to do it all over again they would have used one.

I am using one. If for nothing else, I like the idea of an attorney putting their information on the forms. I think it may help to indicate the sincerity of the application and importance you place on the relationship. Maybe that's one of the reasons we sailed so easily through the interview in Manila.

We only paid $2500 and that includes Adjustment of Status.

If you do decide to use an attorney, look for one that deals primarily with the country you will be dealing with.

Good luck regardless of your choice.