My lawyer (the Weasel)'s office assured me that my wife's I-129 was sent in the middle of July, but after receiving yet another bill from their office, it appears that it wasn't actually sent until August 21st.

As I learn more about the process here on VJ, I lose faith in the Weasel's ability to move my wife's paperwork through the system more efficiently than I could do it. While I'm sure he will eventually get it done, my incentive to get my family here is a little higher than his-he already has his retainere and my case is another file in a stack.

If I request to drop him and work the remainder of the process with the assistance of VJ, do I have a legal right to take my entire file or make copies of it? If I can do that, how do I notify the SC that I no longer wish for him to represent me?

As soon as I get a case number from my I-129F NOA1, I will be able to track it online and keep better tabs on the Weasel and his office. I've already gotten an email account set up for the I-130 so I can track that. (We may go the CR-1 route anyway) So I have half a mind to stay with the Weasel and just continually drop by his office every time I see a touch or action on the CIS website.

Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

If you signed a G 28 from the lawyer or stated on the aplication he will represent you will have to have him sent a letter to USCIS saying he no longer represents you and further communications should be sent to you.
That's what I did when I fired my lawyer.
He sent me all the paperwork. That is the paperwork he hadn't lost!!!!
All talk a no action.

Thanks! Did you find that you had better luck going solo?

if you fire him, make you sure you send him a letter in writing (registered mail) and also state the facts (129F was not sent as promised) and ask for all your paperwork.

btw, is your spouse closer to Vancouver or Montreal? Do you know which consulate you stated on your petitions? The reason i ask is that you may be at a disadvantage going the CR1 route as they are only processed in slow Montreal. If this your consulate for the K-3 is Montreal anyways, than the impact is not as bad but if your K-3 is going to Vancouver, i would not go the CR1 route. hope this makes sense.

I'm going to meet with him on Monday and ask him if this is standard practice to sit on paperwork for 6 weeks. Unbelieveable. I'll be asking for the paperwork and a change of representation if he doesn't have an explanation for it. Thanks for the advice
I understand what you're saying about the change in Consulate. At this point, the Weasel has told us that the K-3 would be in Montreal. And that is what he had stated on the petitions. So either way, it appears that we're going thru Montreal.

My lawyer went on a 3 week vacation and didn't have any one taking care of business. My I-130 NOA2 came to his office while he was gone and I wasn't able to file the I-129F for almost a month because of it. Plus he sent in a wrong form that was a copy and "HE" got an RFE.
As you know EVERYDAY is critical when you are in the process and wanting to be with your mate. Most lawyers don't care.
I did the rest by myself all the way thru adjusting status. No RFEs.
Probably cost me more as I am self employed and spent a LOT of time on the computer.
Worth it as at least if there was a screw up I'd know about it and be able try and fix it quicker.

Ugh, horrible situation. Hope that you get your paperwork back in a speedy manner.

If you have friends or family in one of the western provinces you can get your K3 transferred to Vancouver but you have to wait until the I-129F is approved and at the NVC or at Montreal if you don't catch it in time at the NVC. I successfully transferred as did other people. Swing by the Canada forum if you have time or feel free to PM me about transferring when the time comes.

Good luck with the lawyer!

No matter what he tells you, there is ABSOLUTELY NO EXCUSE!!!!! for sitting on paperwork that long. The only question now, is do you trust him to get you through the rest of the process efficiently?

When you fire the lawyer, make sure to do it in writing! If you just do it over the phone or in person, they'll just continue with the status quo and keep sending you invoices for their services. Also notify USCIS that you've fired the lawyer and that all correspondence should be sent directly to you.

The lawyer should give everything back to you that he's got, make sure you get it all back! Copies of the petitions, copies of any backup and anything else you've given him that he has sent to USCIS.

Yes you should send him a letter advising that you wish to end your agreement with him. Also you should make a copy of REVOCATION OF POWER OF ATTORNEY. http://www.formsguru.com/forms/legal-forms/revpwrat.html

Ask for your case file with all materials and that he notify USCIS of his change of status. Make sure you include those demands in the letter of dissmissal.

On the other hand you may wish to have a chat with him and set him straight on the fact you are monitoring the progress of the case and you find the time line of filing un-acceptable. Make sure you send a letter to him stating the same fact.

best of wishes

Rick