Should We Get A Lawyer?

[SalishSea 17,847]

Another thing to keep in mind is that having a lawyer involved cannot make the process go faster, or guarantee any sort of outcome.  

[Rubenc24 4]

1 hour ago, Sunnyland said:

Don't listen to those friends that will only freak you out. If you guys have no red flags (like big major age difference, previous petitions in the past, etc.) then you can do this yourself. This is a DIY website. If you have any questions on how to fill the forms, just follow the guide here on VJ or simply ask the forum. 

Sunnyland how many years is considered a big age difference?

 

[Chris & Pam 11]

4 hours ago, abattista said:

One of our Italian friends who is waiting for approval on his CR1 said that my husband leaving the day after the wedding might look like a red flag. I know legally we could do it without problem, but it might look suspicious if they're looking for evidence of a bona fide relationship. 

Thank you so much for that clarification and your help!

It wouldn't be a red flag (IMHO).  If anything, I think it would lend credence to your case,  because legally, you two could have filed for an AOS with him here and not have to do a CR-1.

 

As long as someone enters the country legally, and are here legally, once married, all that's needed is a AOS. 

 

I was told that by an immigration attorney.  😎

[geowrian 22,337]

1 hour ago, Rubenc24 said:

Sunnyland how many years is considered a big age difference?

Depends on the local customs. What is unusual in your (or their) local custom?

For instance, 20-30 year age gaps with the Philippines is generally not viewed negatively. The same age gap in another country might be highly unusual, especially with a woman being older than the man.

[Crazy Cat 41,904]

I agree with the others who have said that you seem to have a pretty straight forward case.  From my personal experience, I can tell you that sometimes an attorney can make mistakes or provide inaccurate information which can delay your case.  In no way, can an attorney speed up the process for an "easy" case.....good luck.

[SunflowerSweet 1,321]

Yeah, you should be fine! I worked as a paralegal intern for an immigration attorney during grad school and I always felt so bad for people with straightforward cases who were paying for counsel. If there aren’t any issues with a case, I was the one who handled 90% of the process while the lawyers just look over the forms and sign them and do face to face consultations. Don’t be one of the people paying that much to have a well trained and capable but unpaid intern complete their forms!

 

If anything does end up getting dicey (VERY unlikely) you can always look for help later.

[nekotakacho 60]

I agree, you do NOT need a lawyer.

 

I have filed for our K1 in March and I took a long time making sure it was correct and accurate (maybe two months I spent on it??). I still made some mistakes (typo of Russian name, and non-original birth certificate, etc) but a lawyer may not have helped on catching those mistakes. A good immigration lawyer is minimum $2000, maybe even $5000!! All they simply do is ask you to fill out the same exact forms you already filled out, and they mail it in for you and cash your check.

 

Like you stated, you do not have a complicated situation. For complicated situations, a lawyer is advisable because they have better understanding of the legal complexities and marriage situations. Even then, I would hesitate to hire one unless you have no option.

 

One thing I have noticed from my experience, is that many people will tell you to get an immigration lawyer, but those same people have never had one themselves, or have ever filed for a visa. It's ironic that the people suggesting lawyers are usually those who are too lazy to do their own paperwork anyways. My two cents.

Edited October 15, 2018 by nekotakacho
updated

[Randyandyuni 2,682]

use the cash for a nice celebration .. you case sounds a slam-dunk

[EireneFaith 54]

23 hours ago, kris&me said:

no need for a lawyer

they just collect the documents from you and copy and mail them

you can do this

 

I agree with kris&me. I wish I had known visajourney before. My husband and I applied to adjust my status. We paid 2K for lawyer's fee. All he has to do is to give us the form, tell us the necessary  documents and he sent it to lockbox. If he will represent us during the interview another 1K but I refused him to go with us.

Visa journey members can help you in your inquiries  and they help me a lot in my Immigration journey. Recently I am Naturalized USC.

God bl