Is a Lawyer Worth It? CR1 visa

[Lane 0]

Hi all, 

I wanted to get some community thoughts on hiring a lawyer to help with the CR1 visa. I know that it’s possible to complete the visa completely on your own, but I’m wondering if it’s worth it to hire a lawyer/if anyone had an comments on their experience either filing alone or with help. The reasons I’m considering a lawyer, or a website to check the paperwork, is because I’m hoping it will make the process be a little faster/simpler and I was looking at trying to expedite the process. Any thoughts/stories are greatly appreciated! 
 

Thanks! 

[Crazy Cat 41,682]

20 minutes ago, Lane said:

Hi all, 

I wanted to get some community thoughts on hiring a lawyer to help with the CR1 visa. I know that it’s possible to complete the visa completely on your own, but I’m wondering if it’s worth it to hire a lawyer/if anyone had an comments on their experience either filing alone or with help. The reasons I’m considering a lawyer, or a website to check the paperwork, is because I’m hoping it will make the process be a little faster/simpler and I was looking at trying to expedite the process. Any thoughts/stories are greatly appreciated! 
 

Thanks! 

Hiring an attorney will not speed up the process.  There are no shortcuts.  Our attorney actually caused a 3 month delay due to failure to send required documents and giving us inaccurate information.  Unless your case is complicated, save your money.   The VJ guides are good.

Edited November 18, 2022 by Crazy Cat

[Rocio0010 5,579]

Attorneys can't make it shorter or expedited. In fact, we have seen here in VJ countless cases where attorneys make big mistakes and the process is delayed. The truth is, nobody cares about your case and your loved ones as much as you do. The guides here in VJ are thorough and complete, and there are very seasoned members that can help you. I would do it myself after I have researched and asked all the questions.

 

PS: I never adjusted from a CR1. I was an F1 student. But when I started my adjustment of status I did not know about VJ, so we made a deposit for an attorney. Not even a week after joining VJ we realized that he was ripping us off by charging us money for background checks for the USC, which are not needed. So we asked for our deposit back. We ended up doing my AOS on our own, and I was approved without interview 6 months later. 

[Devarj 45]

I never recommend a lawyer unless your case is complicated (ie. previous conviction, etc). My friend's lawyer submitted forms without signature. Waited three months to get the notice from USCIS that it had to be resubmitted. No refund or discount from the lawyer. I did all the work myself to include writing letters of exemptions (which were approved). Just go slow and give them what is asked for. For example, Notarized and translated documents if required. Check and double check before submitting.

[Crazy Cat 41,682]

4 hours ago, Lane said:

Hi all, 

I wanted to get some community thoughts on hiring a lawyer to help with the CR1 visa. I know that it’s possible to complete the visa completely on your own, but I’m wondering if it’s worth it to hire a lawyer/if anyone had an comments on their experience either filing alone or with help. The reasons I’m considering a lawyer, or a website to check the paperwork, is because I’m hoping it will make the process be a little faster/simpler and I was looking at trying to expedite the process. Any thoughts/stories are greatly appreciated! 
 

Thanks! 

You still have to do all the leg work.  Attorneys just fill in the forms for you.  In fact, the attorney doesn't do it.   His/her hired help does it.  

Edited November 18, 2022 by Crazy Cat

[Lorenelady 11]

I hired a lawyer. I tried to do it myself and became overwhelmed. I have heard of many who made mistakes and after waiting over a year, thier petition was rejected. I didn't want to take that chance. I read several reviews to find a attorney with  success stories. I also found a attorney with a set fee, and payment plan ,who didn't get paid until we would reach the next phase in the process. For me, it was worth it for my piece of mind. I am in the final lap now, hoping to hear a decision any day now!

[JeanneAdil 6,448]

you gather all documents like

birth certificates

divorce papers

in my case death notice of late husband

the photos

the marriage certificate

birth certificates of any children

stamps on passport for trip(s)

and any other documents  needed for the petition

 

give them to the lawyer

he copies them

he has an aide fill out the petition 

YOU are responsible for the content (which attorney offices are well known for making mistakes)

if u sign and there is an issue ,  u are hosed

 

so,  u pay for him to fill out a petition that can be done online by U

 

[P0907 127]

59 minutes ago, Lane said:

Hi all, 

I wanted to get some community thoughts on hiring a lawyer to help with the CR1 visa. I know that it’s possible to complete the visa completely on your own, but I’m wondering if it’s worth it to hire a lawyer/if anyone had an comments on their experience either filing alone or with help. The reasons I’m considering a lawyer, or a website to check the paperwork, is because I’m hoping it will make the process be a little faster/simpler and I was looking at trying to expedite the process. Any thoughts/stories are greatly appreciated! 
 

Thanks! 

 

Unless you have something that would complicate things like a previous conviction or entrance ban, the entire process can be done yourself as the likely majority of active forum users here will tell you. Save yourself the money, you'll want it for moving costs.

[Lane 0]

Hi all,

 

I’m not sure if this makes a difference but I’m outside of the US and most likely won’t be back until the visa is processed, I think the I-190 needs to be physically mailed though? 

[Crazy Cat 41,682]

1 minute ago, Lane said:

Hi all,

 

I’m not sure if this makes a difference but I’m outside of the US and most likely won’t be back until the visa is processed, I think the I-190 needs to be physically mailed though? 

I-190?  If you mean I-130, it can be done online from anywhere.

[Lane 0]

Yes sorry my bad! Is there anything that would need to be physically mailed? 

[Dashinka 24,438]

2 hours ago, Lane said:

Yes sorry my bad! Is there anything that would need to be physically mailed? 

Nope, the I130 process is pretty much all online now.  When your I130 gets to the NVC stage, you will need to scan some documents and upload them, but I am not aware of anything that has to be mailed physically.

 

As to using a lawyer, that is a personal decision, and the other great and learned VJ members have covered many of the pros and con.  The only thing I would add is if you do decide to go with a lawyer or visa service, if they are advertising they can speed up the system, look elsewhere.

 

Good Luck! 

[midwinterrose 275]

3 hours ago, JeanneAdil said:

 YOU are responsible for the content (which attorney offices are well known for making mistakes)

 

I think this is the biggest point because at the end of the day, you must sign the form stating that everything is true and correct, and you understand it all, so if you yourself have to ensure that everything is correct and you understand everything in the form, why not also be the one who fills out the form?  You can't blame the lawyer for a mistake, because you signed to attest that everything in the form is true and correct.

[Jordanian Bride 268]

I did it myself entirely, with not a single RFE in the USCIS nor NVC stage.

 

For me, the issue with lawyers is that they are too overconfident to check their information regarding consular processing (when the beneficiary is overseas), thus causing HUGE DELAYS, and do not mail/upload the documents in a timely manner. 

Edited November 18, 2022 by Jordanian Bride

[JeanneAdil 6,448]

u need to go back and read the advice given previously by pushbrk 

as u gave up your US leased apartment and quit your job