DIY I-130/I-485 or Do I need a lawyer for my situation?

[Boston2009]

First of all, I'd like to thank the site for being such a rich resource of information. Long time lurker, first time poster. Because of IMPortal, I was able to file for my citizenship by myself and saved myself the lawyer fees ($1200).

My Situation:
Became a citizen on 11/12/2009

GF Situation:
GF of many years arrived on H1B on 11/27/2009. She Will start her new job on 12/20/2009. In the past, she's lived in the US (mostly with me) on F1 Visa but had to leave in 2007 because there were no H1B visas available for the last few years. I've been supporting her financially all this while.

1. We are going to file for marriage this week.
2. We don't have much $$ so we're not going to hold a ceremony (simple marriage at the Justice of Peace).

The issue is that the company she is with might not survive past January given the current economic situation.

Can I file for a I-130 and I-485 by ourselves? Or do I need a lawyer?
If she gets let go in January, what happens to her I-130/I-485 application assuming we apply for it within the next few weeks?

Thanks
Nervous as heck

 

[resident1374]

As long as your marriage is valid and in good-faith - you should have no problems in filing the paperwork yourself. Congratulations!

 

[Boston2009]

Thanks - Its been a crazy roller coaster ride especially when she had to leave the country.

Another question:
- I don't have a passport yet
- Can I use my Citizenship Certificate in lieu of the passport for the application?

 

[Triple Citizen]

Yes

Can I file for a I-130 and I-485 by ourselves? Or do I need a lawyer?

Nothing. Her marriage based GC will be totally independent of her employment, or lack therof.

If she gets let go in January, what happens to her I-130/I-485 application assuming we apply for it within the next few weeks?