D.I.Y. in the P.I.

[beameup 0]

There is a tendency among Filipinos to let an "expert" (fixer) handle the seemingly "complex" issues in life (legal, etc.).

This is unfortunate because often the so-called "expert" really has little knowledge and can do more harm than good.

Attorneys in the P.I. do not "specialize" as they do in the U.S. but rather are somewhat qualified to handle any type of case. "Screw-ups" do not seem to be of much concern in the Philippines but are rather accepted as S.O.P. and normal - (much like the endless delays and "out-of-stock" issues). Some Travel Agents actually are better at Immigration issues than attorneys - especially the ones close to the U.S. Embassy.

In such cases, unless you carefully get quality recommendations and interview extensively the lawyer, he may not be as "qualified" in Immigration as you might think. Personally, I would not hire or consult anyone concerning Immigration, but

would rather Do It Yourself.

In the P.I. it "seems" everyone is an "expert" but in reality most "just want to be of help" - real "experts" are few and far between.