Lawyer to Assist in Filing?

[TXS 2]

Did you get a lawyer or attorney to help you fill out your documents, or did you do the process yourself?

 

Is it worth getting a lawyer, in your opinion? 

[Cyberfx1024 7,978]

8 minutes ago, TXS said:

Did you get a lawyer or attorney to help you fill out your documents, or did you do the process yourself?

 

Is it worth getting a lawyer, in your opinion? 

If you have a pretty straight forward and uncomplicated case then NO IT IS NOT WORTH IT to get a attorney for filing anything. They can not make the process go any faster than it already goes, in fact there have been cases on here where they have slowed cases down. If you got an attorney you would still have to compile everything anyway, then send it to them, for them just to send it to USCIS. 

 

Save your money and do it yourself, if there are any questions please feel free to come on here and ask them. 

[GreatDane 366]

If you don't have any previous immigration issues, save the money and file yourself. It's stressful and complicated, at times, but you can definitely do it on your own. Just take your time and read up a lot of the forms, timeline, etc. The VJ community is a great resource.

[Ryan H 3,791]

Moved from Process & Procedures to Progress Reports.

[sibz 167]

15 hours ago, GreatDane said:

If you don't have any previous immigration issues, save the money and file yourself. It's stressful and complicated, at times, but you can definitely do it on your own. Just take your time and read up a lot of the forms, timeline, etc. The VJ community is a great resource.

I agree with both of them. If your case is straight forward and there is not previous immigration issue, then i will suggest filing yourself. Just review all the documents and read some post from here.  Here is some links for help. Good Luck and it is long process but at end it is good feeling

https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/immigrant-process/petition.html

https://citizenpath.com/i-130-instructions-immigrant-petition/

https://citizenpath.com/after-i-130-is-approved-whats-next/

[Italian_in_NYC 259]

It depends on how difficult your case is and on how much you value your time.

For example, if you have an extremely busy life or job (and if you can afford it, of course), it might be worth it.

Totally your call.

[GreatDane 366]

I don't think it's too bad as a time sucker. OP hasn't said which visa he's applying for but I assume K1? The first part is application is move overwhelming, as you've never done it before and you'll have questions. The main time suck was gathering documents and filling them out - things you'll have to do even if you have a lawyer.

 

Use the VJ community for any questions. As you progress to AOS, etc., my recommendation is to keep copies of everything until you do a 10 year green card and you will get more familiar with the process. It's not that bad. For the most recent bit (naturalization paperwork), I spent around 6-8 hours (mainly trying to find support documents, printing, etc) but it's because I'm meticulous. At the start, I might have used double that (worst case). Definitely worth doing it myself for the rate a lawyer charges.

[acidrain 325]

This is just my peanut gallery opinion but you should take ownership over your application. I have seen on VJ over and over again lawyers screwing things up for applicants. I would educate yourself on the process regardless if you go with a lawyer or not. Make sure you get the right forms all filled out. If you need a lawyer to double check to make sure you have done it right then that might be helpful. But I can't believe how many lawyers give bad advice like filing for a K3 or forget to file the 130a.

 

I did all the forms myself because I didn't want to wait for a lawyer to go through everything. Most people fill out the paperwork and file with no problems. But it is a judgement call for each person. You do have to be detail oriented and make sure you send everything that is needed.

 

I know a lot of people used Rapid Visa as a way for someone to look over everything and they get pretty good reviews.

[Longingfor 195]

Hi my spouse and i did the petition ourselves. It all about gathering the evidence. Reading the instructions of each form. I also used YouTube to help complete forms as they have videos that show step by step. You have a great community right here with persons who are willing to assist.  I got approved without any request for evidence. 

 

Remember that if you use a lawyer you still need to gather all the evidence and provide all the information needed for the forms.

[TXS 2]

Thanks for the responses guys, they are appreciated. We will be filing an IR1 once married. My fiance brought up the idea of a lawyer but I think we can do it ourselves if we make sure everything is in order. The one thing I'm a bit wary about it I will likely have to get one of my parents to sponsor him as I'm not sure I make the income cutoff on my own. That, and proof of an actual relationship since we don't have any joint accounts, property in both of our names, or children.

[Pat&Vince 97]

Filing the I-130f for the CR-1 is quite critical and a very important matter, regardless of how hard or easy your case might be.

 

I woould strongly suggest to hire a lawyer (that would also be the agent) to make sure everything is filled properly and the correct fees are paid.

 

This is going to be such an important step in your life, I strongly believe that lawyering up shouldn't even be a question when such matter is at stakes.

 

 

Just my 2cc

[CharlesAdams 0]

Finally what was your decision? Did you filed the case yourself or did you hired a lawyer?