lawyer or not

[grumpymcdorky18 7]

hello, I'm a newbie hoping Visajourney and people here can help me and my bf. We're done filling-out I-129F, made Fiance(e) Letter of Intent for both parties, completed G-325A, Cover Letter...in short we're almost done, we're just in the process of gathering all evidences like boarding pass, passport stamps, plane tickets, chat logs and pictures so I can mail it to him same with the signed docs. But my bf is still thinking of getting a lawyer just to make sure that process will be smooth. He has a friend who works in a law firm and he offered to help us though I'm not sure how's the process gonna be with a lawyer since I've been using VisaJourney as my guide. His friend is just afraid that I might have a hard-time with the interview it's actually pretty cheap like $200.00, any advices please if we still need a lawyer or not....really appreciate it

[JimVaPhuong 4,864]

hello, I'm a newbie hoping Visajourney and people here can help me and my bf. We're done filling-out I-129F, made Fiance(e) Letter of Intent for both parties, completed G-325A, Cover Letter...in short we're almost done, we're just in the process of gathering all evidences like boarding pass, passport stamps, plane tickets, chat logs and pictures so I can mail it to him same with the signed docs. But my bf is still thinking of getting a lawyer just to make sure that process will be smooth. He has a friend who works in a law firm and he offered to help us though I'm not sure how's the process gonna be with a lawyer since I've been using VisaJourney as my guide. His friend is just afraid that I might have a hard-time with the interview it's actually pretty cheap like $200.00, any advices please if we still need a lawyer or not....really appreciate it

A lawyer guarantees only that you'll finish the process in more time and with less cash. It will take more time because the lawyer can't fill out any of the paperwork without first getting the information from you and your fiance, and if you have to write this stuff down for the lawyer then you might as well be writing it on the forms yourself. You'll have less cash for obvious reasons.

For 95% of people this process is entirely bureaucratic rather than legal. There's nothing a lawyer can do to make things go smoother, unless you just happen to be particularly lazy and don't like reading form instructions. Unless your fiance's friend is an immigration lawyer then he'll be just as much a "noob" to this process as any of us were when we first started. Even if his lawyer friend reads all of the relevant federal laws, as well as the policy manuals for the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State, there are still things about the process that you can only discover with experience. VJ is a repository of the experience of hundreds of people over years of time. There is more collected experience and knowledge here than many experienced immigration lawyers have, and far more than any attorney who doesn't usually practice in immigration.

On the other hand, if your case is one of the 5% where there are difficult problems to deal with - an overstay ban, inadmissibility, certain criminal convictions on the petitioner's record, etc. - then you need an experienced immigration lawyer to assist you.

[-teRe- 9]

hello, I'm a newbie hoping Visajourney and people here can help me and my bf. We're done filling-out I-129F, made Fiance(e) Letter of Intent for both parties, completed G-325A, Cover Letter...in short we're almost done, we're just in the process of gathering all evidences like boarding pass, passport stamps, plane tickets, chat logs and pictures so I can mail it to him same with the signed docs. But my bf is still thinking of getting a lawyer just to make sure that process will be smooth. He has a friend who works in a law firm and he offered to help us though I'm not sure how's the process gonna be with a lawyer since I've been using VisaJourney as my guide. His friend is just afraid that I might have a hard-time with the interview it's actually pretty cheap like $200.00, any advices please if we still need a lawyer or not....really appreciate it

We filed our petition and got approved without a lawyer (sayang din ang $200, hehe save that up for your medical), just double check the documents required and you'll do just fine. We didn't even send that much proof our relationships, just the boarding passes and maybe 22 pics. Good luck!

[Aztec&Taino 144]

A lawyer guarantees only that you'll finish the process in more time and with less cash. It will take more time because the lawyer can't fill out any of the paperwork without first getting the information from you and your fiance, and if you have to write this stuff down for the lawyer then you might as well be writing it on the forms yourself. You'll have less cash for obvious reasons.

For 95% of people this process is entirely bureaucratic rather than legal. There's nothing a lawyer can do to make things go smoother, unless you just happen to be particularly lazy and don't like reading form instructions. Unless your fiance's friend is an immigration lawyer then he'll be just as much a "noob" to this process as any of us were when we first started. Even if his lawyer friend reads all of the relevant federal laws, as well as the policy manuals for the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State, there are still things about the process that you can only discover with experience. VJ is a repository of the experience of hundreds of people over years of time. There is more collected experience and knowledge here than many experienced immigration lawyers have, and far more than any attorney who doesn't usually practice in immigration.

