newbie question...do I need a lawyer

[lucyrich 20]

On a more personal level, I would hate to be the one who said to a stranger 'no dont use a lawyer' not knowing all the facts of the case and they had serious issues. While in this case, like most, it is likely not necessary...this is not true for everybody.

Besides, lets face it, some people need assistance because they have IMBRA issues, overstays, criminal history...etc.... some may just not have the comprehension skills to deal with what is required.

Very elegantly stated by the wise and gracious Kim. It frosts me when people flatly state "you do not need a lawyer!" Instead, dispassionately state the existence of the guides here on VJ, and ask the poster if he/she has potential issues, comprehension difficulties, or fear of paperwork that are out of the ordinary. "Ready, fire, aim" responses are rarely "one size fits all" or even very well-thought-out.

Down off soapbox, si man!

Agreed. We might know the procedures, we might even know the poster's situation well enough to say there's no problem (but we only know as much as the poster posted), but there's no way we know the poster's attention to detail, ability to understand and follow instructions, ability to research questions, etc.

Saying "lots of people have done it without a lawyer" is reasonable. It's a bit of a stretch, but I can't completely disagree with "most people shouldn't need a lawyer", but that's still not the same as "YOU don't need a lawyer".

Should I do my taxes myself? Or hire a quick tax prep place at a strip mall? Or hire a CPA? The tax laws are the same for all of us, but any of those three answers might be right for people with different situations and different talents and abilities.

Can a CPA lower your tax bill? No, the tax law is the same whether you use a CPA or not -- anything the CPA could do, you could do yourself. Just like a lawyer can't speed up your immigration process. But in either case, if you're not doing things right yourself in the first place, and the professional does it right, it might make it seem like the CPA is saving you money, or the attorney is speeding up your case.

[V-G-1 1]

I'm just looking into all this visa stuff. I've met my (soon to be) fiancee, who lives in mexico. She was denied a visitor visa, but otherwise nothing else should be an issue, no arrests or visa problems before.

My question is this...is there a benefit to using a laywer? I see their fees range from $300 to $3000. Do they make things go any faster?

you can totally do it yourself--- its a waste of money--all they do is photocopy and mail 2 page forms. Its not like they are going to court for you or anything--and trust me, if they did, they would be charging extra for that--not inclued in the K!- process fee

[rainkiss10 0]

i made our k1 package myself just reading on tips and guidelines in VJ and other sites. You dont need an atty and additional expenses.

I also got denied for a tourist visa last year and that didnt effect my k1 approval.

[TBoneTX 47,494]

you can totally do it yourself--- its a waste of money

Did you bother to read the excellent response from lucyrich before sending your "ready, fire, aim" post?

[soulknight 0]

Start with this page and read through all of the links provided.

Use the K-1 Guide to help you prepare your petition and the flowchart will help you see the steps of the process clearly.

You've found VJ so you're already off to a great start.

Is there a similar page for both a K3, CR1 and DCF visas. I am trying to bring my wife here and I would like to find out what the best option is and how to go about it.

Incidently, we had started a K1 visa with a lawyer that I really was not happy with. Now we are starting from scratch.

-Long story-

[tallcoolone 102]

NO LEGAL ADVICE OR ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP

Information contained on or made available through VisaJourney.com Websites and Services (including but not limited to the discussion forums) is not intended to and does not constitute legal advice, recommendations, mediation or counseling under any circumstance and no attorney-client relationship is formed. Do not act on or rely on any information from VisaJourney.com Websites and Services without consulting with a licensed attorney as this site is not a substitute for obtaining appropriate legal advice from a competent, independent legal counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Moreover, due to the rapidly changing nature of the law and the reliance on information provided by outside sources, we make no warranty or guarantee concerning the accuracy or reliability of the Content on VisaJourney.com Websites and Services or at other sites to which we link. Nothing submitted to this Web Site is treated as is privileged or confidential with the exception of items listed in Visajourney.com's Privacy Policy. All communications and Content Posted via the Service (including but not limited to the discussion forums) are NOT treated as privileged or confidential.

Asking if one needs a lawyer and people stating their opinion is an "Opinion" not legal advise.

[KimandRuss 0]

Start with this page and read through all of the links provided.

Use the K-1 Guide to help you prepare your petition and the flowchart will help you see the steps of the process clearly.

You've found VJ so you're already off to a great start.

Is there a similar page for both a K3, CR1 and DCF visas. I am trying to bring my wife here and I would like to find out what the best option is and how to go about it.

Incidently, we had started a K1 visa with a lawyer that I really was not happy with. Now we are starting from scratch.

-Long story-

The guides for those types of visas are pinned to the top of the respective forum. I'd start with CR-1 unless you've been living in her Country for 6+ months. good luck to you.

[KimandRuss 0]

Asking if one needs a lawyer and people stating their opinion is an "Opinion" not legal advise.

And, as stated many times above already, there is a huge difference between "if a, b & c are true... you probably do not need a lawyer" and... "you do not need a lawyer". Telling someone they do not need a lawyer IS legal advice.

