Lawyers - necessary?

R

rbakker

Registered Users (C)
Hello All,

I have a fairly simple case - US citizen wants to sponsor unmarried over-21yo child for a Green Card. Do we really need a lawyer or is it just a case of filling in the the forms? The fees they charge are extortionate and I don't really see the benefit. Anyone use a lawyer and realize later it was a good/bad idea?

Thanks
 
rbakker said:
Hello All,

I have a fairly simple case - US citizen wants to sponsor unmarried over-21yo child for a Green Card. Do we really need a lawyer or is it just a case of filling in the the forms? The fees they charge are extortionate and I don't really see the benefit. Anyone use a lawyer and realize later it was a good/bad idea?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Using lawyer or not is your call. I would not use one because the instructions are pretty clear on USCIS website. The forms also come with pretty detailed instructions. However, if you have a complicated case, overstay or deportation histroy, I recommend using lawyer.

One more thing I would like to point out is that if your child gets married while the application is in process, your application will become null and void.

Thanks

Eric
 
it doesn't become null and void, it moves to a different category with a different waiting period.

it would become null and void IF the sponsor is a GC holder, but he is a USC.
 
LucyMO said:
it doesn't become null and void, it moves to a different category with a different waiting period.

it would become null and void IF the sponsor is a GC holder, but he is a USC.
Click to expand...

Lucy is right. I missed that part of your question.
 
I'm in the same category (i.e. unmarried son over 21) and doing everything myself. All the instructions are straight forward. Actually, you don't even have to read anything on the website -- they always send you very detailed instructions with each step you're going through...
 
Thanks Mockba, Eric.

A friend of mine is telling me horror stories of the consulate wanting details from every country you've ever lived in, and having to wait hours and hours in queues. But I think this is all for people trying to get in for a work visa. I've downloaded the I-130 form and it does look very straightforward - all they seem to ask is name and address of parent and child, and proof of relationship. Only 2 pages have to be filled in!

I think I'll try it without a lawyer.

Thanks again
 
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