AOS - attorney or not that is the question?

[Vimar 1]

My hubby and I aren't sure what to do! We have been to a couple attorneys before the pandemic hit to see who we want to guide us tru AOS.. Well now I met a couple people who actually have told us that it is unnecessary to get one and that the attorneys make it sound harder then it actually is.

 

Any advice on if we should use an attorney ? Or shall we safe the money, do it our own and just get one for the interview and reading over our paper? Or when any kind of problems occur? 

 

Any help and or someone who went try this experience would be SO helpful🙏

 

We want to start doing AOS and finally build a live where we both can Legally provide for our little Fambam and we Do Not want to do anything wrong and get separated!

 

 

 

[Boiler 44,943]

Very much depends on the issues that you need to address.

[JFH 12,189]

It’s a very personal choice. It’s your money. Many people on this site went through the entire process without even speaking to an attorney. Others feel more confident using an attorney. 
 

It won’t be any faster if you use one. If anything, it is likely to be slower as everything will have to go through an additional step. 

[Crazy Cat 41,290]

46 minutes ago, Vimar said:

We want to start doing AOS and finally build a live where we both can Legally provide for our little Fambam and we Do Not want to do anything wrong and get separated!

Are there any  potential complexities for your case?  If not, I see no need to hire an attorney for anything.  

Edited February 20, 2021 by Lucky Cat

[Vimar 1]

1 hour ago, Lucky Cat said:

Are there any  potential complexities for your case?  If not, I see no need to hire an attorney for anything.  

I am not sure.. The attorney told us we are a simple standard case. I went with the ESTA and it was all very spontaneous that he purposed and we got married 2 month after my esta expired. The attorney told us it was not an issue! We just couldn't do the AOS earlier because of the pandemic / attorneys have pretty high prices! We just want to get our AOS done and build our life! 

 

 

Luckily I found this website which really helps since its so hard finding information online and it has been very stressful and nerve wracking since we don't know what to expect! 

Edited February 20, 2021 by Vimar

[Crazy Cat 41,290]

10 minutes ago, Vimar said:

I am not sure.. The attorney told us we are a simple standard case. I went with the ESTA and it was all very spontaneous that he purposed and we got married 2 month after my esta expired. The attorney told us it was not an issue! We just couldn't do the AOS earlier because of the pandemic / attorneys have pretty high prices! We just want to get our AOS done and build our life! 

 

 

Luckily I found this website which really helps since its so hard finding information online and it has been very stressful and nerve wracking since we don't know what to expect! 

Sounds like an attorney would be a waste of money.  Even with an attorney, you have to do all the leg work of gathering documents, etc.  Many people do everything themselves using the guide below.

 

[Crazy Cat 41,290]

Be aware that you cannot work while inside the US or leave the US for 6-9 months after filing the adjustment paperwork.....and receiving work authorization and advance parole.

[Crazy Cat 41,290]

Remember, whether you do this yourself or you hire an attorney, YOU will be responsible for gathering all documentation.  An attorney's office will fill in the forms and submit them.  

[Crazy Cat 41,290]

One more thing.  My wife and I hired an attorney ($2000) for our CR-1 visa process in 2016.  Due to sloppy work and inaccurate information from his office (imo), it delayed our case by several months.  

[Vimar 1]

10 minutes ago, Lucky Cat said:

One more thing.  My wife and I hired an attorney ($2000) for our CR-1 visa process in 2016.  Due to sloppy work and inaccurate information from his office (imo), it delayed our case by several months.  

Uff!!!! No way! I am glad you guys figured it out!

 

 

We got a bunch of evidence and that is absolutely no concern of mine since we are together for some time now. 

 

It's a nerve wrecking process if not knowing what can come and or reading about it online on other websites, doesn't seem promising / not easy and everyone kind of advices an attorney. 

It's scary because it's our future and I don't want out marriage getting split apart because We filled something wrong out or who knows. 

 

 

But I am more and more convinced to do it without an attorney! If we really need one, I am sure there is still the chance of hiring one.

[Crazy Cat 41,290]

3 minutes ago, Vimar said:

Uff!!!! No way! I am glad you guys figured it out!

 

 

We got a bunch of evidence and that is absolutely no concern of mine since we are together for some time now. 

 

It's a nerve wrecking process if not knowing what can come and or reading about it online on other websites, doesn't seem promising / not easy and everyone kind of advices an attorney. 

It's scary because it's our future and I don't want out marriage getting split apart because We filled something wrong out or who knows. 

 

 

But I am more and more convinced to do it without an attorney! If we really need one, I am sure there is still the chance of hiring one.

Needless to say, We did not hire an attorney for my wife's removal of conditions package in 2019.  Visa Journey has really good information/guides  and people who are willing to help.  

[Vimar 1]

33 minutes ago, Lucky Cat said:

Needless to say, We did not hire an attorney for my wife's removal of conditions package in 2019.  Visa Journey has really good information/guides  and people who are willing to help.  

I am SO excited to get it done! Thanks so much for your help!!!

[Ryan H 3,810]

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[Letspaintcookies 2,291]

Your spouse is a US citizen right? Cause in your other post you said you got married in 2019 which is quite a bit time till now. No problem if married to a citizen but different if your spouse is an LPR. 

AOS is a pretty simple process in the most cases. The i-944 seems to be annoying but not too bad. You can find lots of post about it on here that might help with questions. And if not ask away, that's what this forum is here for 😊

[OhShush 25]

If your case is not too complex, then I suggest you just follow the AOS guide here in the forum. I filed for AOS Feb of last year and now I am awaiting for my green card to arrive in the mail. It requires a lot of reading and double (or triple) checking your application and documents but trust me, it will all be worth it. 
 

Just like you, I didn’t know how to start the process but I started with the AOS guide in this forum (which honestly helped me a lot). Then if I have a question regarding my case that I couldn’t find answers anywhere then I just simple post it here and people were very helpful to answer questions here so feel free to ask any questions you have. I hope this helps! And remember that it is always better to be safe than sorry. So glad you found this forum. VJ have been very helpful to my immigration journey.