Attorney vs none? (split and moved)

[Saultlife 0]

Hello everyone,

A new member here looking to read up on all your comments and possible advice. Just to let ya's know, Monday July 20th We submitted the K1 visa form. Used an attorney to help out. Don't know if getting an attorney matters or not. I was told that they do look at the processing of when an attorney put together the paperwork that they tend to trust things are legit. Don't know how true that is, as immigration will follow their process whether it's done by a individual or an attorney. Me it was piece of mind, knowing that if there's a screw up, I can go after him. haha. Any thoughts of No attorney vs attorney?  

[SalishSea 16,748]

47 minutes ago, Saultlife said:

Hello everyone,

A new member here looking to read up on all your comments and possible advice. Just to let ya's know, Monday July 20th We submitted the K1 visa form. Used an attorney to help out. Don't know if getting an attorney matters or not. I was told that they do look at the processing of when an attorney put together the paperwork that they tend to trust things are legit. Don't know how true that is, as immigration will follow their process whether it's done by a individual or an attorney. Me it was piece of mind, knowing that if there's a screw up, I can go after him. haha. Any thoughts of No attorney vs attorney?  

Not sure why you're posting on a thread about consulates if you've just now submitted the petition, but no, using an attorney does not speed things up, or impact approval vs denial.   Nor do services such as RapidVisa.

[Just Paul 4,591]

1 hour ago, Saultlife said:

Any thoughts of No attorney vs attorney?  

If you want some piece of mind and can afford it then an attorney can make you feel better.  Hopefully you retained one that specializes in family immigration.   Most specialize in employment immigration.   You end up doing all of the legwork and document gathering so essentially you are paying for someone to put the paper in an envelope for you.

 

For a K1 or spousal visa, unless you have a complicated past or a concern about the beneficiary or country an attorney doesn't offer much "service".

[Penguin_ie 5,984]

***** post and replies split from other thread by other member about another visa and moved to correct forum.  PLease ask questions about your own case in your own thread. *****

[Stevephoto 224]

I am actually split on the attorney thing to a degree. I paid an attorney $200.00 for a document review/consultation before filing for a K-1 Visa. It was $200.00 well spent in my opinion. She first advised waiting until my second visit to the Philippines was over (it was already scheduled) to file and then reviewed our documents. She made a few very worthwhile comments on my cover letter and offered to review my revision as part of her fee. It was a good experience: she stated out with apparent skepticism (there is a 29 year age difference), but was totally on our side by the time the consult ended. However, I did not and would not pay the $2,500.00 for her to put the documents that I had to accumulate anyway into an envelope for me! Every other step of the way has been DIY (with the incredible help here on VJ) and it was extremely smooth all of the way (except the waiting for the K-1 Visa!--no problems, just human doubt and anxiety). For the record, our 7th anniversary is in August and Joan has been a US Citizen for 3 years. My note to all of you including the OP: Patience is the key through this ordeal. It will happen and I wish you the love and life that Joan and I have shared. Good luck.