I know this process inside and out but I would not for a moment suggest to know everything there is to know or to know each couple's circumstances and whether or not we know the entirety of their story. All we can do is point people toward the right information and offer our opinions...which we should state as such.

Just becaue you or I may THINK something does not make it fact.

[pushbrk 13,611]

On a more personal level, I would hate to be the one who said to a stranger 'no dont use a lawyer' not knowing all the facts of the case and they had serious issues. While in this case, like most, it is likely not necessary...this is not true for everybody.

Besides, lets face it, some people need assistance because they have IMBRA issues, overstays, criminal history...etc.... some may just not have the comprehension skills to deal with what is required.

Very elegantly stated by the wise and gracious Kim. It frosts me when people flatly state "you do not need a lawyer!" Instead, dispassionately state the existence of the guides here on VJ, and ask the poster if he/she has potential issues, comprehension difficulties, or fear of paperwork that are out of the ordinary. "Ready, fire, aim" responses are rarely "one size fits all" or even very well-thought-out.

Down off soapbox, si man!

Elegance makes the point well for many, but evidently not for some. When I read responses like, "Just read the Guide.

U can do it Urself. " unlike you, I don't see "ready, aim" fire. I just see fire from the hip with your eyes closed. I'm afraid we have a lot of members here, that simply do not have either the capabilities, the attitude, the desire or the confidence to go through this process without professional assistance. Those poeple are quite wise to seek help. The rest often do fine with the assistance available here.

[NatPatBen 3]

I wonder if the OP knew this question would spark so much debate. lol

[Doctor J 0]

I'm just looking into all this visa stuff. I've met my (soon to be) fiancee, who lives in mexico. She was denied a visitor visa, but otherwise nothing else should be an issue, no arrests or visa problems before.

My question is this...is there a benefit to using a laywer? I see their fees range from $300 to $3000. Do they make things go any faster?

I am not using a lawyer...you CAN do it yourself. However, I'm using a service NOT a lawyer a man in Washington that prepares all my paperwork for me. He is not a lawyer but simply a person that has much experience helping people with VISAS. I would recommend a SERVICE not a lawyer, simply because a lawyer will charge thousands of dollars for NOTHING....they cannot make the process go any faster. It is ALOT of paperwork.....that is why I recommend the service...they usually around $450, which, in my opinion, is worth it.

PS: If you want the name of the person that is helping me feel free to send me a private message and I will give you his number. He has done MANY MANY VISAS around the entire world.

[Matt & Bing 56]

On a more personal level, I would hate to be the one who said to a stranger 'no dont use a lawyer' not knowing all the facts of the case and they had serious issues. While in this case, like most, it is likely not necessary...this is not true for everybody.

Besides, lets face it, some people need assistance because they have IMBRA issues, overstays, criminal history...etc.... some may just not have the comprehension skills to deal with what is required.

Very elegantly stated by the wise and gracious Kim. It frosts me when people flatly state "you do not need a lawyer!" Instead, dispassionately state the existence of the guides here on VJ, and ask the poster if he/she has potential issues, comprehension difficulties, or fear of paperwork that are out of the ordinary. "Ready, fire, aim" responses are rarely "one size fits all" or even very well-thought-out.

Down off soapbox, si man!

Elegance makes the point well for many, but evidently not for some. When I read responses like, "Just read the Guide.

U can do it Urself. " unlike you, I don't see "ready, aim" fire. I just see fire from the hip with your eyes closed. I'm afraid we have a lot of members here, that simply do not have either the capabilities, the attitude, the desire or the confidence to go through this process without professional assistance. Those poeple are quite wise to seek help. The rest often do fine with the assistance available here.

Very true pushbrk. If one is not willing or capable of taking the time to read and understand the guides and then diligently complete the forms then they would be better off hiring someone to do that work for them.

[bayojona3231 4]

On a more personal level, I would hate to be the one who said to a stranger 'no dont use a lawyer' not knowing all the facts of the case and they had serious issues. While in this case, like most, it is likely not necessary...this is not true for everybody.

Besides, lets face it, some people need assistance because they have IMBRA issues, overstays, criminal history...etc.... some may just not have the comprehension skills to deal with what is required.

Very elegantly stated by the wise and gracious Kim. It frosts me when people flatly state "you do not need a lawyer!" Instead, dispassionately state the existence of the guides here on VJ, and ask the poster if he/she has potential issues, comprehension difficulties, or fear of paperwork that are out of the ordinary. "Ready, fire, aim" responses are rarely "one size fits all" or even very well-thought-out.

Down off soapbox, si man!

Every situation is different. No one size fits all. Just like people are saying here, look at your situation and decide for yourself. For most people here, lawyers are NOT needed. Good luck on your journey. Just know that we are all here to help each other.

[Neonred 3,913]

Looks like a battle of organizers vs moderators here

[don and jen 0]

I used the services of a lawyer and don't regret my choice. When I filed I didn't have the guidance of this site. I had a huge fear of making a mistake on the forms or sending in the wrongs forms and causing a delay on an already lengthy process. Hiring a lawyer that was recommended to me from someone with first hand experience of his services gave me peace of mind. Yes it cost, but peace of mind was worth the extra expense to me.

don and jen