Adjustment of Status Guidance

[Nate92 0]

Hello: My wife and I married two weeks ago. I'd like to preface this story by stating that our marriage is legitimate. We have also chosen to apply for an adjustment of status so that we can remain together whilst applying for her green card. I'm looking to find general guidance here as to what I need to do, as well as answers to some specific questions. I have read conflicting instructions online, and thought it would be beneficial to hear from those who are living it!

 

I'm a full US citizen... born here. My wife is here on an au pair visa that expires in two days. I understand that this expiration will not mean anything, since she is an immediate family member now. We are also planning on moving to Florida to start our life. I've read that I can file both the I-130 and I-485 forms concurrently. Should any other forms be included besides these two?

 

Can someone please go into great detail as to what is needed? I've read so many different forms that "could" and "should" be included. It's confusing.

 

Some questions I have off the bat too:

 

(1) Should I be hiring a lawyer for this? I haven't yet because I feel like it's manageable, but I'm not fully aware of the ramifications if I mess up.

 

(2) Does it matter for filing that we're moving to Florida.

 

(3) What forms need to be included in the envelope?

 

How and when do payments occur?

 

PLEASE, include any other info that might be valuable.