On the other hand, if your case is one of the 5% where there are difficult problems to deal with - an overstay ban, inadmissibility, certain criminal convictions on the petitioner's record, etc. - then you need an experienced immigration lawyer to assist you.

Ditto!

[SuperDuper! 230]

[Mariye & Ky 172]

A lawyer guarantees only that you'll finish the process in more time and with less cash. It will take more time because the lawyer can't fill out any of the paperwork without first getting the information from you and your fiance, and if you have to write this stuff down for the lawyer then you might as well be writing it on the forms yourself. You'll have less cash for obvious reasons.

For 95% of people this process is entirely bureaucratic rather than legal. There's nothing a lawyer can do to make things go smoother, unless you just happen to be particularly lazy and don't like reading form instructions. Unless your fiance's friend is an immigration lawyer then he'll be just as much a "noob" to this process as any of us were when we first started. Even if his lawyer friend reads all of the relevant federal laws, as well as the policy manuals for the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State, there are still things about the process that you can only discover with experience. VJ is a repository of the experience of hundreds of people over years of time. There is more collected experience and knowledge here than many experienced immigration lawyers have, and far more than any attorney who doesn't usually practice in immigration.

On the other hand, if your case is one of the 5% where there are difficult problems to deal with - an overstay ban, inadmissibility, certain criminal convictions on the petitioner's record, etc. - then you need an experienced immigration lawyer to assist you.

I fully agree here. I have 2 very close friends who are specialized in Immigration Law. One asked me for documents that are not necessary at all which drove me crazy trying to locate the records myself while he was working on USAF Base Iraq (his HS Diploma for an I-129F??) . Not to mention the $$ fee $$ she was asking was ridiculous to say the least and 'that was with a discount'. Ahem. My other Legal Beagle Immigration friend told me DO NOT HIRE LAWYER unless needed for a serious and difficult problem, such as the 5% mentioned above. As stated earlier, if you can read and follow instructions exactly on what the USCIS requires, then you should have no problems. If you don't have what they require, no worries, they send you an RFE, and you just send in what they want. If your fiance's lawyer friend was sincere, he'd of told you both you really do not need him, in my humble opinion. Besides, you'll get a ton of questions answered here, with much support.

Lastly, and this was total coincidence btw, one of my childhood friends and her husband work for USCIS and basically they told me that the process is systematic. For us, with the I-129F (actually all Visa apps), they are looking for proof the relationship is not fraudulent, or a scam. And, that most everybody eventually gets approved. Oh... lol, and that they don't like lawyers. LOL LOL So save your hard earned $$ for the future fees you'll encounter with the VJ. Best of luck to you both, Mari and Kadir

PS: No... we do not have a lawyer.

Edited December 18, 2010 by Mari & Kadir

[grumpymcdorky18 7]

A lawyer guarantees only that you'll finish the process in more time and with less cash. It will take more time because the lawyer can't fill out any of the paperwork without first getting the information from you and your fiance, and if you have to write this stuff down for the lawyer then you might as well be writing it on the forms yourself. You'll have less cash for obvious reasons.

For 95% of people this process is entirely bureaucratic rather than legal. There's nothing a lawyer can do to make things go smoother, unless you just happen to be particularly lazy and don't like reading form instructions. Unless your fiance's friend is an immigration lawyer then he'll be just as much a "noob" to this process as any of us were when we first started. Even if his lawyer friend reads all of the relevant federal laws, as well as the policy manuals for the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State, there are still things about the process that you can only discover with experience. VJ is a repository of the experience of hundreds of people over years of time. There is more collected experience and knowledge here than many experienced immigration lawyers have, and far more than any attorney who doesn't usually practice in immigration.

On the other hand, if your case is one of the 5% where there are difficult problems to deal with - an overstay ban, inadmissibility, certain criminal convictions on the petitioner's record, etc. - then you need an experienced immigration lawyer to assist you.

Thanks for giving me a clear view, I told my bf that I'll be checking here first before we make decision since we already started out with the process. Also, I wanna save the money for future expenses in this process. You're right the lawyer said that it might even take like 6 months to a year, upon checking the timelines here it doesn't really take that long. Our case isn't complicated I've been to US met his family and same with him he came down to my country to meet my folks no overstay or anything....thanks so much for giving me your point, really appreciate it.

