CR1 Proper Route? Tips/Tricks?

[pollycranopolis 0]

- I am a USA citizen.

- I married my foreign spouse via civil wedding in the US (MD) April of 2014.

- No prior fiancé or K3 visa was acquired prior to marriage.

- Wife possesses a valid US tourist visa, and has made numerous trips to the US over the last several years (1-2 weeks at a time, 3-4 times a year).

- Wife was born in Philippines, but has lived and worked in Qatar as an ex pat since 2003.

My wife has returned to work in Qatar as usual. I was going to start the process of filing for a CR-1 Visa. I wanted to check with you guys to see if there are any nuances I should consider not mentioned per the step-by step guide located here: http://www.visajourn...tent/i130guide1. Any addtional considerations in regard to the details of my case that stick out, or additional tips or tidbits I should remember when filling out these forms is appreciated.

The reason I am asking is that while the guides on this site seem pretty straightforward, the handful of immigration attorneys I've talked to make the process out to be much more complicated (of course they would right?!). Average fees seem to be hovering around $2,500 to have attorneys take over the filing process.

Thanks!

Edited June 30, 2014 by pollycranopolis

[NikLR 13,220]

~~moved to CR1/IR1 process and procedures from What Visa Do I need~~

[BBCC 16]

Nothing about what you post of your circumstances indicate any complication that would require an attorney to assist. The guides posted on the site are fantastic and worked great for us. Maintain your permanent residence in the US in order to qualify as the financial sponsor for the I-864.

Study the guides carefully and feel free to ask any questions.

[christeen 966]

Follow the guides, check our submission against the guide here and no lawyer is needed... Your case seems pretty straightforward as long as there are no criminal background, overstays or other sticky issues...

[pollycranopolis 0]

Addtionally I have a question about the i-30.

*Item 2: My spouses address is along the lines of simply "Street name, building 38, city, country". She uses work PO box for all mail, and does not have a particular apt number or postal code - ideas on how to fill this out considering the available info?.

*Item 13/14: She has visitied the US, but is not currently in the US - Is it ok to put yes for 13 and leave 14 blank?