Time to file for my wife and step daughter

[AMT7565 5]

Hello All,

Wife wants to go through lawyer; I tend to think we should be able to apply on our own;

Have to file for both wife and her 13 year old daughter;

Here are things I can gather in favor of the application:

• Our current house has both wife and myself listed on the deed as joint owners
• Wife's car is jointly owned
• Both our cars have both of us listed as drivers
• My 401K has my wife as the beneficiary
• One of my bank accounts has my wife listed as beneficiary
• Joint tax filings for 2 years and amended returns for 2 years earlier.
• Cell phone bill shows all 3 of us on the bill
• At one time I had all of us on my medical insurance. Now they are on my wife's.
• Lots of friends who can offer credibility to our marriage if needed.

Things not in our favor:

• No joint bank account. We just did not feel we needed one; when wife arrived she wanted to establish financial credibility and chose to be independent in that regard. Also, she got her own credit cards.
• I once shared a credit card with her, but her account has since expired. If needed I could activate it again.

Thoughts?

thanks!

Edited July 30, 2016 by AMT7565

[arken 4,197]

Having a joint banking account would be even better but even if that's not the case, your list looks pretty good. I don't see a reason to involve a lawyer as long as you know what you are doing. Lots of instructions are available here on VJ as well.

[aaron2020 11,651]

I don't see the need for a lawyer either.

If you can read and follow detailed instructions, then you should be fine doing it yourself.

[me55592 1]

I agree if you follow all of the instructions and include your evidence you should not have an issue. We just submitted my wife's petition with her daughter on it.It was rejected in error and we resubmitted and it was accepted. Again, if you can follow the directions and submit what they are asking for you should have no problem.

[AMT7565 5]

Thanks All. A bit relieved based on your inputs....

[AMT7565 5]

I have been filling out the forms and feel comfortable gathering the required evidence as well. Still, would like for an attorney to do a cross check on the items. The local attorney we visited wants $3,000 + filing fee for applying for my spouse and daughter.

I have heard of lawyers online that can do such verifications and provide guidance at more affordable costs. Anyone know of such a source I can reach out to?

thanks.

[NikLR 13,227]

We can cross check your list of items here. We do it all the time!

[AMT7565 5]

Thank you NLR. I am doing that now...in other posts.

[me55592 1]

Why would you want to use a lawyer. I filed and was able to get my wife's visa along with her 4 girls, then I was able to file for their 2 year green cards and now have filed for their 10 year green cards without a lawyer. Saved 1000's of dollars in lawyer fees.If you are good at preparing your paperwork and cross check and recheck you should be fine.

[AMT7565 5]

I am preparing to file...

I have a question based on the first thread above. I have most items except for a joint bank account for reasons explained. Should I write in the cover letter the reasons for not establishing joint bank account?

Point in case, my wife also has an adult son (Since he arrived later, we will be filing for his I-751 a few months down the road). She was also helping him with her bank account, as his dad was sending him money for his college education independently.

Thanks