Asking an opinion on having a lawyer or not

[Renato412 0]

Good morning everyone! I would like to have some opinions if we should have a lawyer helping us or not.

I am a permanent resident for just over 1 year now still on my conditional green card and married to an American citzen.

I have my 9 years old son from a previous relationship living in Brazil and we would like to have him here with us. His mother is ok with that and agreed to cooperate on everything that is necessary. We believe that if everything goes well with my wife sponsoring him,] the process should take about 1 year. We feel like the time to start is now.

Due to a limited budget we are considering go through this process without a lawyer and follow the guides available here. That would save us US$ 2500. I would appreciate very much any opinions and thoughts you can share on this matter.

 

Thanks!

[Boiler 46,359]

This a diy site 99% plus do not use a lawyer.

[Tenreyro 174]

You should consider the follow-to-join benefits, since your son was born before you received your GC. 

 

We here are DIY, and most without lawyers, because when you see the US Immigration Forms and everything, they are design for you to be able to do it yourself. However, if there are sensitive issues that can be better handled by a lawyer, you should use it.

 

Here is a quote of such benefits, which can be found here: https://www.uscis.gov/family/family-us-citizens/children/bringing-children-sons-and-daughters-live-united-states-permanent-residents

  Quote

This section is for beneficiaries who became permanent residents through a preference classification.

If you were married and/or had children who did not obtain permanent residence at the same time you did, they may be eligible for follow-to-join benefits. This means that you do not have to submit a separate Form I-130 for your spouse and/or children. In addition, your spouse and/or children will not have to wait any extra time for a visa number to become available. In this case, you may simply notify a U.S. consulate that you are a permanent resident so that your spouse and/or children can apply for an immigrant visa.

Your spouse and/or children may be eligible for following-to-join benefits if: 

• The relationship existed at the time you became a permanent resident and still exists, AND 
• You received an immigrant visa or adjusted status in a preference category. 

If your family member falls into this category and you adjusted to permanent residency in the United States, you may submit the following:

• Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition
• A copy of the original application or petition that you used to apply for immigrant status 
• A copy of Form I-797, Notice of Action, for the original application or petition 
• A copy of your Form I-551 (green card)

If you are in the United States and have not yet filed to adjust your status to permanent resident, you can file Form I-824 with your Form I-485, in which case no supporting documents are needed other than those submitted with Form I-485.

If you received the immigrant visa overseas, you may contact the National Visa Center (NVC) for follow-to-join information. Send your inquiry by e-mail to NVCInquiry@state.gov or by writing to the National Visa Center, ATTN:  WC, 32 Rochester Ave., Portsmouth, NH 03801-2909. 

To download the forms and instructions mentioned above, see the corresponding link in the “Forms” section to the right.

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[CEE53147 559]

You can always have an attorney review your packet before filing for far less than the attorney doing all of the work.