Hire a Lawyer....or not..?????

[Mishu]

I am wondering whether or not my fiance and I should hire a lawyer to file the I-129 and the ensuing I-601. My fiance doesn't have a criminal record, has never been deported, etc. The lawyer we did an initial consultation with didn't seem to know anything more than what I had already read here in this forum. But I don't know if I might need a lawyer latter on, we are just in the process of preparing the I-129 petition. I don't know if it is worth spending the money.

Any opinions???? Would love to hear others experiences......

[hectorswife]

I'm glad that I hired an attorney just b/c I didn't know about this site when I started the process and my hardship letter would've been horrible without the necessary advice that I received from my attorney... when I found this site, though, I was a little sad that I could've done it by myself AND bought a used car instead of hiring an attorney. It's a big decision that no one can make for you, but you can always hire an attorney later if you need one...

[Mishu]

I wasn't impressed with the lawyer that I consulted. I felt like we had wasted our money. But I want to have the best chance possible for being approved. I can't imagine how horrible it would feel for his waiver to be denied. But, like you said, we can always get a lawyer later.

[angela256z]

You may not need a lawyer for the I-130, but I am hiring one for the I-601. As soon as my I-130 is approved. I feel like having a second eye on the hardship letter will help. Laurel Scott has a great approval rating. She visits this site and also has her own site at www.visacentral.net. You can also visit her free chat there on Wednesday at 9am PST.

[ratito921]

If you feel confident enough to do this yourself then by all means do it. If you are having doubts and feel that you need an attorney then get one. It's a decision you have to make. Welcome to the forum and good luck! We're here if you need us.