Should I hire a lawyer to do the paperwork?

[martinbr 1]

I am getting ready for my trip to the philipines. If everything goes well with the woman that I am falling in love with, should I try to do the 129-f application myself or hire a attorney? What does the majority of the people here do? It doesn't look that hard to do except for mounds of paper work but if it's better to get a attorney then this is something I have to start thinking about. How much does a attorney usually charge for something like this? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

thanks,

martinbr

[Dan J 277]

Most people here do it on their own. But its really your choice. If you don't have any complications, taking the time to understand the process and doing it yourself is most rewarding.

If you do decide to use a lawyer. Do your research. Immigration lawyers tend to be more familiar with work visas. You want to find someone who has handled K-1 visas or family visas. Rates vary, but it can be anywhere from $500 to $3000, depending how much they do for you and where they are based. That would be in addition to the regular paperwork fees.

[C_y_K 0]

Most people here do it on their own. But its really your choice. If you don't have any complications, taking the time to understand the process and doing it yourself is most rewarding.

If you do decide to use a lawyer. Do your research. Immigration lawyers tend to be more familiar with work visas. You want to find someone who has handled K-1 visas or family visas. Rates vary, but it can be anywhere from $500 to $3000, depending how much they do for you and where they are based. That would be in addition to the regular paperwork fees.

If you do hire a lawyer...INSIST that you review the document fully before they submit it. Check for typos! My lawyer asked me to sign the application and my social security number was a mistype on all forms!!! Make sure you have a copy of the packet too. I paid 800 dollars for the services.

[Jasman0717 9]

Unless you have a complex situation do it yourself. Just follow the guide here on VJ and you should do just find and save yourself several thousand dollars that your new bride can spend for you Good luck with your trip Love the RP!

[john_and_marlene 162]

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;#entry976448

[Cantankerous 0]

I paid an attorney, I reviewed the paperwork, I had to fix several errors, then I found VJ, learned even more, and wished I did it by myself from the start.

[er1c 0]

My attorney wanted $1500 for start to finish (stopping at the K1 visa issue). I only did it for the comfort knowing that someone more experienced was handling my case. BIG mistake!

Do it yourself. LIVE on VJ for a week or so and read everything you can, read the guides, and ask questions and you'll be fine.

Edited August 9, 2007 by er1c

[Cassie 8]

Everyone's experiences here are different, and when the "should I get a lawyer?" topic comes up, you'll get all sorts of answers...

--I did it myself, no problem

--I did it myself, underestimated or didn't understand how certain factors would impact my case, and had tons of problems

--I used the services of a lawyer, and had no problems

--I used the services of a lawyer, they had no clue what they were doing and caused so many problems and delays it was a waste of money

The fact that you are here on VisaJourney and trying to understand the process early in your relationship is good. There are links and guides and experiences here galore. I humbly suggest reading as much as you can, and start evaluating things against your personal experience. An initial consultation with an AILA-certified lawyer well-versed in family-based visas could also help as well. Just get yourself as educated as you possibly can, even if you decide to go with the services of a lawyer, so you can keep track of what they are doing (or not doing, as some people have found).

Best wishes to you!

[Sinergy 3]

Its cheaper to fill the paperwork out on your own. However if you can get an immigration lawyer to look over the forms for free just to give you advice if something needs changed then go for it. Me and Edi's lawyer always looked over my paperwork and never charged us anything. There are some immigration lawyers out there who will do that.

[eric_and_teresa 10]

Everyone's experiences here are different, and when the "should I get a lawyer?" topic comes up, you'll get all sorts of answers...

--I did it myself, no problem

--I did it myself, underestimated or didn't understand how certain factors would impact my case, and had tons of problems

--I used the services of a lawyer, and had no problems

--I used the services of a lawyer, they had no clue what they were doing and caused so many problems and delays it was a waste of money

The fact that you are here on VisaJourney and trying to understand the process early in your relationship is good. There are links and guides and experiences here galore. I humbly suggest reading as much as you can, and start evaluating things against your personal experience. An initial consultation with an AILA-certified lawyer well-versed in family-based visas could also help as well. Just get yourself as educated as you possibly can, even if you decide to go with the services of a lawyer, so you can keep track of what they are doing (or not doing, as some people have found).

Best wishes to you!

Great advice! If you decide to hire a lawyer, make sure he explains you the process well and that he keeps you well informed of the status of your case in every step. In many cases couples that had problems with the lawyer they hired, it was because they had no idea what the lawyer was doing.

[Jaseball 0]

I am doing this myself. My situation is pretty simple. Her first marriage, my first marriage. I figured even with a lawyer I would still have to provide every single detail, explanation, documentation, get my fiancee's information, so what exactly is the lawyer going to do? Put the package together and go to the post office for me? They probably won't even go to the post office for you.

Look at it this way. Marriage and picking a partner is probably one of, if not the most important decision you make. Nobody else on this planet is going to take the care and consideration for you in this process or will double, triple check your petition or the supporting paperwork.

If I get denied for no good reason, run into major issues that an attorney could help me with, then I would consider a lawyer.

Thank goodness for the internet, google, and specific sites like visajourney. Back 15+ years ago I can't even imagine how to start this process, but it probably involved a ton of phone calls, waiting for paperwork to be sent via mail, visits to the immigration office, and very few resources for people just starting out.

[Aymerlu 3]

Unless your case is complicated, do it yourself and save yourself a lot of money

[Queen Jenn 0]

Depends on your finances are and what your situation is.

I was going to hire a lawyer and was prepared to pay $3000 to get my SO here. After we had several delays in meeting, I decided to do the process myself and save the $$$. But our case is pretty straightforward. Neither of us has been married before and there are no kids.

It's totally up to you. But if you decide to hire an attorney, here are a few questions to ask:

How many K1 visas do they do?

Have they dealt with K1 visas with a beneficiary from the Phillippines?

Have they submitted applications which have been denied? If so, how many?

Also, check with your local Bar Association to see if the attorney has had any violations or disciplinary actions taken against him/her.

Then, while you are in the Phillippines, TAKE TONS OF PICTURES

If you have a camera that dates the pics, great. Every few pictures, get a local newspaper that shows the date and hold it up in the photo so the date can be seen.

GOOD LUCK

Edited August 9, 2007 by Queen Jenn

[capt harlock 0]

Most people do not need a lawyer for the paperwork. If you read everything carefully and take your time the paperwork is strait forward. A few questions I had I found the answers quickly on this web site.

I did all the paperwork my self and had no problem. I did get a lawyer in Thailand for about $250 to translate some forms and get her police report.

My friend used a lawyer in the US and cost him $3000 and it took the same amount of time for the K1 visa.

Make tripple copies of every paper you send to the embassy. Keep a copy for yourself and send a complete copied packet to you fiancee' and have bring it to the interview in case they "loose" a form.

[martinbr 1]

Thank you Jasman0717 for the info. When I get over to the philipines next month I plan to treat her like a queen. She is the most open and warm person that I have met in a long time. I hope to have a lot of fun!

martinbr

Unless you have a complex situation do it yourself. Just follow the guide here on VJ and you should do just find and save yourself several thousand dollars that your new bride can spend for you Good luck with your trip Love the RP!