Immigration lawyer vs. Doing it yourself

[keneisha 0]

Hi, I am just starting to get my paper work together to bring my fiance to the states. I have been trying to get as much information as possible before I start the process next month. I wanted to know if anyone had any advice on getting an immigration lawyer. If so, is it better to get a lawyer to help you with the process or do it yourself, or is it about the same? If anyone has any information it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Teachers 12]

Hi, I am just starting to get my paper work together to bring my fiance to the states. I have been trying to get as much information as possible before I start the process next month. I wanted to know if anyone had any advice on getting an immigration lawyer. If so, is it better to get a lawyer to help you with the process or do it yourself, or is it about the same? If anyone has any information it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

I did a mix/blend. We prepared all the materials ourselves, then showed them to an immigration lawyer. We then filed them. He said there was no benefit to him sending them in. This kept the cost low, but made sure there were no obvious errors.

Tom

[vartan 0]

Yeah its hard to say .. this site can give you all the answers you need for a perfect petition .. but if you have any extenuating circumstancings such as criminal history, medical issues, etc a lawyer might be a good bet..

[Alex+R 0]

I would venture to say that if you have no complications (prior overstays, the stuff Vartan listed, etc.), you do not need a lawyer if you use VJ.

Plus, I have seen so many people posting about how their lawyer screwed this or that up, or their lawyer doesn't know as much about the process as other VJers, etc.

[vartan 0]

yeah .. I forgot to mention too that since the processes for paperwork .. answers, etc changes so much half these immigration lawyers are in the dark too .. especially now... they are more in the dark then us I think

[snz1802 0]

I would say if you have a straight forward case as we did, I would not bother with an attorney, they can sometimes make things worse. We have now done it twice, without an attorney and everything went fine both times.

I have heard some horror stories about mistakes made by lawyers and how those mistakes messed things up for people. If you have something other than a straight forward case though it is a good idea to get the advise of an attorney. Just my opinion here......

[kitkat1 5]

Keneisha

I think you'll find, as the previous responders indicated, that few of us decided to hire a lawyer. The paperwork process for the K1 really is basic and straightforward, for the most part. If you are organized and have good attention to detail, you really don't need a lawyer. The stuff that seems to take the most time, the gathering of the information and evidence in order to submit the petition, has to be done by you and your fiance anyway - a lawyer can't offer much help with that.

But if you know yourself, and you think that it will be difficult for you, you may want to spend some time talking with lawyers before you choose one. Certainly if you have any issues that may affect your petition (previous immigration violation such as overstay, HIV, multiple petitions in the past, etc.) a lawyer is not a bad idea. At least a consultation with one so you understand your situation is necessary. But in the end, even with extenuating circumstances, if you get youself educated enough, you can do it yourself. As commented, lawyers seem to not only add more cost to the process, but they also make mistakes and don't always know the law.

We, on the other hand, KNOW EVERYTHING!!!

You will truly get answers to your questions and confusion here much faster than with a lawyer, and we won't even charge you!!!

Good luck.

[rlt 0]

If you decide to go for an attorney, ask people to reccommend you one..

I regret so bad hiring mine.

[chzuga 0]

If you decide to go for an attorney, ask people to reccommend you one..

I regret so bad hiring mine.

I duly agree with what is being said. My first time around, I did it on my own and got approved. The bad part was that my ex-fiancee got denied because of admittance to prior drug usage.

I do not need an attorney for the filing portion. Having this POWERFUL forum here will suffice I think.

BUT -- I want an attorney because some new things are around now. Like that IMBRA deal. I want the lawyer for when AFTER I file. To keep track of things for me as well. If I need help on something.

A friend recommended me "Holmes and Lolly" Imm. Lawyers, here is their link >> http://www.fianceevisas.com/?gfv

If any1 has good lawyer experiences, be nice to hear before I decide what to do by year's end.

[sunandmoon 450]

[quote name='chzuga' date='Jul 22 2006, 06:28 PM' post='325571'

I duly agree with what is being said. My first time around, I did it on my own and got approved. The bad part was that my ex-fiancee got denied because of admittance to prior drug usage.

chzuga brought up a good point. the beneficary should not admit to prior drug use, especially if no criminal record. doing so is usually grounds for denial. honesty in this case is not the best policy

Edited July 22, 2006 by roymcn3rd

[rosyanne 0]

I believe most people have the same question before they start the process.

I say you can completely do it yourself, but if you need conferdence, hire a lawyer wont be a bad idea. But don't expect them to help much...

[Japple 0]

Keneisha,

I also had your question when I started my process. I decided that our case didn't have any significant complications and did all of the work myself.

I found that the members of VJ and the information on this site made it possible for me to put together my petition with zero error (so far so good).

For me, it's been quite a bit of work and attention to detail, but from my point of view the money that the lawyers don't get buys a couple of extra bottles of champagne at our wedding reception. =)

Good luck, and I'm sure that you'll make a good decision.

[Erik 0]

Keneisha,

I also had your question when I started my process. I decided that our case didn't have any significant complications and did all of the work myself.

I found that the members of VJ and the information on this site made it possible for me to put together my petition with zero error (so far so good).

For me, it's been quite a bit of work and attention to detail, but from my point of view the money that the lawyers don't get buys a couple of extra bottles of champagne at our wedding reception. =)

Good luck, and I'm sure that you'll make a good decision.

More like a couple cases of Champagne, some of these Lawyers want between $1,500 - $2,000 for this #######

[M. 0]

We did it ourselves and beat the average time for petitions for UK to US K-1s, and it's a really straightforward process when you pay attention to the information that's available. I'd say, unless you have some complications (criminal record, overstayed visa, etc.) do it yourself and save the money for your wedding.

[I'm Gone 60]

If you file your own income taxes and there is nothing out of the ordinary involved, i.e. criminal record, previous visa overstay, you should be able do it.

I filed or helped file every piece of paper from I-129F to N-400/N-600 for wife and daughter and never had a problem because of something I did.

If you feel shakey about doing it and have money to blow hire a lawyer. Otherwise, printout the forms, READ the instructions, ask questions when not sure of something and you should be OK.