I'm a US Citizen who just got married to a Moroccan. I've reviewed the forms and they seem pretty clear to me, is it worth it to hire a lawyer? Has anyone done this themselves who could give me some information on their experience?

Thanks!

If the process is pretty clear for you..

I don't think you need a lawyer.. That's my opinion..

VJ has the best info I have seen so far.. and very kind members that are willing to help you out and share their experience with you..

If you could do it yourself I suggest you do it yourself...

Hi

I think it is safe to say that the majority of people on VJ have used the guides here successfully without using a lawyer. We didn't use a lawyer and we were fine. We just used the guides here

There are many on here that have found that hiring a lawyer was a waste of money, others will say that they are happy with their lawyers. It all depends on your level of comfort in filling out the forms and making sure you have everything in order. The guides here on VJ give you pretty much everything that you need as long as your case is not complicated.

If you do decide to go with a lawyer make sure you get one who specializes in immigration law.

Good luck

If you hire a lawyer make sure they are a member of AILA- American Immigration Lawyers Association

Married to an Iranian engineer!

There is nothing a lawyer can do other than fill the forms for you and give you some encouraging words.

I consulted a lawyer at first, she answered my questions...but was wrong on two points.

1) She said the processing time would be six months.
2) She said I was in a good position with my Affidavit of Support and would not need a Joint Sponsor. While my Affidavit of Support was approved by the NVC, the Consulate requested our case get a Joint Sponsor.

If you can do the forms yourself you are better off not hiring a lawyer.....The forms and instructions aren't straightforward, but they aren't impossible either. Just read the instructions and do a practice form. Then reread the instructions and check your answers. Do this three times....Often you will see something you overlooked or misunderstood intitially.

Wait to get a lawyer IF you really need one later.

Nutty

I agree with the others. Unless you have some unique problem it save money and in most cases time. The best route to go is the CR-1 visa. If you read through the following thread, you will have a good understanding of the process and the various forms, and anything you don't understand or just want to make sure you're clear on something, just post it here and you'll probably have and answer in less than a day. Best of luck in your journey.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=117

Lawyers are legalised liers. There is nothing they can do that we can not do ourselves.

Their just like us after all.. HUMANS!!

I hired a Lawyer.. My wife is here safe in my arms.

I know that wde thought we had everything and took it to the lawyer and he made a list of things that
we should get also..
He was giving of his time and always answered my questions.
He filed both the K3 and I130 for $1200 plus filing fees.

http://www.jaballasimmigrationlaw.com/

I am not a salesman for him.. Just giving you the option.

My wife is here now on a full I130 Visa

Unless you have extenuating circumstances do not waste your money on a lawyer. I did. I regret that I did. I am sure there are great lawyers out there, but my lawyer made our case worst. They (him and His assistant) filed my paperwork for the K32 months after receipt of our I130. It has a receipt date 2 days after our I130 approval. My husband would be here right now, had they sent it in on time. Now we are going the cr1 rt, which he will not be here until after April or later.

The people here know more then my law office. I found this place out of desperation to get more information regarding the process.