[grumpymcdorky18 7]

I fully agree here. I have 2 very close friends who are specialized in Immigration Law. One asked me for documents that are not necessary at all which drove me crazy trying to locate the records myself while he was working on USAF Base Iraq (his HS Diploma for an I-129F??) . Not to mention the $$ fee $$ she was asking was ridiculous to say the least and 'that was with a discount'. Ahem. My other Legal Beagle Immigration friend told me DO NOT HIRE LAWYER unless needed for a serious and difficult problem, such as the 5% mentioned above. As stated earlier, if you can read and follow instructions exactly on what the USCIS requires, then you should have no problems. If you don't have what they require, no worries, they send you an RFE, and you just send in what they want. If your fiance's lawyer friend was sincere, he'd of told you both you really do not need him, in my humble opinion. Besides, you'll get a ton of questions answered here, with much support.

Lastly, and this was total coincidence btw, one of my childhood friends and her husband work for USCIS and basically they told me that the process is systematic. For us, with the I-129F (actually all Visa apps), they are looking for proof the relationship is not fraudulent, or a scam. And, that most everybody eventually gets approved. Oh... lol, and that they don't like lawyers. LOL LOL So save your hard earned $$ for the future fees you'll encounter with the VJ. Best of luck to you both, Mari and Kadir

PS: No... we do not have a lawyer.

Sweet! Thanks for telling me that they don't like lawyers you saved me there....Yeah we're almost pretty done with the forms and I'm ready to send him the signed docs too (thanks to VJ for guiding me through that process). We have a lot of proof like pictures and boarding pass coz I've been to his country and he's been here too. Though right now I'm not so sure if he should keep the original docs (boarding pass,plane tickets,food stubs,etc.) just in case USCIS will ask for them or is it me for the interview here in the Philippines if I'll get approved. I'll be mailing it to him on Monday so just wanna make sure I send him the correct stuff. Thanks for boosting up my confidence

[Mariye & Ky 172]

Sweet! Thanks for telling me that they don't like lawyers you saved me there....Yeah we're almost pretty done with the forms and I'm ready to send him the signed docs too (thanks to VJ for guiding me through that process). We have a lot of proof like pictures and boarding pass coz I've been to his country and he's been here too. Though right now I'm not so sure if he should keep the original docs (boarding pass,plane tickets,food stubs,etc.) just in case USCIS will ask for them or is it me for the interview here in the Philippines if I'll get approved. I'll be mailing it to him on Monday so just wanna make sure I send him the correct stuff. Thanks for boosting up my confidence

I can only speak to what we did for our petition and see if it might help you in some way. I made 3 copies of each document. One set along with the original forms & signatures which were required, I gave to the USCIS for our application. I did make copies of the application forms for our future reference since they have the originals. One set I have as a backup copy here for the "just in case". One set is for him in Turkey, so he knows exactly what I sent. Therefore, except for the require original application forms they want (I also gave them the original Intent to Marry signed by us both). I sent copies of the rest of the file. Keep your originals, and bring them to the interview if they ask for them there. I am guessing that he is the petitioner, so all of his official documents should be copied and sent (birth certificate, any divorce decrees, passport copy, stuff like that). Good Luck, Mari

PS: REVIEW USCIS INSTRUCTIONS, FOLLOW THEM, AND TRIPLE CHECK EVERYTHING (for peace of mind )

Edited December 18, 2010 by Mari & Kadir

[George & Gina 29]

hello, I'm a newbie hoping Visajourney and people here can help me and my bf. We're done filling-out I-129F, made Fiance(e) Letter of Intent for both parties, completed G-325A, Cover Letter...in short we're almost done, we're just in the process of gathering all evidences like boarding pass, passport stamps, plane tickets, chat logs and pictures so I can mail it to him same with the signed docs. But my bf is still thinking of getting a lawyer just to make sure that process will be smooth. He has a friend who works in a law firm and he offered to help us though I'm not sure how's the process gonna be with a lawyer since I've been using VisaJourney as my guide. His friend is just afraid that I might have a hard-time with the interview it's actually pretty cheap like $200.00, any advices please if we still need a lawyer or not....really appreciate it

It sounds like you've basically completed all of the work already. What exactly is it that the lawyer is going to do for you? Maybe put a stamp on the envelope and drop it in the mail? Is his "friend" planning on flying to the Philippines and going to the interview with you? As long as you bring all of the required documentation to the interview you should be fine. The questions they ask are based upon what most people in a legitimate relationship would normally know about each other. If you haven't already, check the VJ Wiki for a listing of likely questions for the interview.

