question about filing for removal of conditions AND 319b

[lunchboxthermos 1]

hi all!  my husband and i have made it to the US!  customs was no issue when we flew in, they just took the packet, stamped his paspport and let him in.  what a relief!

 

i now have some questions regarding naturalisation and our progress.  just a quick summary:

 

my husband just entered the US on the CR-1 spouse, and we will need to file for Removal of Conditions on PR (we have only been married 1 yr 3 mths right now). (that is correct, yes?)  i will also be applying for the N-400 using the INA section 319(b), as i am a missionary working overseas.  another couple in my organisation have also successfully applied for this and therefore recommended us to do this as well so that i could return to the field.  i am currently in the US with my husband since it's also my sabbatical year.  i will be returning to my assigned field again after 1.5 years.  

 

my question is - when can we start applying for the N-400 INA section 319(b)?  does it matter that we also have to file for Removal of Conditions?  would someone be able to suggest a timeline for when we need to start doing which?  

 

and a side note - was wondering if i should just hire a lawyer to handle our situation.  what do y'all think?  and does anyone happen to know the costs of having a lawyer to help us through the N-400 process?

 

would appreciate your help.  thank you!