I just really need to vent! We hired a lawyer so that we could be 100% sure to get our K1 approved and b/c of the timing wanted to leave no room for mistakes. 4 months later the lawyer is paid in full and we do not feel that he did a dam thing to deserve it. We know more then his firm does about our case, and we feel as if we have done all of the footwork. For instance, I called today hoping for good news or that perhaps he knew something more then I knew. Then I find out that the girl who has been handling our case, and knows our case very well is no longer there. Now I have this girl who is "in training" assigned to my case and is completely clueless about any question that I asked her regarding my case or anything that had to do with the K1 visa in general. This is not my only bad experiance with this firm, we had a few. AT this point I am affraid to really speak up b/c we are so close to approval but I feel that we have been doing everything ourselves since we started and paid this firm for nothing. We only went with this firm b/c I had a good feel for the lawyer himself but his people that he has working for him Suck! If I knew then what I know now! Geeze!

I always think someone can do this unless there are extreme situations that need to be dealt with.

I'm sorry.

That sucks, sorry to hear it. But hey, at least you're close to approval and soon it'll all be over!

I came *this* close to hiring a lawyer. Then I stumbled onto VJ and spent hours combing over everything I could. Even after that I was still thinking I'd hire a lawyer to just look over my initial packet. But the more I read, the more confident I was that I could do it up right. But it does take a lot of research and effort, and for some people it's better to hire a lawyer. But sometimes there are duds out there like yours.

You said you got a good feeling from the lawyer, but his staff sucks. Have you considered talking to him directly and seeing if he'll assign your case to someone more experienced? Since he's already been paid I guess you don't have a lot of leverage, but it might not hurt.

Good luck to you!

I almost screwed up and blew $1500 on a lawyer, but I came to my senses and realized I am smarter than most lawyers.

I can fully relate to your frustration. We decided to hire a lawyer since my fiance has an extremely busy work schedule and we wanted to make sure we are not missing anything. The lawyer we chose has an excellent reputation. Just like yours, unfortunately, his support staff is a disaster. It took over a week until we got the actual Representation Letter and things have moved at a snail's pace ever since. However, the paralegal assigned to our case seems to be doing a good job, just looks like they dump everything on her so she tends to be a bit slow.

If our circumstances were different, i.e. my fiance had a less busy work schedule and if I hadn't just moved a short while ago and still trying to sort out things (long story), I would not have agreed to hire a lawyer. They seem to be slowing down the process rather than speeding it up. Lesson learned, I guess.

Try not to get too frustrated (easier said than done, I know). Hopefully you'll get the approval soon.

Well just hang in there now. and hell if that's the case call USCIS and ask them if there's any complication to proceed with the petition yourselves now, in case you're still paying him (for nothing).

Like someone said above, unless there's any extreme issue, everything else can be handled yourself.


Whatever happens, the approval should be coming in soon for you ( actually for us! since we have similar time-lines ) and all this will be over.
Also at least now you experienced having a lawyer, and as for the rest of the journey you know it can be done yourself
plus VJ is always here full of guides and good information


Stay strong!
Best of luck to all...


- Vanessa.

I found the reason for the "grrrrrrrr..." in the second sentence. You hired a lawyer. Unless your case is extremely difficult and problem filled, attorneys do nothing but suck money better spent on your future life together. They only complicate the process and do nothing to expedite it.

Stop feeding the lawyers, it only helps them breed!

So, tell us Jeffery, how do you feel about lawyers? You know, they say it isn't healthy to keep your emotions bottled up inside! I tease you, of course. Much of what is wrong with our legal system in general can be traced to antiquated processes that require lawyer 'expertise'!

I sensed a fair tease!

I am always surprised at how many people believe they need a lawyer when they don't. They have a false belief that because one has "esq," after their name they have special powers. A lot of people are smarter than most lawyers.

You are right regarding the legal system. I also amazed with similar flaws in the healthcare system too. Somehow running to an "MD" will make a 'cold' disappear quicker than just keeping your child at home for a few days. The 'cold' virus simply needs to run its course, just wait and be a patient. It's not that complicated. It's the same with the majority of those in the K1 process. Save your money for a life threatening disease!

Yes, but had you not drank that cold beverage you would never have gotten the cold in the first place...

Oh no! Yes, my fiancée has a belief in that with soft drinks. But she also believes drinking vodka from the freezer kills a cold! Bring on the vodka!