Lawyers, confusion and arguments.

[mymarley 14]

i signed under my married name...

[trekkypj 13]

Fellow AOS applicant from K1 here.

I have looked into name changes myself. As neither of us like our last name we were originally going to change it to a new name. Before getting married we decided not to change our name and wait until the GC process is done. We wanted to avoid confusion in our case. From our inquiries the key thing is to show why you are entitled to use different name. If you get married and change your name you are entitled to use it in your AOS/EAD/AP application forms. For a K1 AOS they would expect it in many if not most cases.

If you use your married name on the forms and provide a copy of the marriage certificate there should be no issues even if you have not changed all your accounts or SSN number.

The worst that can happen is that they will issue a RFE letter to provide some documents showing that both names refer to the same person. If you provide a photocopy of the marriage cert with your AOS packet that should be enough to avoid even that.

Question re. the lawyer - have they lodged an AOS application on your behalf yet?

I'm guessing not because you have questioned their insistence that you use a maiden name.

They are either deliberately misinforming you to try and hang on to your business or otherwise they are not competent to fulfill the contract. On either of those counts you should be able to terminate their services. As they have been paid already unfortunately you may be out of pocket as it would be extremely difficult to obtain a refund from them without taking them to court - the cost and hassle of this is not usually worth it.

I would do as others have suggested and report their behavior to the appropriate regulatory authorities if you feel their actions warrant it. Chalk it up to experience and deal with the AOS packet yourself. Unfortunately it is often easier to do things yourself rather than hire so-called 'experts' to save you the hassle.

Good luck with your application and don't be afraid to reach out for support in this community.

Lots of amazing people with good advice here.

[Cori and Rob 55]

This entire thread was totally upsetting to read! I'm sorry you're going through this! We hired a lawyer for the initial K-1 application (because we didn't know about VJ), and the legal assistant was completely nasty too, although nothing like what you're going through. I hope you are successful in taking them down a peg- they sound awful. Good luck with your AOS when you file! It's not too hard to file on your own if you follow the VJ guides, and clearly it will be less stressful after you dump that bozo who poses as a lawyer.

Edited August 5, 2014 by Cori and Rob

[Tina and Johan 206]

I read on, "wiki how/", or something similar, how to change your name. It said simply inform the Social Security office and driving licence centre etc Which I have done. If the government have agreed to my married name on the social security card then surely they would expect that name on my AOS form. I told my lawyer that and she said immigration was different, different in what way, it is still the government, but then again, she said I wasn't entitled to a social security number with my K1 visa and I know that is BS.

My husband applied for his ssn 3 days after arriving in the USA. It took 5 working days to get it. I'd say the lawyer is wrong, on many accounts.

Edited August 5, 2014 by Tina and Johan

[nobbie 105]

I got mine (SSN) on K1 with no issues at all, went in on Thursday and it was there Monday.

Sounds like you need to

1: Tell the lawyer to sod off, perhaps use other words though.

2: Do the AoS yourself

3: Report them to the bar association

I could see they would retain some of the money you have paid them as they would claim they have put in x hours, but I don't see how they could retain the AoS fee if they have not submitted it. Assuming you paid them that in the first place.

You may get some or all back if you report them. It sounds like you have good reason to report them as they are clearly wrong.

My wife is a lawyer and she's never been reported but I know she would dread it, they're pretty strict and they make the lawyers life tough.

[philipo 5]

This website is 100x better than 1 lawyer BELIEVE ME !!

I never spoke to a lawyer AND never had a RFE and made it till this day ! and still progressing

those lawyers think we can't do without them ? well they are WRONG ! they don't know anything

believe me IF U STUDY this website YOU KNOW MORE than a lawyer about this concept

regards

[nathalieg 1]

You can file with your married name and include your maiden name under the area of your forms that

says 'Other Names Used'. When you have your interview indicate to the officer how you would like your name

to appear on the green card

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

Not everyone that adjusts from a K-1 gets an interview. The name that you apply in is the name that will be printed on the green card.