To lawyer or not to lawyer?

[bongos777 0]

My fiancee's K-1 interview is scheduled at the Manila Embassy for 5/9/14. Our petition process so far has gone extremely smoothly and faster than we thought it would. We've been dating for two years, and have a well-documentated, solid petition. I don't think we have any "red flags," other than perhaps the difference in our ages (31 and 50).

Here's my question: A lot of people who are trying to be "helpful" are telling me that we should get an attorney to go to the interview with her. I should mention that I was not planning on traveling to Manila to attend her interview.

In the research I've done, it does not seem like an attorney is necessary. But now I'm feeling very paranoid, and wonder if it's worth the trouble and expense to find one (with only three weeks before the interview).

I guess no one really knows for certain the answer to this question, but any advice is welcome. Thank you.

[sweet cakes 326]

My fiancee's K-1 interview is scheduled at the Manila Embassy for 5/9/14. Our petition process so far has gone extremely smoothly and faster than we thought it would. We've been dating for two years, and have a well-documentated, solid petition. I don't think we have any "red flags," other than perhaps the difference in our ages (31 and 50).

Here's my question: A lot of people who are trying to be "helpful" are telling me that we should get an attorney to go to the interview with her. I should mention that I was not planning on traveling to Manila to attend her interview.

In the research I've done, it does not seem like an attorney is necessary. But now I'm feeling very paranoid, and wonder if it's worth the trouble and expense to find one (with only three weeks before the interview).

I guess no one really knows for certain the answer to this question, but any advice is welcome. Thank you.

The attorney won't get past the US embassy security. Only the visa applicant is allowed to enter, unless the petitioner is around.

Personally, I don't think you would need an attorney at this point. I have read of larger age gaps here in VJ, and they had no issues. If there is no major red flag or concerns, just save the money. A prepared set of documents/ proof of relationship is much more powerful than an attorney.

Edited April 14, 2014 by sweet cakes

[Greenbaum 12,259]

If things are going smoothly then I recommend not hiring an attorney. He/she is not going to do much more than what either she can or with you there could do.

Some of us here on VJ attended our fiance's interview and found it to be an enjoyable and interesting process. Did it help, I think it did. But was it needed, no because my fiancee is self confident and could present all the facts with conviction. We felt we had all the information necessary to prove our relationship. That's really what they are looking for.

Age will have nothing to do with it as your age gap is "normal". Ours at the time was me 61 she 46.

Good luck with your decision.

[Hank_ 9,174]

My fiancee's K-1 interview is scheduled at the Manila Embassy for 5/9/14. Our petition process so far has gone extremely smoothly and faster than we thought it would. We've been dating for two years, and have a well-documentated, solid petition. I don't think we have any "red flags," other than perhaps the difference in our ages (31 and 50).

Here's my question: A lot of people who are trying to be "helpful" are telling me that we should get an attorney to go to the interview with her. I should mention that I was not planning on traveling to Manila to attend her interview.

In the research I've done, it does not seem like an attorney is necessary. But now I'm feeling very paranoid, and wonder if it's worth the trouble and expense to find one (with only three weeks before the interview).

I guess no one really knows for certain the answer to this question, but any advice is welcome. Thank you.

As Greenbaum stated the attorney isn't getting inside the embassy with your fiancee, besides I don't have a clue what good he would do once in there... I think an attorney would produce the same results as tossing a rock in a mud puddle.. just make the water muddy.

Don't have a clue what an attorney could do for you. At this point the embassy wants evidence of a genuine and ongoing relationship, they want proof of your fiancee being single, they want proof that your fiancee does not have a "record", they want proof she is not carrying a transmittable disease and they want proof that she will not become a public charge... a lawyer can not help you with any of that.

If you have all those things the interview will be a breeze. As for you not being there, that is not an issue either. I was there and it was a great experience, but it was not necessary for the approval of the visa.

What you need for the interview is all listed in the embassy instructions letter. If you are interested in more info follow the flashing arrow below.

Edited April 14, 2014 by Hank_

[Pangga&Shine 7]

bongo777,

1. relax

2. no lawyer

3. I was 49 and she was 29

4. See #1 above

Mr Pgngga

[Myguita 3]

50 - 26 age difference for us and no problemo at all with it during the embassy interview..

Hiring a lawyer would be a total waste of $$$$ola.

[bongos777 0]

I think we have a consensus! Thanks very much everyone for the advice.

[JoBri 548]

My fiancee's K-1 interview is scheduled at the Manila Embassy for 5/9/14. Our petition process so far has gone extremely smoothly and faster than we thought it would. We've been dating for two years, and have a well-documentated, solid petition. I don't think we have any "red flags," other than perhaps the difference in our ages (31 and 50).

Here's my question: A lot of people who are trying to be "helpful" are telling me that we should get an attorney to go to the interview with her. I should mention that I was not planning on traveling to Manila to attend her interview.

In the research I've done, it does not seem like an attorney is necessary. But now I'm feeling very paranoid, and wonder if it's worth the trouble and expense to find one (with only three weeks before the interview).

I guess no one really knows for certain the answer to this question, but any advice is welcome. Thank you.

We never had a lawyer. It was a piece of cake. I did all the work to get her here. No problems whatsoever. I guess it depends on the individual. I was pretty sure of myself with all the paperwork. You need to decide for yourself I guess, but we had no problems throughout without a lawyer..

[B_J 2,752]

We didn't use a lawyer, we have a larger age gap than you, and she went to the interview without me. Her interview consisted of a total of 5 questions, then they looked at pictures and we were approved.

Just my opinion, the most important part of the embassy experience is to make sure you have no financial red flags.