just got married to a U.S Citizen

[Gianluca 3]

Hello everybody I just got married to a U.S. citizen and I now want to apply for the green card, should I hire a lawyer to do this or just do it by myself? the lawyer I found he would charge me $ 1.200 and I friend of mine actually told me that I just need it if I feel lazy not felling out paper for my self, I just think hiring a lawyer will guide me through this process but at the same time do I really need it? can anybody give me some advice?

[nov14filers 8]

You do not NEED to have an attorney to do your processs. But it is always very helpful. I have used one and that made it easier for us during this process. I am in Atlanta..if you want one in this area i can suggest a name to you.

[lost_at_sea 995]

Congratulations!

Where do you and your new spouse live? There's guides on this website that are easy to follow and mean you don't need a lawyer, unless you have some complicated circumstances.

[StrawberryKiss 170]

If your case does not have any red flags (e.g. ever having been unlawfully present/overstayed or having committed severe crimes), you don't need a lawyer. I'd save the money and follow the guides on here; they're pretty helpful: http://www.visajourney.com/content/guides

Edited November 20, 2014 by StrawberryKiss

[mrskvelasco 30]

As said above, you do not need a lawyer if your case is pretty straight forward and have no red flags. But you have to do your research very thoroughly as this is obviously not something where you'd want to overlook any details.

[Gianluca 3]

Congratulations!

Where do you and your new spouse live? There's guides on this website that are easy to follow and mean you don't need a lawyer, unless you have some complicated circumstances.

thank you!! we live in NY, that is what I think also,

[Gianluca 3]

As said above, you do not need a lawyer if your case is pretty straight forward and have no red flags. But you have to do your research very thoroughly as this is obviously not something where you'd want to overlook any details.

yes I think I will proceed without a lawyer or at least I will get ready all the forms I need ans forward them, would you consider overstayed a red flag? all people and lawyer I talked to they say it is not a problem if I overstayed but it would if I had come illegally into U.S.

[NikLR 13,227]

Are you planning on returning to your home country or staying in the USA?

[Gianluca 3]

We are planing to stay here in the U.S.

[Daveadams33 7]

Hire an atty. It will make your process to go smoothly!! You will have enough with the stress of waiting!!

[Ryan H 3,813]

OP, the decision on whether or not to retain an attorney can only be made by you. One thing that can guide your decision making is this, look through all the instructions for the necessary forms and the forms themselves. Make a determination on your own comfort level in filling out the forms. If you are comfortable filling out the forms yourself and there is nothing in your background that could cause major problems, then an attorney is probably not necessary. On the flip side, if you are not comfortable filling out the forms yourself, then legal or professional assistance would probably be for you.

Regardless of what you decide, it will still be your responsibility to gather accompanying documents and evidence for your file.

Also, I wholeheartedly disagree with the prior poster's assertion that having an attorney will make the process go smoothly. Retaining an attorney will in no way guarantee your process will go smoothly, I've seen other members post on many occasions that the attorney they hired screwed up their case causing delays that would not have otherwise occurred.

[dnp2014 44]

yes I think I will proceed without a lawyer or at least I will get ready all the forms I need ans forward them, would you consider overstayed a red flag? all people and lawyer I talked to they say it is not a problem if I overstayed but it would if I had come illegally into U.S.

The Three Year Bar: Persons who remain in the U.S. after their authorized stay has expired for more than 180 days but less than one year, and who leave the U.S. prior to the institution of removal proceedings, are barred from reentering the US for three years from their date of departure.

The Ten Year Bar: Persons who remain in the U.S. after their authorized stay has expired for more than one year, and who leave the U.S. prior to the institution of removal proceedings, are barred from reentering the U.S. for ten years from their date of departure.

[NikLR 13,227]

~~moved to AOS from work, tourist, and school visas from IR1/CR1 process and procedures as OP plans to AOS and not chase a visa~~

[emcia_81 43]

If you decide to go with a lawyer I would recommend you to hire one from somewhere where the cost of living is cheaper than in NY state. Immigration law is all the same in the entire US. I know one from Marietta,GA Trecia Klinke +1 678 713 4255 http://www.klinkeimmigration.com/en/ You may check with her and see what price she can offer you.

Edited November 21, 2014 by emcia_81

[LORIEandPHIL 123]

The Three Year Bar: Persons who remain in the U.S. after their authorized stay has expired for more than 180 days but less than one year, and who leave the U.S. prior to the institution of removal proceedings, are barred from reentering the US for three years from their date of departure.

The Ten Year Bar: Persons who remain in the U.S. after their authorized stay has expired for more than one year, and who leave the U.S. prior to the institution of removal proceedings, are barred from reentering the U.S. for ten years from their date of departure.

None of this is relevant in this case. Nobody has left the USA, or intends to. Overstay will be forgiven in this instance.