George

[bestofboston 36]

You are fortunate because you are from the Philippines with all legal documents in the Philippines being in english, you do not need to deal with the cost of having documents translated to english. That is huge from what I have been told.

My wife and I have done it all on are own with the support of VJ. Nothing has been difficult. You would be wasting money for an attorney.

Good Luck

[grumpymcdorky18 7]

It sounds like you've basically completed all of the work already. What exactly is it that the lawyer is going to do for you? Maybe put a stamp on the envelope and drop it in the mail? Is his "friend" planning on flying to the Philippines and going to the interview with you? As long as you bring all of the required documentation to the interview you should be fine. The questions they ask are based upon what most people in a legitimate relationship would normally know about each other. If you haven't already, check the VJ Wiki for a listing of likely questions for the interview.

George

No, he's not flying here to the Philippines upon my interview. He said that he just want to guide us coz the tough part is upon my interview here in Philippines coz Consulates are strict and wanna make sure this is not scam/fraud, but I told him that we don't have anything to worry about coz we've been together for 2 years and I've been to his country should've married him in the first place when I was there but I just wanna do it the right way since there's nothing to rush. I'll check the Wiki like you said I'm sure it'll be very much helpful. Thanks George

[Beth & Chard 8]

hello, I'm a newbie hoping Visajourney and people here can help me and my bf. We're done filling-out I-129F, made Fiance(e) Letter of Intent for both parties, completed G-325A, Cover Letter...in short we're almost done, we're just in the process of gathering all evidences like boarding pass, passport stamps, plane tickets, chat logs and pictures so I can mail it to him same with the signed docs. But my bf is still thinking of getting a lawyer just to make sure that process will be smooth. He has a friend who works in a law firm and he offered to help us though I'm not sure how's the process gonna be with a lawyer since I've been using VisaJourney as my guide. His friend is just afraid that I might have a hard-time with the interview it's actually pretty cheap like $200.00, any advices please if we still need a lawyer or not....really appreciate it

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/287038-filipinafianceevisacom-be-aware/page__p__4351910#entry4351910

Just follow the directions, it's all on here.

I really don't see how a lawyer can help you at the interview. If your fiance's financial stuff is standard, tax returns and W-2's, and you have a real relationship, proof of that.

I'd tell him to keep the money and spend it on you when you get there...LOL

[thelastpetitioner 218]

i suggest you ( or your boyfriend ) read up red flags and things that could go wrong ( and why they would ) and see on a difficulty o meter,how high your case is.if its under 3,you can do it yourself,because lawyer,or liars as i like to call em,cant guarantee anything.no one can guarantee anything in k-1 process

Edited December 19, 2010 by thelastpetitioner

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

A lawyer guarantees only that you'll finish the process in more time and with less cash. It will take more time because the lawyer can't fill out any of the paperwork without first getting the information from you and your fiance, and if you have to write this stuff down for the lawyer then you might as well be writing it on the forms yourself. You'll have less cash for obvious reasons.

For 95% of people this process is entirely bureaucratic rather than legal. There's nothing a lawyer can do to make things go smoother, unless you just happen to be particularly lazy and don't like reading form instructions. Unless your fiance's friend is an immigration lawyer then he'll be just as much a "noob" to this process as any of us were when we first started. Even if his lawyer friend reads all of the relevant federal laws, as well as the policy manuals for the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State, there are still things about the process that you can only discover with experience. VJ is a repository of the experience of hundreds of people over years of time. There is more collected experience and knowledge here than many experienced immigration lawyers have, and far more than any attorney who doesn't usually practice in immigration.

On the other hand, if your case is one of the 5% where there are difficult problems to deal with - an overstay ban, inadmissibility, certain criminal convictions on the petitioner's record, etc. - then you need an experienced immigration lawyer to assist you.

The home page of this website clearly states that the advice rendered on VisaJourney is not a substitute for competent legal counsel.